So, You Want To Start A Business?

Tue Jul 21 2026 at 05:00 pm to 07:00 pm UTC-05:00

TechNexus Venture Collaborative | Chicago

Queer Connections: Men of Color + Allies
Publisher/HostQueer Connections: Men of Color + Allies
So, You Want To Start A Business?
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Hosted during TechChicago Week in partnership with TechNexus
About this Event

In a climate shaped by layoffs, career pivots, and rapid technological change, more people are asking the same question:

“What can I build for myself?”

This event brings together founders, investors, creatives, and operators for an honest, grounded conversation about entrepreneurship, AI-era opportunity, and building with limited resources.

This is not a startup fantasy panel.

It is a real-world conversation about turning skills into income, ideas into businesses, and uncertainty into momentum — especially for those building without massive funding, insider access, or large teams.


What We’ll Explore:

• Turning career pivots into business opportunities
• What actually makes an idea viable
• How founders are using AI + lean tools to launch faster
• Starting with limited capital, clarity, or time
• Identity, resilience, and access in entrepreneurship
• What it really takes to build something sustainable


What to Expect:

✨ Actionable founder insights
✨ Investor + operator perspectives
✨ High-impact networking
✨ Real conversations (not surface-level startup talk)
✨ Complimentary drinks (21+)


Important Notes:

This is a limited-capacity TechChicago Week event experience. RSVP does not guarantee entry once capacity is reached.


Refund Policy:

All ticket sales are final. Due to limited capacity and the curated nature of this TechChicago Week event experience, we are unable to offer refunds. Tickets may be transferred to another guest with at least 24 hours’ notice to the host.

By registering, you agree to these terms.

Secure your spot early.

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

TechNexus Venture Collaborative, 20 North Wacker Drive, Chicago, United States

Tickets

USD 13.79 to USD 19.68

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