Serving our neighbors: College of Business’ Triad program connects Concordia-Chicago students with Maywood entrepreneurs

By: Cora Saddler, Communications Associate

This year, the Free Enterprise Center (FEC) at Concordia University Chicago launched its new peer advisory program, Triad, to support 11 local business owners in the Maywood community, a neighboring village located within Proviso Township.

As part of the FEC's mission, Triad, generously funded by the Bradley Foundation, is designed to foster real relationships between the University's College of Business (COB) students and nearby communities-giving students hands-on business experience while empowering and dignifying neighborhoods through long-term wealth building and poverty alleviation. Dr. Rachel Ferguson, director of the FEC, said that Triad is all about combining coaching and community in a way that engages students and empowers businesses.

The Triad program, which runs from January to April and August to November, matches Maywood entrepreneurs with a student intern and a CUC faculty or staff member with extensive experience in business, leadership, and management to serve as their executive coach.

Each triad (the entrepreneur, student, and faculty member) meets monthly for a personalized business coaching session. The students also provide additional support through a five-hour weekly internship. Dr. Lynn Hunnicutt, dean of the College of Business and the creator of the Triad program, described this internship as an experience that "helps students discern who they are, what they're about, and how they're going to show up in the world."

The 11 businesses accepted into the program offer students a wide range of experiences and real-world applications that get them out of the classroom and exposed to new communities.

Nathaniel Stuart, FEC project lead and adjunct professor for the COB, said, "Most of [the students] have never been to communities like this. We want them to be able to go into a place with humility but also with a willingness to be of assistance. How do I interact with my neighbors? How do I love my neighbors? How do I let my neighbors love me?"

The above is just an excerpt-for the full story, check out the summer 2026 edition of Forester magazine.