Polsky Exchange’s Small Business Development Center Welcomes 2 New Advisors

Major Purnell and Dima Elissa

Dima Elissa and Major Purnell join the Polsky Exchange’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) as advisors to further support economic growth on Chicago’s South Side.

Launched last year, the SBDC at the Polsky Exchange supports pre-venture entrepreneurs and existing business owners. It was the first resource on Chicago’s South Side dedicated to supporting owners of professional services and technology businesses, offering assistance on everything from business plans to marketing strategies to help them grow revenue, create jobs, and boost the economic vitality of their communities.

Since its opening, it has played a pivotal role in helping entrepreneurs launch businesses, and to provide increased support and expertise, it is now welcoming two new advisors with extensive professional experience.

Here is more about Dima Elissa and Major Purnell, the new SBDC advisors.

Name: My name is Dima Elissa, CEO and founder of VisMed-3D, a healthcare technology company dedicated to driving innovation in the healthcare sector.

Professional background: My STEM-MBA journey has been marked by notable achievements in global health and healthcare, earning me recognition as a Crain’s Chicago Notable Woman in STEM, Chicago Magazine Top Woman in Tech, and a 2024 Chicago Titan 100 honoree. I’m also the cofounder of a nonprofit dedicated to promoting equity and innovation in STEMM fields, and I advocate for quality and excellence in technology-driven health equity solutions. 

What motivates you to advise small business owners? I’m motivated to see others succeed and bring their visions to life. Advising small business owners allows me to share my experiences and insights, helping them overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Empowering others, especially women and minorities, is a passion that drives me daily.

What do you consider your area of expertise? My expertise lies at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and entrepreneurship. I’ve honed this focus through years of pioneering work in digital health innovations and leveraging advanced technologies like AI and machine learning to revolutionize patient care and business operations to drive equitable treatment and care.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned as an entrepreneur? The most crucial lesson I’ve learned is the importance of resilience and adaptability. In the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship, challenges are inevitable. How we navigate and evolve from these challenges defines our success. Staying resilient, adaptable, and focused on your vision is crucial. Every challenge is an opportunity to innovate, learn, and become stronger. Each setback is an opportunity to innovate and grow stronger.

Name: Major Purnell, business development consultant and SBDC advisor.

Professional background: I spent eight years at McDonald’s Corporation, where I oversaw high profile and headquarters restaurants. During this time, I played a key role in developing new training initiatives and training managers and C-suite executives worldwide. In 2017, I transitioned to become the COO of MAAFA Redemption Project, a non-profit organization in its second year. There, I developed and implemented strategies to streamline and improve operational efficiency, collaborated with local organizations to create long-term community impact, and ensured our operational plans aligned with the organization’s vision and goals.

After four years, I returned to my passion for business operations and started my own consulting business. For nearly four years now, I’ve been helping entrepreneurs and companies across the Chicagoland area grow and scale their businesses.

What motivates you to advise small business owners? My passion for helping my community began early on through my work with my family’s organization, the Just Love Foundation. Witnessing firsthand how many local businesses struggle and close due to a lack of resources or knowledge ignited my drive to make a difference. I am deeply committed to using my expertise to support underserved communities, striving to empower entrepreneurs to reach new milestones and turn their seemingly impossible dreams into reality. Every day, I am motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact and help others achieve their goals.

What do you consider your area of expertise? My areas of expertise include operational strategy, team leadership and management, and strategic planning. I have over 14 years of experience in business development and operations. Currently, as a business development consultant, I provide tailored support to companies, helping them identify new opportunities and develop strategies for implementing initiatives.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned as an entrepreneur? The most important lesson as an entrepreneur is the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn. This cycle involves acquiring new knowledge, discarding outdated information, and then integrating updated insights to enhance and build upon what you already know.