Please provide a brief update on your progress toward your proposed CWB goals in the last reporting period:
6ix-cess Foods, LWCA: In December, 6ix-cess soft launched! It began production of its two crustless sandwich prototypes: one filled with cinnamon apple and cream cheese, and the other with sun butter and homemade strawberry jam. The sandwiches produced went to local shelters and nonprofits as holiday give-aways. In the process, the members worked out its vendors and purchasing practices, packaging options, production line, quality control, and more. They also continued to work with Flashpoint on the development of the finished product and the equipment needed for scaled production. ChiFresh Kitchen, LWCA: ChiFresh exceeded $2M in revenue for 2024 and is preparing to increase its capacity significantly through its medically tailored meal program. VOLTS: In December, VOLTS continued the process of closing on its office location, which got pushed back to the new year. The nonprofit also continued planning for the next incubation project: a property management co-op. VOLTS drafted both the recruitment and training plan in December, and also got close to finalizing the scope of work with our industry training partner. Jumpstart: In December, Jumpstart received approval for the grant to fund the acquisition of 6-unit in South Chicago.
What constraints or limitations, if any, did you experience in the last reporting period?
Both of our real estate projects got pushed out because of unexpected delays from our own side (financing) and the seller side. As a result, we don't yet have our new office building.
What opportunities, if any, did you take advantage of in the last reporting period?
We were excited to join the Chicago Community Wealth Building Community Ecosystem Convening on December 17th.
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)
5 extremely useful
Optional Space
Community Area(s) (select all that apply)
| Community Area | Participants Served in this Community Area |
|---|---|
| Greater Grand Crossing | 11 |
| Grand Boulevard | 3 |
| Austin | 4 |
| Englewood | 5 |
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)?
27
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?
165
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)
5
Please list the Worker Cooperatives, Conversions, or Co-op Developers Organizations you worked with this reporting period.
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?
More cooperative developer capacity
What are the greatest gaps in service or resources in Chicago's CWB ecosystem?
Co-op developers (with both business skills and solidarity economy skills) available to support projects beyond their own
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 reach out if you ever need testimonials! We're happy to put you in touch with the co-op members.
Please upload media (document with testimonials, photos, or video links) from WC workshops or events held.
How many sessions of one-on-one consulting to Limited Equity Housing Cooperatives (LEHCs) did you conduct this reporting period? (e.g. one group or individual with one training provider)?
4
How many group workshops for Limited Equity Housing Cooperatives did you conduct this reporting period? (e.g. convenings, workshops, events, etc.) 
0
How many hours of support to CWB Pre-Development Limited Equity Housing Cooperatives did you provide this reporting period?
10
How many hours of support to existing Limited Equity Housing Cooperatives did you provide this reporting period?
0
Please list the LEHCs you worked with this reporting period.
What type(s) of Technical Assistance did you provide to LEHCs this reporting period? Select all that apply.
Number of AFFORDABLE housing units preserved or developed this period
0
Number of AFFORDABLE housing units added to the pipeline this period
0
Did you provide education to any LEHCs this reporting period?
No
What are the greatest needs that your LEHC clients/partners expressed in this reporting period?
We've had a great season and a lot of support; we're currently feeling as though our needs are met.
What are the greatest gaps in service or resources in Chicago's CWB ecosystem?
Long-term cooperative-specific funding sources.
Please share any direct testimonials from LEHC clients or storytelling about the impact of your work this period:
We almost closed another building in time....
Please upload media (document with testimonials, photos, or video links) from LEHC 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:
