Watson Institute
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Watson Institute is a place where rising entrepreneurs and leaders can find their community, discover their calling, and accelerate their careers. Watson Institute runs tailored Fellowships for highly promising, diverse, rising entrepreneurial leaders. The Fellowships are designed to advance the ventures of each Fellow and achieve the impact and strategic goals of our corporate and foundation part
06/20/2026
2 days, Chicago. Are you ready? 🎤
In just two days, 15 small business owners from Chicago, Washington D.C., and Baltimore will take the stage to share the businesses they’ve built, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the impact they’re creating in their communities.
Get ready for:
✨ Live pitches
🤝 Meaningful networking
👀 Special guests
🎁 Giveaways
🍽️ Hors d’oeuvres & refreshments
🛍️A business expo featuring products, services, and exclusive offers
Limited FREE seats remain, register now https://wfsbf-summit.eventbrite.com
06/18/2026
The panel is set! 🔥
We’re excited to reveal the judges who will be evaluating 15 small business owners at the first-ever Wells Fargo Small Business Fellowship Summit in Chicago, as they take the stage to share the businesses they’ve built and the impact they’re creating across their communities.
This live pitch competition brings together small business owners from Chicago, Washington D.C., and Baltimore, showcasing how they are increasing access to financial products and services and amplifying other small businesses in their communities. At the end of the evening, three winners will receive cash prizes.
Meet this year’s judges:
Erica Trejo, Wells Fargo’s Senior Vice President, Community Relations Chief Strategy Officer
Brad McConnell, CEO, Allies for Community Business
Irene Sherr, Deputy Bureau Chief, Cook County Bureau of Economic Development
Dwayne Griffith, Watson Institute's Vice President of Programs
Are you ready?
This is a free event, but seats are limited. Learn more and register at the link in bio.
📍 David Rubenstein Forum
📅 Monday, June 22, 2026
🕒 4:00-7:00 PM CT
https://wfsbf-summit.eventbrite.com
06/17/2026
The momentum from Atlanta was incredible, and we're not done yet! 🚀
We are one week away from the 2025–2026 Truist Foundation Fellowship Summit Virtual Showcase!
💻 Watch-from-anywhere. Live chat networking opportunities. Remarks from Lynette Bell, Truist Foundation President. High-level of inspiration. Witness a dedicated lineup of founders building ventures that matter… from the comfort of your home (or office)!
June 24 | 10:30 AM–12:30 PM ET | Crowdcast
This event is free to attend. Can't make it live? Register anyway and we'll send the full recording straight to your inbox.
Register here: https://www.crowdcast.io/c/26-tff-summit
Melissa Picciola and LANE will be joining us on Monday, June 22, at the first-ever Wells Fargo Small Business Fellowship Summit in Chicago!
Taking place at the David Rubenstein Forum from 4:00-7:00 PM, this Summit is an opportunity to hear directly from small business owners driving meaningful change across Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. Through the Wells Fargo Small Business Fellowship, these entrepreneurs have gained the training, capital, and support needed to grow their businesses, create jobs, and strengthen their communities.
What to expect:
🎤 Live Fellow Pitches – Hear directly from small business owners across Chicago, Washington D.C., and Baltimore sharing what they've built and the impact they've made
🎙️ Exclusive Lakeside Chat – Feauturing Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Kimelyn Harris, Wells Fargo's Head of Small Business Growth Philanthropy, for an intimate conversation on economic opportunity and building thriving communities
🤝 Meaningful Connections – Fellows, community leaders, funders, mentors, partners, and key stakeholders all in one room
🛍️ Local Business Expo – Discover and shop local businesses showcasing their products, services, and special offerings
🍽️ Sips & Bites – Enjoy hors d'oeuvres and refreshments
🎁 Giveaways – Expect exciting prizes throughout the evening!
Whether you're a business owner, community leader, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply looking to connect with others who care about economic opportunity and community impact, this event is for you.
🎟️ FREE admission. Limited seats available. Grab your ticket now before it's too late! https://wfsbf-summit.eventbrite.com
05/27/2026
Dear Chicago,
Something special is coming your way.
For the first time ever, the Wells Fargo Small Business Fellowship Summit is landing in your city — and it's bringing small business owners from Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Chicago together on one stage.
These are your neighbors. Your community members. People who saw a need, built something from scratch, and never stopped showing up.
Together, they've raised nearly $9M and created 181+ jobs. On June 22, they'll share their stories. And you're invited.
This evening is for the dreamers still figuring it out. For the builders already in the middle of it. For the supporters who know that when small businesses win, whole communities win.
🎤 Live Fellow pitches
🤝 Curated networking
🍽️ Light hors d'oeuvres and refreshments
👀 Special guest you won't want to miss
Free admission. Limited seats. First 30 registrants get a special gift!
Secure your FREE spot now! https://wfsbf-summit.eventbrite.com
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
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