Please provide a brief update on your progress toward your proposed CWB goals in the last reporting period:
Our progress across our three worker cooperative businesses reflects our proposed CWEB goals. For Cooperativa Visionarias, we held two productive meetings this May. We supported the co-op by participating in a festival on May 18th. The co-op sold food, and after the event, we conducted an evaluation to gather feedback for future catering events. Additionally, we are in discussions with Evolution Tx to organize tax and finance classes for the co-op, and we're currently working on defining clear roles and responsibilities within the cooperative. The Cooperativas did not meet as often in May due to health problems. Regarding MADEN Cleaning Cooperative, we had weekly meetings this month. Our participation in a social media training session on May 6th yielded positive feedback, with Esmeralda benefiting from insights on Facebook photo permissions. However, there's a recognized need for additional training, especially in content posting, reel creation, and email personalization. As a follow-up, plans are underway to establish Instagram and Facebook accounts for MADEN. Furthermore, MADEN participated in a conflict resolution training facilitated by Mike Strode and a workshop on the different types of legal entities for co-ops. Blue Arrow Trucking Company participated in various trainings and recently completed a skill assessment. We've outlined a comprehensive plan for our next steps, including the creation of a project plan chart, business plan, bylaws, raising capital strategy, and official launch. During our recent meeting on May 23rd, we discussed project plans, company goals, and clarified roles and responsibilities. We're focused on eliminating intermediaries in contract negotiations to ensure a fairer distribution of funds to workers. As we transition to bi-weekly meetings post-training graduation, we're undergoing governance training. Blue Arrow also will participate in a workshop on legal entities in June. We are working on setting up a date. Finally, we are in early conversations with a potential new cooperative involving three members of our immigrant community. This cooperative will be a pet grooming co-op. This reflects our work plan in our efforts to identify potential new constituents from our community.
What constraints or limitations, if any, did you experience in the last reporting period?
In the last reporting period, Cooperativa Visionárias faced constraints due to health issues. Some members were sick, which impacted their ability to fully engage in cooperative activities. However, aside from this health-related challenge, there were no other significant limitations or constraints experienced.
What opportunities, if any, did you take advantage of in the last reporting period?
During the first week of May, which coincided with Small Business Week, the cooperatives participated in training sessions organized by Southland Development. This included a small business lunch and training on financing. The cooperatives met with Maricela Sombrero from Southland Development on May 6th to explore possibilities for obtaining manager's licenses for the food cooperatives and shared kitchens. She offered free classes. Members of the Cleaning Cooperative took advantage of a Conflict Resolution training session facilitated by Mike Strode.
Did you establish new CWB relationships/partnerships in the last reporting period?
No
Please describe the relationships you established pertaining to your CWB work.
Did you collaborate with other TA providers in the last reporting period?
Yes
Which TA provider(s) did you work with?
Kola Nut Collaborative, Co-op Ed Center
Please share on behalf of whom / which projects you collaborated with the TA providers above:
Mike Strode, Xochitl Espinoza
Did you attend the Working Group meeting last month?
Yes
How would you rate the usefulness of the working group to your project last month? (on a scale of 1-5)
4
Optional Space
Community Area(s) (select all that apply)
| Community Area | Participants Served in this Community Area |
|---|---|
| Beverly | 3 |
Race / Ethnicity of Participants (select all that apply)
Gender identity of Participants (select all that apply)
Age Range of Participants (select all that apply)
How many sessions of one-on-one consulting to Worker Cooperatives, Conversions, or Co-op Developers did you conduct this reporting period? (e.g. one group or individual with one training provider)?
5
How many group workshops for Worker Cooperatives, Conversions, or Co-op Developers did you conduct this reporting period? (e.g. convenings, workshops, events, etc.)
4
How many hours of support to CWB Pre-Development Worker Cooperatives, Conversions, or Co-op Developers did you provide this reporting period?
17
How many hours of support to existing Worker Cooperatives, Conversions, or Co-op Developers did you provide this reporting period?
0
How many co-op businesses did you develop last reporting period? (It's okay if the answer is 0)
0
How many jobs were created overall last reporting period? (It's okay if the answer is 0)
0
Please list the Worker Cooperatives, Conversions, or Co-op Developers Organizations you worked with this reporting period.
Other organization (please specify):
MADEN Cleaning Cooperative, Cooperativa Visionarias, Blue Arrow Trucking Cooperative
What type(s) of Technical Assistance did you provide to Worker Cooperatives, Conversions, or Co-op Developers this reporting period? Select all that apply.
Did you provide education to any Worker Cooperatives, Conversions, or Co-op Developers this reporting period?
Yes
How many hours of cohort education/training did you provide last month?
9
How many hours of popular education/outreach did you provide last month?
0
Number of curriculum material(s) created last month
0
How did you market your services and conduct outreach in the last reporting period? Select all that apply.
What are the greatest needs that your WC clients/partners expressed in this reporting period?
Additional Finance and Accounting Resources; Social Media and Marketing technical training (how to navigate different platforms).
What are the greatest gaps in service or resources in Chicago's CWB ecosystem?
N/A
Please share any direct testimonials from Worker Cooperatives, Conversions, or Co-op Developers clients or storytelling about the impact of your work this period:
N/A
Please upload media (document with testimonials, photos, or video links) from WC workshops or events held.
Did your organization provide any additional TA support this reporting period that was NOT covered in the previous tabs?
No
Please describe the type(s) of organizations you supported (i.e. nonprofits, business service orgs, etc.)
How many total organizations or entities did you support (that were not covered in the previous tabs)?
How many total hours of support did you provide to these organizations?
Please share any other relevant details about the support you provided these organizations:
