Global Business Starts at Home
The Community Impact team at World Business Chicago drives equitable and inclusive economic development. We are here to assist businesses looking to expand and grow in historically disinvested neighborhoods. Access information and resources on how to make a social impact through talent, labor and workforce partners and training, and more.
Mission: The Community Impact Team supports equitable economic development across the city’s South and West-Sides. We are the driving force behind the Mayor’s signature INVEST South/West initiative (LINK)
Focus Neighborhoods: There is rich opportunity and history in the South and West sides to revitalize these focus neighborhoods with the collaboration of development partners. Reports per neighborhood roll out periodically.
Our Projects
- INVEST South/West is the City’s signature economic development platform focused on 10 historically disinvested neighborhoods. The platform has four key pillars that support its overarching goal of enhanced South/West-side neighborhood vitality.
- The Black and Latino Investment Summit is a program brings together existing minority-led business owners with access to capital, technical assistance, and consulting. The inaugural cohort of 2022 was recognized on June 16th in a celebration of collaboration anchored in inclusiveness. Applications are open for the next cohort.
- Woodlawn Restaurant Row will be the city’s first Southside foodie destination. The Greater Woodlawn area, comprised of Woodlawn, South Shore, and Hype Park Community Areas, houses a growing residential and employment base with strong restaurant spending.
- Small Business Tech Symposium inspires businesses and technologists in Chicago to learn how technology can positively impact business. The goal is to connect small business owners in historically disinvested areas to build a sustainable path to greater efficiency and growth through technology. The symposium is projected to be held in late October.
“Entrepreneurship is a massive source of job growth within communities. The City is committed to working with partners like World Business Chicago, CIBC, and SomerCor to scale up employment opportunities and small businesses in Black and Hispanic communities across our city. Aligned with our INVEST South/West initiative, this program is vitally important to sustainable growth in our neighborhoods.” -Mayor Lori Lightfoot
The Black and Latino Excellence Investment Summit
The program brings together existing minority-led business owners with access to capital, technical assistance, and consulting. The inaugural cohort of 2022 was recognized on June 16th in a celebration of collaboration anchored in inclusiveness. Applications are open for the next cohort.
Submit an Application
