Nearly 40 small businesses join new Shop Community movement funded by the City of Chicago

CHICAGO, Dec. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- From a bakery that employs homeless and at-risk youth to a shop run by a Black woman artist who donates artwork to Chicago schools, nearly 40 small businesses are participating in ShoCo Chicago ? an initiative designed to support local businesses that give back to the community. ShoCo Chicago is getting its start with support from a City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection grant.  

"It is always exciting to see our programs and services assist business owners and entrepreneurs," said City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Acting Commissioner Kenneth J. Meyer. "The City of Chicago COVID-19 Small Business Support Program accelerated the launch of ShoCo Chicago.  Now, consumers can make the conscious decision to patronize a business that makes giving part of their business model. It truly is a win-win for all involved."

ShoCo Chicago ? short for Shop Community Chicago ? is an online directory of local businesses that regularly donate to charity or that have mission-focused hiring practices, such as hiring homeless military veterans or people living with autism. Through the #ShoCo Shopper program, shoppers can track the positive impact of their purchases. Similarly, #ShoCo member businesses can track their ShoCo-generated sales.

Small businesses have struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in response, many Chicagoans have been making it a point to support local businesses. Shop Community goes one step beyond Shop Local to encourage intentionally shopping with local businesses that support local charities and causes.

ShoCo ? which is launching just in time for the holiday shopping season ? hopes to turn Chicago into the birthplace of the Shop Community movement, and then expand to cities across the country.

"Our vision is to turn shopping into a major source of funding for Chicago charities and causes," said ShoCo Chicago co-founder Carina Daniels. "ShoCo is designed to create an easy way for businesses and residents to work together to promote justice, equity, and sustainability."

Yesterday, ShoCo Chicago held a "ShoCo Chicago Day" launch event and press conference at Industrious ? Willis Tower. Press conference speakers included BACP Acting Commissioner Kenneth J. Meyer; BACP Chief Small Business Officer Kenya Merritt; ShoCo Co-founders Carina Daniels and Natalie Pawelski;  ShoCo member business owners Dana Todd Pope, Alvin Yu, and Walter Mendenhall; Betsy's Blankets Founder and Executive Director Haley Ebeling; and Eisengard AI CEO Anoop Menon.

Industrious featured food and coffee from ShoCo member businesses throughout the day. Other member businesses participated in a ShoCo Member Business Showcase.

ShoCo member business WE EVENTS helped to organize the event and donated a portion of its event-planning fees to Betsy's Blankets.

Member Businesses by Neighborhood

Back of the Yards
Star Farm Chicago

Bronzeville
Bronzeville Winery
Male Mogul Initiative
Southside Grinds
Stoviink Creatives
The Work Spot

Bridgeport
The Healing Academy
Dionne Victoria Studios

Bucktown
Grace + Ivory

Englewood
Southside Blooms

Lincoln Park
Salon Edda

Logan Square
Monarch Thrift Shop
Slow Made
WE Events

North Center
Blue Sky Bakery

Ravenswood
Bon Femmes

Washington Heights
Cakewalk Chicago

West Loop
It's Oksana

West Woodlawn
Blacks in Green

Wicker Park
Chicago Plants
Wicker Gardens

Online, Pop-Ups and/or Markets
Annie Frances Style Consulting
Candle Tit
CardShark
Exhale Safe
Fearlessly Hue
Fly Little Bird
Fyusion Dining
LMH Experiences
Meliora Cleaning Products
Nico's Organics
Pigment Intl
Pittie Clothing Co.
Pup Pawnaderia
Rags of Honor
Unique Sweets
Veteran Roasters
YASOU skin care
Zefiro

Media Contact:
Carina Daniels
[email protected] 
510-847-1617

SOURCE ShoCo Chicago