In 2020, the Chicago Bulls launched efforts alongside partner BMO to uplift small businesses in Chicago. The organizations looked to generate opportunities for business owners and strengthen the city.
By using the power of their platforms and providing access to business resources and networks, the Bulls and BMO are helping entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level. Small businesses are the fabric of any healthy community, and the Bulls and BMO aim to solve some of the unique challenges they face.
Whether it’s well-timed advice, bringing people together, shining a light on the good work being done, or providing key financial resources, the Bulls and BMO help businesses take their operations to the next level and build a stronger Chicago, together, specifically through:
Business Spotlight Series
Over six seasons, the Bulls and BMO have highlighted more than 30 local businesses in Chicago through the Business Spotlight Series. Each season, the organizations strategically select five small local businesses that are making a difference in the city, spending a month during the season to tell each business’ story. The program introduces a select group of entrepreneurs to Bulls fans through games and digital content channels, detailing their story and the inspiration behind their business in the words of their leaders.
To bring this community series to life, the Bulls bring in current and former players and team representatives to meet each business and participate in a video that would be shared with fans across Bulls channels, driving engagement and exposure for each brand. The players and legends each have an authentic connection and interest in the business’ product or service, which supported natural storytelling for each spotlight. The key moment during each month is a home Bulls game, where the respective business owner appears on CHSN’s “Bulls Countdown Live” and receives digital and in-person features across the arena.
The year-round programming leverages the power of Bulls platforms to shine a spotlight on deserving small organizations and create an environment for the businesses to grow.
Bulls Business Summit
An important pillar of the year-round programming is the third annual Bulls x BMO Business Summit, which welcomed 100 local businesses from across the city for a day of personal and professional development, including past cohorts of the Business Spotlight Program.
As planning began, the Bulls and BMO aimed to make this year’s programming practical for business owners, centered on networking, technology skill building and financial literacy. Sessions included a panel featuring the 2025-26 Business Spotlight cohort, the entrepreneur-favorite CoPilot AI training session with Microsoft, and a new panel with two Chicago influencers who shared their advice on working with creators. In addition, attendees also heard from Bulls alumni turned businessman and investor, Thaddeus Young who shared his experience as an entrepreneur. The event’s varied agenda facilitated an open dialogue and aimed to leave leaders feeling more prepared to grow their business.
What separates this program from others are the long-term relationships built with these businesses that go beyond the campaign. Many have become preferred vendors for the Bulls and bank directly with BMO. The Bulls support local businesses to reflect the spirit of our fanbase and make our city better. The strategic partnership with BMO and Microsoft fortified the program’s educational and financial offerings, while direct involvement and participation from Bulls staff and players demonstrated authenticity and inspiration.
The program clearly met the objectives of fostering economic empowerment, raising awareness for the businesses and creating a community network for small businesses to continue leveraging.
By the numbers:
By fostering direct connections between business owners, industry leaders, and the Chicago Bulls organization, the event strengthened relationships with the local community and empowered owners to take their business to the next level.
Participants in the Business Spotlight Series and Summit viewed the program as a unique opportunity to build long-term relationships, learn from industry leaders, and feel the support of a major sports franchise and pillar of the Chicago community.
