Meet the 2024 WeRise Together Grantees!
Small businesses that open new locations or expand their current space can generate commerce, create jobs, and foster the growth of local neighborhood economies. We offered opportunities through a collaboration between We Rise Together: For an Equitable & Just Recovery, the Small Business Advocacy Council, and Allies for Community Business. This initiative helped provide knowledge and funding to qualified small business owners seeking to transition into a brick-and-mortar establishment in underinvested Chicago neighborhoods.
The program provided $12,500 to grant recipients to support their efforts to open a brick-and-mortar space or expand their existing location in communities where We Rise Together has made complementary investments in community and economic development.
Beyond financial assistance, grant recipients will also receive coaching and other services to provide the necessary tools to support their success. These new businesses can breathe new life into underinvested commercial corridors, create jobs for residents, and help revitalize entire communities.
ALMVGHTY Clothing
1955 E 71st Street
Chicago Illinois 60649
Website: https://almvghty.com/
Phone: 773-675-9558
Email: hello@almvghty.com
Monday - Friday: 8am - 4pm
Saturday - Sunday: 9am - 5pm
Dondre Smith, Owner
ALMVGHTY is a Chicago-based fashion house that inspires you to live purposefully and become who God created you to be. It was founded by Dondre Smith, a self-taught fashion designer and a pharmacy school dropout, who has now dedicated his life as a social entrepreneur and street evangelist. ALMVGHTY creates timeless, luxury garments locally on the south side of Chicago and has a vocational training program that trains the BIPOC Youth how to sew on an industrial sewing machine.
Altogether Lovely Inc.
1841 W 63rd Street
Chicago, IL 60636
Phone: 312-802-8952
Websites: https://www.altogetherlovelyinc.com/
https://www.healthfulhairsolutions.com/
Demetria Hayden – Owner/CEO
What began as a young girl’s hobby in her parents’ home has grown into a thriving African American female-owned business. Demetria began braiding hair at the age of 9. By the age of 12, she was already styling hair for people in her neighborhood—a passion she carried into adulthood. After earning her Cosmetology license, Demetria opened her first salon in the basement of her parents’ home. In February 1999, she expanded to a brick-and-mortar facility at 1841 W. 63rd Street, Chicago, IL, where the business continues to operate to this day.
Demetria “Dee” Hayden is a licensed Cosmetologist and Cosmetology Teacher, a certified Continuing Education Sponsor (State of Illinois), and a Certified Hair Loss Practitioner with over 40 years of experience in the hair care industry. She is the founder and CEO of Altogether Lovely, Inc., a hair management company that offers hair solutions through services, product sales, and education. Demetria is also the founder of Healthful Hair Solutions®, a hair care product line crafted with key ingredients designed to nurture the scalp and promote healthy hair— “Creating A Healthy Environment for Healthy Hair Growth® .” Demetria originally created Healthful Hair Solutions Hair Care Line (formally known as Altogether Lovely Hair Care Products) out of a desire to come up with a solution to help her clients that were having scalp issues (e.g. dry, itchy, flaky, irritated scalps). She teamed up with a chemist and began formulation. After trial & error through case studies our “Scalp Facial” was finalized and introduced to our clients and eventually to the hair care industry market.
Kenya Walker – Co-owner/CFO
Co-owner & CFO Kenya Walker learned and gained an appreciation for hair care at the very young age of 3 when she would hang out with her mom at the salon. She easily picked up the technique of braiding and began assisting Demetria as “mommy’s little helper.” By her teenage years, Kenya worked as an assistant at the salon and later began taking her own clients. She went on to become a licensed hair braider under the State of Illinois. During her college years, Kenya discovered her true passion for Finance and went on to receive a B.S. in Finance from Roosevelt University. She later earned an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business with a concentration in Finance, Economics, and Behavioral Science. This strong educational background prepared Kenya to transition into overseeing the day-to-day operations of the business. In 2021, Kenya became co-owner of Altogether Lovely, which encompasses its subsidiary, Healthful Hair Solutions®. She currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer, overseeing the development and implementation of financial and operational strategies to drive the company’s future growth.
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AltogetherLovelyInc https://www.facebook.com/healthfulhairsolutions
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/healthfulhairsolutions/
LinkedIn - Altogether Lovely Inc Healthful Hair Solutions
Promo video: 6e9030ed771f4f23a052a5c02cf76013.m4v
Chicago Advocate Legal, NFP
3111 W. Armitage Ave., Suite 217
Chicago, IL 60647
Office: (312)-801-5918
General Email: cal@chicagoadvocatelegal.com
Website: www.chicagoadvocatelegal.com
Chicago Advocate Legal, NFP (CAL)is dedicated to strengthening individuals, families, and communities in the greater Chicago metropolitan area by lessening the negative impact and harmful outcomes of court involvement through legal representation, preventive legal services and therapeutic education. CAL is a not-for-profit organization that provides traditional in-court legal representation to low and middle-income individuals while also preventing or mitigating legal issues outside of court through our Preventative Law Initiative (PLI).
Chlece Walker-Neal-Murray went to college at Miami University in Ohio, where she majored in History and minored in Sociology of Law; and worked in the cafeteria and in the universities' archives. After graduating from Miami University, Chlece joined AmeriCorps as a VISTA and volunteered in Rockland, Maine.
She moved to Chicago after a year of service as a VISTA to go to Loyola University School of Law and the Graduate School of Social Work. Chlece focused on children and family mental health and social and legal issues in law school and graduate school. She also interned at several government and nonprofit organizations such as the Jesse Brown V.A Medical Center, the Cook County Public Guardians Office Juvenile Division, a domestic violence shelter, the Center for Court Innovation in Manhattan, the Brooklyn Family Court in the Child Support Division, and at Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) in Atlanta, Georgia.
Before starting her law firm in 2015, Chlece worked at the Cook County Jail and Legal Assistance Foundation (now Legal Aid Chicago). Chlece practices law because of the power words have whether written or spoken to break, to bend, to inspire, to encourage, to protect, to empower, and to challenge our acceptance of the way things are. Her earliest impressions of people helping others were of lawyers, counselors, and advocates using their words to defend others, to challenge the standard way of thinking. Christ is her biggest influence as an advocate for everyone.
Schedule an intake: https://www.chicagoadvocatelegal.com/intake.html
Cook It Mama LLC
4752 W Washington Blvd
Chicago Illinois 60624
Website: https://cookitmamacafe.com/
Phone: 312.687.2883
About Cook It Mama:
At Cook It Mama Café, we pride ourselves on offering a diverse menu that caters to all tastes, exceptional customer service, and a supportive environment where patrons can enjoy great food while also supporting a local small business.
Our menu is a reflection of our deep-rooted passion for both Southern and Caribbean traditions, as we serve up mouthwatering dishes like jerk chicken salad, submarine sandwiches, and jerk chicken nachos that burst with authentic flavors.
For seafood lovers, our marinated salmon is a true delight, infused with the perfect blend of seasonings that will leave you craving more. And if you’re in the mood for something lighter, our carefully crafted soups and salads offer a refreshing and satisfying option. Don’t forget to try one of our specialty lemonades, as they add a zesty and delightful complement to any meal.
What Makes Us Special:
We love to experiment and bring new and exciting dishes to the table, ensuring that each visit is a unique culinary adventure. With every dish we serve, we pour our hearts and souls into it, striving to provide our guests with a taste of home and a touch of excitement in every bite. So come on in and experience the flavors that are a true reflection of our passion and dedication to soulful and satisfying food.
Soulful Food:
With every dish we serve, we pour our hearts and souls into it, striving to provide our guests with a taste of home and a touch of excitement in every bite. So come on in and experience the flavors that are a true reflection of our passion and dedication to soulful and satisfying food.
Sydney Blakely, Owner
Da Book Joint
Shop at Pen & Paper
6900 S. Stony Island Ave.
Chicago, IL 60649
Website: https://www.dabookjoint.com/
Phone: 877-726-6556
Email: orders@dabookjoint.com
Wed-Sat 11-7pm
Sun 12-4pm
Books are a powerful resource for gaining knowledge and growing in all areas of life. Just about everything can be learned from a book. Whether you seek history, self-improvement advice, or a good laugh, books never fail to satisfy what you are looking for. Rest assured, Da Book Joint has the perfect book for you!
Da Book Joint is a bookstore created to unite lovers of literature with diverse bestselling and rising authors. We’ve been in operation since 2007. Since then, we have developed a thriving community for our customers, where they can easily purchase books they love and come together with like-minded individuals through virtual and in-person literary events.
With Da Book Joint, you get:
Wide Catalog
Regardless of the genre of the book, you can rest assured that you will find it with Da Book Joint. We currently have over 1,000 books in our inventory, which will continue to increase with time.
Competitive Prices
Our books are also made available to customers at highly competitive prices. You don’t have to break the bank to get awesome books as long as you shop with us.
Easy and Enjoyable Shopping Experience
Customers can access our broad collection of books with a few clicks of a button. Please navigate through our genre categories to find books that interest you, or try something new! Or visit us locally to browse some of the bestselling and spotlight books we offer in-store.
FH Jerk
111 E. 51st Street
Chicago, IL 60615
Website: https://fhjerkgod.com/
FH Jerk Caribbean restaurant can enhance the corridor's vibrancy by hosting community events, incorporating Caribbean culture into its ambiance, offering a diverse menu, showcasing local artwork, engaging in community outreach, and forming partnerships with neighboring businesses.
Front Porch Arts Center
5851 W. Madison St.
Chicago, IL 60644
Website: https://frontporchartscenter.org/
Email: info@frontporchartscenter.org
Front Porch Arts Center is more than a solution to the Austin neighborhood's need for a public art center. It is the epicenter for connecting the arts, community, and culture while celebrating the history of the Westside of Chicago. For over a decade, the Austin neighborhood's creative landscape has been absent of public investment in the arts. Front Porch Arts Center fills a much-needed void by creating arts programming, which includes enriching workshops, performances, exhibitions, while forming artists and community partnerships.
- We aim to enhance our community by creating outlets for public discourse and community fellowship.
- We intend to showcase community voices through this work, bridging the Westside with the larger creative community to counter our neighborhood's public perception.
- We support Westside artists while exploring our rich history through residencies and arts partnerships.
Keli Stewart, Founder and Artistic Director
Austin resident Keli Stewart is a writer and educator whose writing has appeared in Quiddity, Meridians, and Warpland, amongst other notable journals and publications. Keli was recently selected as a 2021-2022 School of the Art Institute Nichols Tower Artist-in-Residence, where she will facilitate community storytelling and creative writing workshops. She has received artist fellowships from Hedgebrook, where she was awarded the 2010 Adrienne Reiner Hochstadt Award and the Augusta Savage Gallery Arts International Residency Program. An alum of the Voices of Our Nations Arts Foundation and Callaloo Summer Writing Workshops, Keli’s writing was selected for first place in the Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Award from the Illinois Center of the Book, chosen by Illinois poet laureate Kevin Stein.
A graduate of Providence St. Mel Highschool, she received her BA in Fiction Writing from Columbia College in 2002, her MFA in Poetry from Chicago State University, and pursued doctoral work in Afro-American Studies at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst where she studied with notable artists, activists, and scholars.
Keli served as a Leadership Lab Fellow with the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation. She is also the founder of Westside Arts House, and she was selected as part of the Alliance of Artists Communities Emerging Program Institute.
Her poetry collection, Small Altars was published with Bronzeville Books in 2021
Jehovah Jireh #1 Outreach Ministry
5116 W Chicago Ave.
Chicago Illinois 60644
Website: https://1stv.org/
Phone: 224-421-4286
Community Safety: Creating and building a safe haven in troubled communities
Our mission is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the nations, heal the sick, cast out demons, and do the greater works that Jesus Christ called us to do (Matthew 10:6-8).
Jerk Soule Inc.
8216 S. Kedzie AVE
Chicago IL 60652
Website: https://www.jerksoule.com/
Where A Plate of Love Will Change Your Day
Welcome to our Caribbean/Soul restaurant located in the heart of Chicago, where we celebrate the vibrant flavors and rich culinary traditions of Jamaica and the hearty flavors of soul food learned from living in the home of James Prince Dunwoody Jr., who was a cook and prepared soul food meals that had the essence of his love for his children in every meal. Visiting Jamaica as a premier destination for authentic Jamaican cuisine, we take pride in offering our guests the best food around from some of the BEST Jerk and Soul Food in the world!
With over 40 years worth of travel to Jamaica and living in a soul food home, we are committed to showcasing the diverse and exotic flavors that make Jamaican and Soul food so unique. Our skilled chefs use only the freshest ingredients, sourced locally whenever possible, to create dishes that are bursting with authentic Caribbean/Soul flavors. From the first taste, you will be transported to the tropical shores of Jamaica and lifted in love with every bite of the soul food on our menu.
Our menu features a wide range of traditional Jamaican /Soul dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re a fan of jerk chicken, curry goat, or ackee and saltfish, or just love short ribs, FRIED Ribs, Fried Chicken or even a philly eggroll, you’ll find all your favorites here. Whether you’re visiting us for a casual lunch or need us to cater your special occasion, we strive to exceed your expectations and create lasting memories.
LaSelva Shop
1607 W. 47th Street
Chicago Illinois 60609
Website: https://www.laselvashop.com/
Email: laselvachicago@gmail.com
Mission Statement
La Selva Shop is an apparel and accessories line that celebrates the cultures and history of the Back of the Yards neighborhood in Chicago. At La Selva Shop, our mission is to celebrate and uplift community pride through products that resonate with our shared values and stories. Through our designs and initiatives, we strive to be a catalyst for positive change, empowering individuals to wear their pride and contribute to the collective well-being of our community. Together, we transform fashion into a powerful expression of unity and local pride.
La Selva translates to ‘The Jungle’ in Spanish, a novel by Upton Sinclair that vividly portrays the hardships and struggles of immigrants working in the Chicago Union Stock Yards, an area now known as the Back of the Yards.
La Selva Shop was founded by Rolando Santoyo, a local fine artist, graphic designer, and active community leader. His parents emigrated from Guanajuato, Mexico, to the Back of the Yards neighborhood in the mid-1970s, where they still reside.
Rolando Santoyo, Owner
Growing up in Back of the Yards, a neighborhood known for its challenges with violence and drug abuse, I was fortunate to be surrounded by an inspiring group of community members who motivated me to become a leader. As a first-generation Mexican-American, I witnessed firsthand the struggles and resilience of my community. This experience instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to give back and create opportunities for others. With the support of my family and community, I was able to pursue higher education and earn a Bachelor’s degree in Multimedia Production and Design. My academic journey opened my eyes to the power of digital media and art as tools for storytelling and social change. I realized that through computer graphics and multimedia, I could blend my passion for art with a desire to impact my community positively. I wanted to create something that not only showcased my skills but also gave back to the community that shaped me. This led me to start my own business, focused on bringing pride and on leveraging creativity to uplift and empower local youth and artists. My business is more than just a venture; it is a commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists, leaders, and change-makers in communities like mine.
Mama Chola LLC
953 W. 87th Street
(Sangamon St & Morgan St)
Chicago, IL 60620
Phone: 773-952-6186
Owner: Brittany Bullard
Welcome to Mama Chola! We are your go-to destination for all things metaphysical and spiritual. Our store is dedicated to honoring the powerful deity Mama Chola, and we offer a wide range of products to support your spiritual journey.
- Discover our exquisite collection of candles, including custom-made candles crafted with intention and love. These candles are perfect for rituals, manifestation, and setting the ambiance for sacred spaces. We also offer herb ritual baths, carefully curated with herbs and botanicals to enhance your spiritual practices and promote relaxation and healing.
- Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of crystals at Mama Chola. Our handpicked selection features a variety of crystals known for their unique energies and metaphysical properties. Whether you're seeking spiritual guidance, emotional balance, or energetic protection, our crystals are here to support you.
- Enhance your sacred space with our premium incenses and sage. These powerful tools are traditionally used for cleansing, purifying, and creating a positive energy flow. Explore our diverse range of scents and find the perfect match for your spiritual practices.
Visit our store and allow Mama Chola to guide you on your spiritual journey. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff are here to assist you in finding the perfect products to meet your needs. Join our community and experience the magic of Mama Chola.
Mon: Closed
Tue: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wed: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thu: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Fri: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sat: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sun: Closed
Monday Coffee Company
3243 W 16th Street
Chicago Illinois
Website: https://www.mondaycoffee.co/
Email: drink@mondaycoffee.co
Amanda Christine Harth & Felton Edward Kizer
Welcome to Monday Coffee Co.!
Our journey into the world of coffee began at chain shops while working in our respective retail jobs. For us, coffee has always been more than just a beverage; it's the cornerstone of meaningful connections and networking. Coffee shops became our offices before we even clocked into our day jobs, providing us with a space to explore intentional connections with strangers.
As storytellers, dreamers, and entrepreneurs, we were inspired to share bold, inclusive, and captivating stories through a product we believed in – a product that helped lay the foundation for who we are today. This led us to create Monday Coffee–a testament to our passion for coffee and the community it fosters. Join us in celebrating the transformative power of coffee and the vibrant stories it can tell. Monday Coffee is brewed in small batches in Chicago and roasted in Grand Rapids, MI.
Monday Outposts
The Monday Outposts are more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee; it's an immersive, sensory experience that brings the love of coffee to life within well-curated spaces. For those who like to make coffee at home, whole beans are available, and for those who need a sweet-ish pick-me-up, try ‘Goood Day’.
Each pop-up/outpost is a unique experience shaped by its location, the people who visit, and the conversations and collaborations that take place over a cup of coffee. It's a living, breathing embodiment of our mission: to foster a community of coffee lovers who are passionate about experimentation, creativity, and transparency. Join us and be a part of the coffee revolution.
Murphy's Lounge 2017 LLC (DBA: BLAQ’s Lounge)
7628 S. Cottage Grove Avenue
Chicago, IL 60619
Owner: Shawn Frison
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550840999327
ROC & Brownhouse General Contractors Corp
2300 E. 71st Street Chicago Illinois 60649
Website: https://rocsecured.com/index.php/roc-construction/
Owner: Chief Standing-Elk
ROC & Brownhouse GC Corporation (Reclaiming Our Communities) is a trusted provider of quality renovation and revitalization. We are dedicated to delivering exceptional construction and property management solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. With a commitment to quality, integrity, and customer satisfaction, we strive to exceed expectations and build lasting relationships within our community.”
Stoviink Creatives
6900 S. Stony Island Ave.
Chicago, IL 60649
Website: https://www.stoviink.com/
Email: info@stoviink.com
Wed - Sat: 10A- 6P
Sundays: 12P - 4P
Stoviink Creatives is a Black-owned and woman-owned brand collective that specializes in the creative and performing arts. We offer a variety of handcrafted and artisanal products, from cranberry sauce to candles, home and body products, and much more. We also host curated events, celebrating our collective's creative energy and the many stories they tell. Our mission is to provide our customers with quality, unique, and beautiful products and an unforgettable experience. We invite you to explore Stoviink Creatives and join us in our mission of celebrating the power of creativity.
Storie Devereaux
CEO, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND CONTENT CREATION, POET, SONGWRITER, ENTERTAINER, + THE SAUCIEST BOSS.
Tovi Khali
CEO, CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, SINGER, SONGWRITER, ENTERTAINER, + OVERALL BADASS.
Tatis Floral LLC
1415 W 79th Street
Chicago Illinois 60620
Website: https://www.tatisfloral.com/
Email: Tatisfloral@gmail.com
Phone: 312-725-4569
Discover the beauty of Tatis Floral and Suites a local flower shop with stunning floral arrangements and charming community pictures.
Tatiana Williams
At Tati's Floral Shop, we believe in giving back to the community that supports us. As part of our commitment to making a positive impact, Tatiana is an active member in her community working with organizations like Block by Block of Auburn Gresham, GAGDC, St. Sabina; grassroots organizations dedicated to fostering unity and revitalizing our neighborhood.
Through community outreach initiatives, we strive to uplift and empower local residents, beautify our streets, and cultivate a sense of belonging for all.
Join us in spreading joy and making a difference, one bloom at a time.
Gallery: https://www.tatisfloral.com/gallary
The Pineapple School Company
4156 Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL 60624
Website: https://thepineappleschool.org/
Phone: 708-522-4154
Email: thepineappleschoolcompany@gmail.com
The Pineapple School provides high-quality early childhood education and enrichment programs. As a pillar in the community for over 14 years, The Pineapple School has established itself as a trusted provider of childcare services, contributing to the well-being and development of children and families.
We focus on creating an activity-rich environment that stimulates a child’s natural desire to learn and interact. We realize the benefit of having a loving and nurturing environment that greets parents with a smile each day and understand the importance of a child leaving each day learning something new. We strive every day for constant improvement in all that we do. We realize the level of trust you must place in a childcare provider. We strive to do everything possible to make you feel safe when dropping off your child.
By offering a nurturing and stimulating learning environment, The Pineapple School fosters the cognitive, social, and emotional growth of young children, laying the foundation for future success. See what makes The Pineapple School different!!!
Additionally, The Pineapple School's presence in the commercial corridor brings foot traffic and activity, contributing to the vitality and economic vitality of the area. Through partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and stakeholders, The Pineapple School actively engages with the community, creating opportunities for collaboration and connection. Overall, The Pineapple School serves as a cornerstone of the community, enriching the lives of children and families and enhancing the vibrancy of the commercial corridor.
Genese Blanchard
As the owner of The Pineapple School, my background support my developmental beliefs, goals, and program. I have 12 years’ experience in child care and hold an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, an ECE Level 4 Credential, Family Child Care Level 4 Credential and an Illinois Director Level 1 Credential. My love for children and providing the best quality care makes me a life-long learner to continue my education! I’m also a mother of 3 grown children and 2 younger children.
- 9 years’ experience in Family Child Care
- An Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
- State recognized Level 4 Credential in ECE
- State recognized Level 4 Credential in Family Child Care
- Parent of 2 grown Children and 3 younger children
Filling vacant properties give communities a better opportunity to thrive.
Connecting Chicago property owners with small businesses will revitalize communities and boost local economies.
If you have any questions, please contact us using the information provided below.
Natalia Borowska
SBAC Community Engagement Specialist
(312) 548-8608