Passport to Founders
Step into a curated showcase of women founders shaping the future of business in Chicago.
Passport to Founders is an afternoon of discovery, connection, and learning, featuring 50 women-led businesses across consultancy, services, and product categories. Hosted by Chykalophia during TechChicago Week 2026, this event brings together the founders, technologists, and creatives who are using technology, AI, and emerging tools to scale their businesses, grow their brands, and build what's next.
Whether you're a founder, an aspiring entrepreneur, a corporate ally, or simply curious about Chicago's women-led business community, you'll leave with new connections, fresh ideas, and a deeper sense of what's possible when women build together.
What to expect:
Browse two rotations of showcase spots featuring 25 women founders each (2 to 3 PM and 5 to 6 PM). Drop in for a panel conversation on growing a tech-enabled business, plus a fireside chat with a founder reshaping her industry (speakers to be announced soon). Network over light bites and beverages. Also, pick up your signed copy of your host Ari Krzyzek's bestselling book Made to Sell: Creating Websites that Convert (first 15 attendees only).
Programming Highlights:
2 -6 PM: Throughout: Founder showcase, networking, light refreshments and F&B samples from Chicago local brands
2 - 3 PM: First showcase (first rotation)
3 - 3:30 PM: Panel discussion with Liz Tomon (CEO & Founder of LOO) and Dr. CC - Carolyn Carta, MS, PhD (CEO & Principal Scientist of Cart Lab Solutions)
3:40 - 4:40 PM: Second showcase (second rotation)
4:45 - 5:15 PM: Fireside chat with Noelle Curtis (Founder & CEO of Bisi Books) and Jamie Han (Founder & CEO, Hamkke Home | Brand & Communications Executive)
5:15 - 6 PM: Photos, networking and closing
About the Host: Chykalophia is a WBENC-certified, woman minority-owned web and creative agency based in Evanston, IL. Led by CEO & Head of Strategy Ari Krzyzek, bestselling co-author of Made to Sell and a leading voice on personal branding, AI marketing, and website conversion strategy, Chykalophia partners with mid-market B2B businesses, women founders, and corporate networks to grow with intention.
All tickets are final and non-refundable.