Located in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood, Sunshine Enterprises has a long history of driving entrepreneurship and small business development through its own cohorts as well as selected partnerships. Having graduated 1,000 new entrepreneurs through its primary program, Sunshine Enterprises is launching two new initiatives to foster further entrepreneurial activity throughout various communities in Chicago.

Starting September 9th, Sunshine Enterprises will launch its first cohort geared specifically towards tech-centric entrepreneurs. Focusing around efforts such as digital media, app development, web design, and social media, this aspect of Sunshine Enterprise’s Community Business Academy will provide the tools and fundamentals for entrepreneurs starting a tech-based business. As part of this cohort, entrepreneurs will learn how to negotiate the challenges of developing a tech business as well as learn how to appropriately scale their efforts. With consistent concerns about a “digital divide” in Chicago, Sunshine Enterprises is making a strong effort to drive tech-based business efforts and foster stronger community-based business development.

Sunshine Enterprises has also announced that their Terra Firma program is now part of their Fall cohort sessions. Thanks to help from Emerald South, the Terra Firma initiative works with landscaping, horticulture, and art activation businesses and three small business development centers (South Shore Chamber, YWCA, and Build Bronzeville) to provide the resources and tools to launch and scale these businesses to beautify Chicago with specific focus on the city’s South Side. Focusing on the three Rs (Restore, Reinvest, and Renew), Sunshine Enterprises will collaborate with Greencorps Chicago around training and workforce development for these businesses. Modeled on the Philadelphia LandCare program, Terra Firma seeks to reflect Philadelphia’s results, including

• increased home/land values by average $41,000
• reduced gun violence by 29%
• decreased feelings of depression by 69%
• employed 22 minority/women-owned contractors w/ 300 local hires
• 10% of sites developed into new uses

If you are interested in participating in one of Sunshine Enterprise’s cohorts, consider attending one of their community information sessions or contact them directly. Driving community-based entrepreneurship has been at the forefront of Sunshine Enterprises’ mission, and seeing that mission expand provides a well-needed sense of optimism.

Have questions or comments? Please leave them below or join the conversation via our Facebook page. Contact us directly if you know a community organization doing great work but needs some additional exposure.

As always, thanks for reading!