Please provide a brief update on your progress toward your proposed CWB goals in the last reporting period:
Center for Changing Lives: During the last month we were able to canvass at 2 communtiy events which allowed us to connect with 13 aspring and current business owners. Co-Op Ed. Center: We have moved according to the workplan this month. Evaluation surveys have been implemented as well.
What constraints or limitations, if any, did you experience in the last reporting period?
Center for Changing Lives: Our 1-1 coaching sessions have slowed somewhat, but we intend to connect further with folks we canvassed at outreach events to increase that number. Co-Op Ed. Center: During the warmer weather (summer), it has been harder to get people engaged. Participation has gone down.
What opportunities, if any, did you take advantage of in the last reporting period?
Center for Changing Lives: We had the opportuntity to attend a Black Veteran's expo and share more information on worker cooperatives as a viable business model. Additionally attended the 26th Ward Business Summit and shared more information on worker cooperatives there as well. Co-Op Ed. Center: N/A
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?
No
Which TA provider(s) did you work with?
Please share on behalf of whom / which projects you collaborated with the TA providers above:
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 |
|---|---|
| South Lawndale | 2 |
| Brighton Park | 1 |
| Hermosa | 8 |
| Belmont Cragin | 1 |
| Humboldt Park | 1 |
| West Ridge | 1 |
| Near West Side | 1 |
| Mckinley Park | 1 |
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)?
0
How many group workshops for Worker Cooperatives, Conversions, or Co-op Developers did you conduct this reporting period? (e.g. convenings, workshops, events, etc.)
0
How many hours of support to CWB Pre-Development Worker Cooperatives, Conversions, or Co-op Developers did you provide this reporting period?
0
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):
N/A
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?
No
What are the greatest needs that your WC clients/partners expressed in this reporting period?
N/A
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:
Armando Mena began his entrepreneurial journey at the Center for Changing Lives with the goal of starting his own artisan crafts business. During our 1:1 sessions, he mentions this project as a way to showcase handcrafted items from various Mexican indigenous cultures. Despite 'starting from zero,' Armando sees the potential of turning his passion for Mexican culture into a viable business. Armando being a family and community oriented person, he seeks to find ways to make his business impactful and sustainable. He has expressed interest in learning about community wealth building and worker cooperatives as a way to diversify his business acumen. He sees the Worker Cooperative model as a method to successfully scale the business while also considering its democratic and inclusive nature. Having previous knowledge of cooperatives, he sees it as a viable strategy to implement with his family whom he sees as possessing diverse skills which can support the development of the business. With his continuous curiosity and ambition, Armando hopes to develop action steps to make his entrepreneurial dream a reality. Story #2: Estela represents what cooperative values are about, she is involved in two projects- running her catering business Cafe Tlahuica and involved in Las Boconas Collective. She has always had an entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to her community. With the support of CCL’s 1:1 small business coaching, she has been able to take steps to formalize her business. Since the beginning of 2024, Estella has registered her LLC, obtained her EIN, and opened a business bank account. She has also completed CCL’s Latinx in Business Digital skills cohort; skills that she will begin implementing for her business and collective. She has also taken interest in community wealth building and worker cooperative education, the people she serves and works with come from diverse backgrounds which reinforces her value of solidarity. Her involvement with Las Boconas had brought numerous events such as: workshops, dance lessons, and other community gatherings. As a model cooperative, the collective has implemented collective agreements that guide collaborations with the community.
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?
Yes
Please describe the type(s) of organizations you supported (i.e. nonprofits, business service orgs, etc.)
We have been working with aspiring entreprenuers that are exploring owning a business and introducing cooperatives to them in the hopes they will find it to be a viable business model.
How many total organizations or entities did you support (that were not covered in the previous tabs)?
2
How many total hours of support did you provide to these organizations?
2
Please share any other relevant details about the support you provided these organizations:
In our 1-1 coaching sessions we cover worker cooperative principles and address any questions our members have about exploring worker cooperatives as a business model.
