The 36Squared Business Incubator is a 501c3 organization dedicated to growing the economy of Illinois by assisting entrepreneurs of all abilities. All business development services are provided at no charge.
A portion of all donated funds received are used to support our annual “Boost” awards.
This event awards up to $1000 to assist physically disabled entrepreneurs launch or grow their businesses
We expect to begin accepting applications for our next round of awards is February of 2021.
Scroll down to see previous years awardees.
A portion of all donated funds received are used to support our annual “Boost” awards.
This event awards up to $1000 to assist physically disabled entrepreneurs launch or grow their businesses
We expect to begin accepting applications for our next round of awards is February of 2021.
Scroll down to see previous years awardees.
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2020 Awardees
Amaechi Ozegbe- An immigrant from Nigeria, Amaechi worked hard to establish a successful Chicago Fish and Chicken restaurant on Chicago's south side. A few years ago Amaechi lost his eyesight during emergency brain surgery. This resulted in the loss of his business. Shortly thereafter his wife passed away, leaving him a single parent. We look forward to assisting Amaechi in planning and launching his new eatery.
George Melendez- After working as a successful contractor and musician for a number of years George lost eyesight. He has spent the last few years taking classes at the Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services and is now ready to launch his own recording studio.
Magdalena R. A visually impaired, polish immigrant and licensed physical therapist, Magdalena was referred by DRS and is ready to set up her own practice.
Alex Ruiz- former Disney animator Alex Ruiz lost his eyesight in an auto accident a few years ago. He received a partial boost award last year which he used to incorporate. He applied again in 2020 for a lesser amount to secure time at a production facility.
Congratulations to all our 2020 Boost Awardees!
George Melendez- After working as a successful contractor and musician for a number of years George lost eyesight. He has spent the last few years taking classes at the Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services and is now ready to launch his own recording studio.
Magdalena R. A visually impaired, polish immigrant and licensed physical therapist, Magdalena was referred by DRS and is ready to set up her own practice.
Alex Ruiz- former Disney animator Alex Ruiz lost his eyesight in an auto accident a few years ago. He received a partial boost award last year which he used to incorporate. He applied again in 2020 for a lesser amount to secure time at a production facility.
Congratulations to all our 2020 Boost Awardees!
2019 Awardees
Laura MartinezWhen Chef Laura Martinez opened her
Lincoln Park restaurant in 2014, she became the first completely blind Chef to start her own restaurant in the country.! Chef operated La Diosa successfully for four years and closed it down in 2018. After a short hiatus , Chef is now ready for a challenge and will be using the Boost award to help fund her new restaurant. Bravo Chef! |
Jackie WallTwenty nine years ago Jackie Wall was born, three months early, with cerebral palsy. She was not expected to survive. Not only did Jackie prove the experts wrong, she also graduated from high school with honors, studied art at college and launched her own custom embroidery business-Just a Stitch of J! Jackie will be using the Boost award to purchase new software and supplies so she can expand her offerings and increase her customer base. Gongratulations Jackie!
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Syanord CarterIn 2003, trucker Syanord Carter suffered devastating injuries from an accident that left him in chronic pain and unable to work. He has slowly worked his way back and launched his own company-Smart Transit Solutions. We're hoping this Boost award helps Syanord take Smart Transit Solutions to the next level. Good Luck Syanord!
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Alex RuizAlex Ruiz was an animator with Disney, voice over artist, and Chef before he was injured in a devastating car accident. He lost one eye completely and had vision severely impaired in the other. Undaunted, Alex is now planning on launching his own production company, Casa De Cukoo Productions. The Boost award is going to be used to help make that dream a reality. Congratulations Alex!
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Andre MackThough blind, Andre Mack started his own ATM business, Big Mack LLC. Andre plans on using the Boost award to expand his business and find new locations for his new machines. Good Luck Andre!
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2018 Awardees
Justin CooperOur winner Justin Cooper is the owner of Cooper Industries and has done a documentary series called the Wheelchair Chronicles. With his grant award he will be purchases equipment to support his company.
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Roel CanoRoel Cano was a semi truck driver until four years ago when lost his vision completely due to medical complications. The Boost funds will go towards purchasing a truck, hiring drivers, and launching his own trucking company.
Update 2019: Roel successfully launched his company , Cano Logistics and now has TWO trucks on the road every day. Additional vehicles and further expansion is on the drawing board. You go Roel! |
Windy City PlatesOur winner Windy City Plates is made up of 10 individuals with a variety of disabilities that have formed together to create a variety of custom printed mugs and plates. They will be using their award funds to purchase ink and supplies. Congratulations Windy City Plates!
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