West Side United and JPMorgan Chase today announced that 46 small businesses serving ten communities on Chicago’s West Side will each receive $10,000 grants, vital capital for the small businesses leading the economic recovery and job creation for this important business corridor.
“Our commitment to enhancing businesses across the West Side is a core tenet of our economic development work,” said West Side United Executive Director Ayesha Jaco. “Since 2018, we have distributed more than $1.15M in grants to more than 100 West Side small businesses, proudly helping them thrive despite historical barriers to investment and new challenges presented by the pandemic.”
“Often when you are the business owner, you feel alone and then blessings come and make you realize you have more people like (West Side United) believing in your dreams just as much as you do,” said grant recipient Brenda Nelson, Owner of Stitch Me Apparel
“Small businesses and entrepreneurs generate jobs, help create diverse communities and are vital to prosperous cities,” said Joanna Trotter, head of Chicago Philanthropy at JPMorgan Chase. “These investments, focused on Chicago’s West side, will help provide underserved entrepreneurs the tools they need to start, grow and scale their businesses.”
Molson Coors, Titos’ Vodka, Northern Trust, Thorley Family Foundation, and Wintrust Bank have also provided capital for the grants announced today.
“For West Side United hospitals, improving health is more than caring for patients when they show up at our doors,” said Mary Kate Daly, Vice President, Patrick M. Magoon Institute for Healthy Communities at Lurie Children’s Hospital. “To truly improve health and well-being, we need to engage in community-led initiatives that support economic development efforts in our City’s disinvested communities.”
“The health of individuals is directly tied to the economic health of their communities. Block by block, small business by small business and job by job, West Side United is helping build a healthier West Side,” Jaco added.
Grant Recipients, in their words
S.A.M.S.S. Cleaning
“This grant has given us the breathing space we needed to get caught up on rent and utilities. We have been paying our bills throughout, but this grant has taken us out of the red and into the green,” said Janet L. Godsey, owner of S.A.M.S.S. Cleaning
Thee Chef Maria, LLC
“The West Side United Small Business grant has helped Thee Chef Maria enhance our operations in several ways. We are incredibly excited to begin our pilot program teaching returning citizens in addiction recovery how to create value added products from fresh produce. We’ll also be adding guided meditation to our cooking classes to create eating experiences that enhance confidence, build resilience and support recovery from addiction while avoiding shaming, stigma and blame,” said Maria Anderson Owner of Thee Chef Maria, LLC.
Garfield Produce Company
“Garfield Produce Company operates an indoor vertical hydroponic farm in East Garfield Park. We grow year-round healthy, delicious microgreens, lettuces and herbs for the hospitality industry and local food pantries and offer second chance employment to formerly incarcerated individuals. Covid hit us hard with many restaurant closures and restrictions. The West Side United grant will enable us to expand our direct and on-line sales and marketing efforts to increase revenue and expand job opportunities,” said Mark Thomas, President of the Garfield Park Produce Company.
Mohop FabLab
“While the manufacturing industry is a leading contributor to environmental destruction and income inequality, our mission is to develop sustainable and equitable production processes. We are using this grant to create a classroom within our West Side storefront to introduce Chicagoans to digital fabrication in a fun and hands-on way. From teaching 2D and 3D design to creating custom sandals and 3D printed ceramics, we are excited to share the joy of making things with an eye toward a greener and more just future,” said Annie Maupt of Mohop Fab Lab.
List of Grant Recipients
Urban Pilon
Vegan World Cafe Catering LLC
Anyssa Catering Boutique LLC
Browns Restaurant LLC
Pressedgarments.com, LLC
Elevate Services, Inc.
Wholeman Enterprise Co.
Rid Alert Inc
Gone Again Travel & Tours, Inc
The Corner Store Deli, LLC
Tono Tacos Inc.
La Michoacana de Jenny
S.A.M.S Cleaning & Janitorial Services, LLC
Snow Pushers Chicago
Refugio Velasco Landscaping LLC
Maria Sees The World, Inc.
K&B Discount
D & G Sales Inc.
ChiFresh Kitchen
Thee Chef Maria LLC
Smart Cleaning Solution
Iconic Hair Extensions LLC
SMH2 Manufacturing LLC
Food Hero L3C
Cleanology Crew Corporation
Momentum Transportation Inc
Garfield Produce Company
Chicago Champs Inc
Juice Vibe Bar
Polar Ice Co.
Stitch Me
Flor del Monte Inc
Semillas Plant Studio
Mestiza, LLC
SOJU BBQ
FALSE HOPE BRAND CO.
BOX LUNCH CAFE
NCH Family Holding DBA Ida’s Artisan Ice Cream and Treats
A & L ENVIRONMENTAL LLC
Alborada Brides, Inc.
San Miguel, Inc.
Nice & Clean Maids Service Inc.
D’s Air & Heating, Inc.
MEDFIRST ENTERPRISE INC
Mohop FabLab
West Town Bikes