Please provide a brief update on your progress toward your proposed CWB goals in the last reporting period:
We coordinated with several ecosystem partners to discuss how DAWI can continue to support the worker ownership community as the CCWBI winds down. We met with CCWBE and the ILCEO to specifically discuss cooperative ecosystem development, ideas for the next iteration of a CWB "Hub", and a potential legacy business initiative in 2025. We also consulted with the Chicago Community Loan Fund on cooperative ecosystem needs as they explore unlocking additional funding sources to support worker cooperative growth and development.
What constraints or limitations, if any, did you experience in the last reporting period?
The winding down of the initiative including the CCWBE Hub and the Presidential election has slowed activity and shifted priorities.
What opportunities, if any, did you take advantage of in the last reporting period?
Met with CCLF to consult on what's needed in the ecosystem and met with ILCEO to discuss how their work can be shaped and informed by the worker cooperative community.
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?
CCWBE, ILCEO, CCLF
Please share on behalf of whom / which projects you collaborated with the TA providers above:
Ecosystem education and development
Did you attend the Working Group meeting last month?
No
How would you rate the usefulness of the working group to your project last month? (on a scale of 1-5)
5 extremely useful
Optional Space
Community Area(s) (select all that apply)
| Community Area | Participants Served in this Community Area |
|---|---|
| Loop | 1 |
| Near West Side | 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):
NA
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?
The need to organize an ongoing worker cooperative ecosystem to continue providing peer mentorship and to advocate for additional resources and partnerships.
What are the greatest gaps in service or resources in Chicago's CWB ecosystem?
Lack of ongoing worker coop ecosystem infrastructure to continue facilitating an ongoing community of learning and practice.
Please share any direct testimonials from Worker Cooperatives, Conversions, or Co-op Developers clients or storytelling about the impact of your work this period:
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.)
Worked with the Illinois Center for Employee Ownership to discuss opportunities for advancing a legacy business retention initiative.
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:
