Andrew Wimer
Andrew Wimer · September 25, 2025

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CHICAGO—Five South Side businesses will compete on October 16 in the finals of the 12th annual South Side Pitch, hosted by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship. The competition will again be held at the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Hyde Park. The five finalists below will compete in front of an energetic live audience of South Siders to win several prizes, for a combined total of over $38,500 in cash prizes.

  • Runaway Cow, Bridgeport, Local Vegan Ice Cream, Desserts, and Snacks 
  • ChiBrations, Canaryville, Unifying Chicago-based Artists and Performers 
  • Framewrks, Bronzeville, Innovative Modular Eyewear 
  • Tawney Coffee, Brighton Park, Brother and Sister Owned Artisan Coffee 
  • Ahead Academy, Bronzeville, Social Enterprise for Black Girl Youth

South Side Pitch allows incredible entrepreneurs to share their origin stories and their vision for the future in a “Shark Tank”-style contest. The judges for the final contest are a panel of leaders in the business world, as well as the audience. Last year’s first-place winner was InHeirit a Longwood Manor company that works to expand access to estate planning. InHeirit used their prize money to finalize their digital platform, which is available now in beta version: https://app.getinheirit.com/.

Date/Time: Thursday, October 16, 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. CDT

Location: Polsky Center, 1452 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615

South Side Pitch is hosted by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship, which is based at the University of Chicago Law School. The contest is sponsored by United Airlines, the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the University of Chicago Office of Civic Engagement, and the Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation. To learn more or RSVP, visit www.southsidepitch.com.

Members of the media can reach out to Andrew Wimer, IJ Media Relations Director, to attend or schedule interviews with the contestants in advance, [email protected] or (703) 298-5938.

The Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship provides free legal assistance, access to resources and advocacy for low-income Chicago entrepreneurs. To learn more about the IJ Clinic, visit www.ij.org/clinic.