On Tuesday, September 20, Allies for Community Business and our partners launched the seventh cohort of the Neighborhood Entrepreneurship Lab (NEL).
NEL was developed in partnership with The Chicago Community Trust and lead donor, Bob Crawford, to provide capital, coaching, and collaboration to entrepreneurs ready for growth. The program pairs small business owners with investors, advisors and strategists who provide intensive assistance as well as introductions to influential contacts within their personal networks. In addition, each entrepreneur receives a $20,000 grant to grow their business.
The Neighborhood Entrepreneurship Lab seventh cohort members include:
- Elias Akwo, Crystal House
- Kendi Amani, Kendi Amani
- Sandtricia Andrews-Strickland, Essential Creations Chicago
- William Azzarello, Midwest Aircraft Detailers
- Kristel Bell, STEM Generation
- Anthony Bellamy, Capital Refrigeration & Equipment Specialists
- Kelly Blake Crawford, Blake Tax Service
- Lashon Burrell, Cajun Cafe Chicago
- Xayah Carter, Harold’s Chicken West Loop
- Tyler Clark, Inspire by Tyler
- Carolyn Fraser, The PR Shoppe
- Alicia Goodwin, Lingua Nigra
- Kendall Griffin, Afro Joe’s Coffee & Tea
- Javier Haro, Food He.ro
- Lauren Herrmann, Lauren Herrmann Photography
- Kirbi Isaac, Kribi Coffee Company
- Amari Jackson, Growing Boundlessly
- Amie Kesler, Carolyn’s Krisps
- Eric Lindsay, Westside Insurance Agency
- Felice Matthews, Green Garden Cafe
- Brenda Nelson, Stitch Me
- Ida Nelson, Ida’s Artisan Ice Cream
- Cristiane Pereira, Mulata Kitchen + Coffee
- Brian Post, G & B Filling Station
- Norvell Tolbert, Norvell’s Photography
- Andre Weaver Jr., Pillars Fashion Club
- Trinisa Williams, Trini’s Tasty Pastries
- Antoinette Wonsey, Hold Your Luggage