Philip Fairweather

About Philip Fairweather

Philip Fairweather

President & CEO, Entrepreneurs Academy 501-C3

Philip Fairweather is an accomplished leader with over 20 years of experience as an Air Force Veteran, entrepreneur, instructor, consultant, and federal economic development specialist. He is a patented inventor and has worked on global projects in the United States, China, and India.

Mr. Fairweather has served in various capacities within city, state, and federal agencies, as well as community-based for-profit and non-profit organizations, providing him with a comprehensive perspective on social, academic, and economic issues related to entrepreneurship, re-entry, and community development.

Key Accomplishments:

Developed Teen Reach entrepreneurial programs across Illinois.

Initiated the Chicago Urban League's first successful entrepreneurship program.

Directed the Chicago Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8).

Created the award-winning Entrepreneurs Academy program for the Chicago Housing Authority.

Advocated for social and economic change in underserved communities, earning national awards.

Academic and Professional Highlights:

MBA Professor at Dominican University.

Executive MBA from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Director of Operations for a Transitional Living facility for the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Counseled over 5,500 businesses and trained and launched 800 small businesses.

Managed a 256,000-square-foot business incubator.

Generated contracting revenues of $178M over three years for 143 resident-owned businesses.

Secured substantial grant funding, including $3.2M from the Illinois Department of Human Services.

Established the first 3D printing lab on Chicago's Westside.

Education and Certifications:

BA from DePaul University – Chicago.

International EMBA from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Philip Fairweather's extensive background, commitment, and execution enable him to utilize and apply cutting-edge strategies and technological innovations, making significant impacts in some of the most challenging entrepreneurial environments in the world.