ÂÜÀòÂÒÂ×

Laura Lane is the Managing Director of Programs for Sunshine Enterprises, whose mission is to empower high-potential entrepreneurs living in under-resourced neighborhoods to grow their businesses and transform their communities. Laura’s role at Sunshine includes recruiting and training instructors and coaches and staff who implement the Community Business Academy, Business Acceleration Services, and Credit to Capital coaching for entrepreneurs in the seven markets – South, West, and North sides of Chicagoland; Construction Trades, Property Developers, Tech & Digital and Arts & Makers cohorts. Sunshine Enterprises has over 1000 graduates and has contributed to over 200 new business starts and has seen a revenue increase of 104% from intake with existing businesses. A graduate of the Community Business Academy, Laura has developed and implemented other adult participatory training methodologies in community, seminary, and vocational school settings. Laura is a trained lawyer, highly regarded community development practitioner, and community organizer, and has managed large numbers of public service employees. She is experienced in helping to build start-up institutions, community, and civic engagement, as well as community-based digital and information technology initiatives.