Driving Economic Equity

We offer people, particularly women of color, with job skills training, financial sustainability, and asset acquisition to help close the racial wealth gap.

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Breedlove Entrepreneurship Center

Breedlove Accelerator is a YWCA Metropolitan Chicago program supporting later-stage women of color entrepreneurs who are the majority owners of their businesses, have at least 2 years of experience running their business, and have annual revenues of $100,000+ that are undercapitalized. We believe that with adequate funding and support, all entrepreneurs can have a catalytic impact on the communities they serve.

Black Women are the fastest growing segment of entrepreneurs with over 1.5M businesses – an increase of 322% since 1997.

Our Program

Participating business owners will have access to the support services, resources, networks and funding that will give them the tools to realize their business goals, scale their businesses, and, ultimately, to create the true economic development impact that’s vital to the health and sustainability of the communities they serve. Our program includes:

  • Classroom instruction for 10-weeks

  • Business advisor mentorship

  • Access to capital

The Problem

Funding Disparity:

  • 70% of women who seek business funding are denied.

  • 3% of the $23.2 billion in business loans went to Black-led businesses in 2019.

  • 0.0006% is the amount Black women founders received from venture capital dollars in 2018. Women in general received only 2.2%.

Quick Stats:

  • The number of Black women-founded startups has more than doubled since 2016.

  • Black women represent 42% of the new women-owned businesses. This is 3x their share of the female population.

  • Business Growth Between 2014-2019: 21%=All women; 43%=Women of color; 50%=Black women

Yet, despite these significant increases, Black women continue to experience a disproportionate lack of resources to support their businesses.

Expected Outcomes:

  • Growth: 60% will receive capital injection to support key organizational growth strategies

  • Financial assistance: Participants will be connected with public programs that provide grants or financial assistance to target businesses

  • Community impact: Contribute to community economic development by increasing number of employees

  • Profitability: 100% will increase revenues throughout program with a focus on M&A and strategic partnerships

  • Sustainability: All participating businesses will remain in operation and will develop succession plans

Partnership Opportunities:

Program Support:

  • Supplement training curriculum with specialized content (ex. Education on financial management and/or investment strategies)

  • Share network and relevant resources to advance targeted outcomes 

  • Help us sustain and expand program by connecting us with other potential funders

  • Assist with development of capital fund

Mentorship:

  • Provide one-on-one or group coaching and mentorship to participating entrepreneurs

Sources:

For more information on joining this program as a participant, please contact Cheryl Hudson-Jackson at
cheryl.hudson-jackson@ywcachicago.org.

For more information on supporting this program with an investment or contribution, please contact Emily Dreke at emily.dreke@ywcachicago.org. 

Thank you to our strategic partners!

CONSTRUCT

CONSTRUCT@YWCAChicago is a 6 or 11-week training program that addresses basic skills in fundamental construction knowledge, general work readiness, mathematics, and financial management in the context of preparing for careers in the construction or utility sectors. To learn more about this program, please contact Judith Scott at judith.scott@ywcachicago.org.

Location
YWCA Laura Parks and Mildred Francis Center

All materials and tools provided.

Additional Project Offerings:

  • Limited transportation assistance

  • Opportunity to spend the day at a worksite to learn more about the work

  • Employment coaching and job placement assistance

  • Post-employment support

Candidate Requirements:

  • Female & Male, age 18 yrs. and older

  • High school diploma or GED

  • Birth Certificate

  • Must be able to pass multiple drug screenings

  • Must be able to pass a background check

  • Have reliable transportation to travel locally

  • Possess a clean driving record

Program Benefits:

  • Higher pay. Average first-year wages range from $14 – $20 per hour. With additional experience and training, a woman can earn as much as $45.00 per hour.

  • Paid benefits such as health insurance, vacation/sick leave, and retirement.

  • Construction jobs offer advanced employee training as well as on-the-job training.

  • Network with Employer Partners weekly

Typical Entry-Level Jobs:

  • Utility Line Locator/ Damage Prevention Technician

  • Utility Construction Laborer

  • Field Technician

  • General Utility Worker

What do I need to be successful?

  • Must possess good math and reading skills

  • Must be able to work outdoors and in all types of weather conditions

  • Must be able to work in confined spaces, walk, bend, and lift up to 75 pounds

News

YWCA Chicago launches job placement academy for women and minorities (Courtesy ABC 7 Chicago)

Sponsored By:

Transportation, Distribution & Logistics

The Partnership’s Transportation, Distribution and Logistics (TDL) Center is a preeminent bridge that connects industry employers to locally skilled talent. It serves the industry by offering a menu of training and talent acquisition services that meets both the employer’s and the candidate’s needs. The Transportation, Distribution and Logistics Sector Center is a Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) Center.

Training Offered by the TDL Sector Center

On-The-Job Training

On-The-Job Training (OJT) is a “hire-first” program in which the employer enters into an agreement to hire, train, and retain the individual upon successful completion of the training program.

Through this program, businesses may be reimbursed for up to 75% of the new employee’s wages and the extraordinary costs of the training.

ABOUT ON-THE-JOB TRAINING

On-The-Job Training (OJT) assists with the costs of training new employees. It also provides access to a workforce with the skills necessary to sustain and grow their businesses and a regional economy.

OJT Provides:

  • Hands on training

  • Payment to offset training costs

  • Opportunity to train employees your way

  • Investment in your company

HOW ON-THE-JOB TRAINING WORKS

OJT provides employers with a way to have new employees gain specific skills and employment competencies. This is accomplished through work tasks, tools and methods of a specific job or exposure in an actual work setting, to the processes, group of jobs.

  • We match qualified applicants with approved job openings

  • We design a training plan that meets your needs

  • You are reimbursed for the cost of training during the OJT period

ON-THE-JOB TRAINING IS IDEAL FOR BUSINESSES THAT:

  • Operate year round

  • Enjoy low employee turnover

  • Pay an hourly wage or salary equal to or more than minimum wage

  • Realize the benefits of investing in their employees

  • Employ numerous workers with the same or similar functions

BUSINESSES BENEFIT THROUGH INCREASED...

  • Employee skills

  • Productivity and growth of the company

  • Profits

  • Competitiveness

  • Employee Retention

BUSINESSES RECEIVE...

  • Access to customized hands-on training

  • Reimbursement to offset training costs

EMPLOYEES BENEFIT THROUGH INCREASED...

  • Marketable skills

  • Possibility for higher wages

  • Job security

  • Promotional opportunities

  • Job retention

BUSINESSES MAY QUALIFY IF:

  • They represent a regionally defined target industry

  • Training is needed for one or more of the following:

    • Prevent job loss caused by obsolete skills, technological change, or national/global competition

    • Create, update, or retain hobs in a labor demand occupation

    • Update or retain jobs while not in a demand occupation, require training to prevent the likely loss of a job

TO SEE IF THE COMPANY QUALIFIES

Contact the Department of Commerce Workforce representative to get help with:

  • Determining if the company meets the qualifications for using incumbent worker training

  • Connecting to an experienced trainer

  • Designing a customized incumbent worker training

Candidate requirements:

  • Must be 18-24 years old

  • High school diploma or GED required

  • Must pass a drug screening

  • Background check required*

For more information, contact Beatrice Siler at beatrice.siler@ywcachicago.org or complete this online contact form. 

*If you have a criminal record, we determine eligibility for our program on a case by case basis.

Customized Training

Customized training can help an employer or group of employers meet their unique needs for skilled workers by providing a 50% reimbursement of the training cost associated with a new or recently hired employee. In limited circumstances, customized training may be available for existing employees.

BUSINESSES BENEFIT THROUGH INCREASED...

  • Productivity

  • Employee skills

  • Employee retention

BUSINESSES RECEIVE TRAINING THAT IS...

  • Tailored to the industry need

  • Delivered in a time frame and location convenient to the business and employee

  • Reimbursable up to 50% of the cost

BUSINESSES MAY QUALIFY IF THEY:

  • Commit to hire or retain persons who successfully complete the customized training program

  • Have worker not earning a self-sufficient wage and need training in one of the following:

    • The introduction by the employer of new technologies

    • The introduction to new production or service procedures

    • Upgrading to new jobs that require additional skills/workplace literacy

TO SEE IF THE COMPANY QUALIFIES:

Contact your local Illinois workNet Center or the Department of Commerce Workforce representative to help with determining if the company meets the qualifications for using customized training.

Our agency is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.​

Funding for this program is made possible through a grant provided by the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership. This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. For more information, please visit ChiCookWorks.org/DOL-Funding.

Sponsored By:

Fifty+

FIFTY+ is a new program specifically designed to help women age 50 and older enter or re-enter the workforce. Research shows that older women face special challenges in their job search.  But we also know that age plus experience equals success!

Funder

The program is offered monthly to cohorts of 10-15 women who meet twice per week for two weeks. Through a targeted mix of intensive coaching and training, participants will:

  • identify areas of career interest

  • update their resumes

  • practice interviewing skills

  • learn or improve computer skills; and,

  • develop a plan for finding work and establishing careers.

A new cohort begins every month at our various Southside and West Side locations. Please call Erin Vaughn at (773) 496-5624 for details.

To apply, click here. For more information, click here to contact Erin Vaughn via email.

Career Services

YWCA Metropolitan Chicago works with our career services partners and other local experts to bring the highest quality education to our members. Training provided includes:

  • Designing Your Career Plan

  • Resume Writing

  • Interview Coaching

  • Job Club

  • Industry-Specific Career Preparation

  • Job Readiness

  • Developing Your Brand

For information about upcoming career services training, please email jobs@ywcachicago.org.

Digital Literacy

YWCA Innovation & Technology Institute (ITI) boasts state-of-the-art technology facilities designed to help you expand and strengthen your business and personal computer skills. We offer a wide variety of free and low-fee classes for individuals seeking to start new careers, change careers, or grow personal interests. We are an authorized certification testing center for Certiport, the administrator of industry recognized technology certification testing.

After you’ve completed our registration form, you will have access to our online training. Register here: bit.ly/YWCATechReg 

Schedule

  • The training calendar is updated monthly on our events page. 

Additional Course Information

  • Digital Literacy Basics: This is a beginning class in Digital Literacy concepts for those new to computers. Concepts such as types of computers, parts of a computer system, using USB flash drives, and more.

  • Internet Basics: This is a beginning class in accessing and efficiently utilizing the internet. We explain the role of web browsers, search engines, bookmarks, tabs, and more. We also cover being safe on the internet and how to avoid viruses, phishing schemes, and more.

  • MS Windows Basics: Our Windows Basics class will get you started with such tasks as finding, copying, and deleting files from your hard drive or USB flash drive, how to access the internet, how to search for and launch programs (apps), and much more.

  • MS Excel II & MS Word II: Intermediate level topics in MS Excel or MS Word will be covered. Some previous exposure to MS Excel or MS Word is preferred.

  • MS Excel 209 MOS: Are you finally ready to take, and pass, the Excel Microsoft Office Specialist certification exam? We have live, in-person classes to assist you. We cover all of the topics on the Excel 2019 MOS exam, provide practice exercises, and also assist you with practice tests.

  • YW Tech Lab Web Design Program: Instructor-led recap, question-and-answer session, and further instructions for the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript Web Design Program. Participants must apply/ register in advance for this program.

  • SBDC Tech: Excel for Business - MS Excel topics relevant to small-business owners will be covered. Learn how to use Excel to keep track of revenue and expenses. Also, use Excel’s list capabilities to keep track of customers and/or inventory.

  • SBDC Tech: Build a Customer Database with MS Access - Business owners, are you tired of trying to keep track of your customers, products, and even sales, in a MS Word document, or Excel spreadsheet? An Access Database is the most proficient way to store, retrieve, and edit your data. Access also makes it easy to create reports based upon your data. Access normally comes with the MS Office suite, so you probably already have it. It’s time to start using it.

  • Beginning Spanish: Have you wanted to learn to speak Spanish, but could not find an affordable, live course? Well this month we resume our Beginning Spanish classes.

Contact
Gregory Vaughn
Email: gregory.vaughn@ywcachicago.org
Phone: 773-496-5634

Location
Chicago’s South Side at YWCA Parks Francis Center
Chicago’s West Side at Julian Grace ITI

The ITI is equipped with:
Wi-Fi Access
24 desktop computer stations
Four lobby stations

Leasing
To hold your own classes at our Parks Francis or Patterson McDaniel locations, please contact us for a vendor leasing agreement.

STRATEGIC PARTNERS

Financial Inclusion and Housing Access and Sustainability

YWCA Metropolitan Chicago works with our financial services partners and other local experts to bring the highest quality financial education and housing services to our members, regardless of race, income, gender identity, or family situation. Our financially inclusive suite of programs offer one-on-one coaching and training on the following: credit repair, budgeting, home-buying, foreclosure prevention, rental counseling, and homelessness prevention. Services can be accessed at our YWCA Laura Parks and Mildred Francis Center or scheduled on demand.

If you are ready to own your own home or are considering buying a home someday, attend one of our monthly homebuyer education workshops or schedule a meeting with a HUD Certified Housing Counselor.

If you are in a situation where you are looking for trustworthy financial advice, experiencing hardship, homelessness, on the verge of eviction, or feel you are struggling to make your rent or mortgage payments, please reach out to us. Call to schedule an appointment with an experienced HUD Certified Housing Counselor free of charge at 312-328-0873.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Our Financial Management program helps our clients achieve long-term financial success, no matter what life stage they are in and regardless of income. Our financial coaches use a proven approach to take our clients from financially surviving to thriving. As a result of our program, individuals and families experience the following positive results:

  • Learn practical budgeting tools and techniques for better money management

  • Improve credit rating and decrease debts

  • Begin a realistic savings plan for future goals

  • Increase awareness to avoid identity theft, predatory loans, and scams

  • Understand financial options for home ownership, refinancing, or renting

  • Increase financial knowledge and skills

  • Apply skills to personal financial lives and share with the community

HOMEBUYER EDUCATION

Once upon a time, buying a home was simple. Today, the game has changed. Whether you’re buying for the first time or the fifth, you need to be savvy and proactive.

With YWCA Metropolitan Chicago’s Homebuyer Education, you can be. It’s not just about buying a home—it’s about staying in it. Research shows that informed homebuyers are successful homeowners. Join us on the path to becoming mortgage ready.

Homebuyer Group Education and Certificate

We offer homebuyer education workshops twice per month. Choose from a full-day Saturday session from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm or a two-part evening session that occurs on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Register HERE to attend a monthly session. Either six hour session (Saturday or Wednesday/Thursday) must be followed with 2 hours of one-on-one counseling to receive your Homebuyer Education Certificate. The certificate, provided to you or your lender, is required to qualify for various down payment and closing cost assistance programs.

If you would like to take a course on your own terms, try the self-paced course online with eHome America. eHome America is the only online homebuyer course designed by experts in online learning. It’s comprehensive, so you’ll have all the facts you need to navigate every step of the buying process. And you can learn when, where, and how you like. Please contact us to learn more about eHome America.

Home Ownership Counseling

Attending our workshop is just a start! You’ll need one-on-one coaching in order to receive an Action Plan that will map out how to achieve this very important goal. One-on-one coaching assists with preparing a monthly spending plan, improving credit scores, building savings, determining readiness and purchase affordability.

One-on-one coaching may be scheduled after attending the Homebuyer Education Workshop. Coaching may take place in person or over the phone. All services are free of charge but require registration with the YWCA as a client. Required documents are: Government issued ID, bank statements, budget worksheet, and paystubs.

POST-PURCHASE COUNSELING

Now that you’ve achieved the dream of purchasing your own home, let’s make sure you are able to prepare for, prevent, and rebound from any financial challenges that might arise. Post purchase counseling guides clients through homeownership by providing them with information and resources on property taxes, insurance, refinancing, equity loans, property rehabilitation, upkeep and maintenance.

Clients understand the following: how to protect and maintain your home, budgeting tools to create a post-purchase spending plan, preventative maintenance procedures, resources for home improvements and repairs, and property taxes and insurance.

Predatory Lending Counseling/Mortgage Modification and Mortgage Scam Assistance

The number of foreclosures resulting from inappropriate or predatory loans are reduced by understanding the types of home loans available and what’s the most affordable loan for your specific financial situation. Clients are educated about deceptive mortgage relief and foreclosure rescue companies and taught how to report such activities to appropriate authorities for investigation.

FORECLOSURE PREVENTION COUNSELING

Foreclosures and serious delinquencies cause high levels of economic stress for mortgage servicers, investors, and borrowers, and threaten the stability of our neighborhoods. The YWCA’s foreclosure prevention program assists clients who are in imminent default, facing foreclosure or in post-foreclosure through various programs offered by the federal government as well as bank and investor programs. The Housing Counselor works with you and the lender to address the mortgage arrearage and can assist homeowners with preparing and submitting a loan modification package to their lender.

For senior citizens, we offer reverse mortgage counseling. A reverse mortgage allows homeowners aged 62+ to convert a portion of their home equity into cash while they continue to live at home — provided certain loan obligations are met. If you or an older adult you know is considering a reverse mortgage, you must receive counseling from a government-approved agency. Contact our office to learn more about this service at 312-328-0873.

Reverse mortgage counseling can be completed over the phone or in person. Reverse mortgage counselors will explain how reverse mortgages work, including payment options, costs, tax implications, benefits, and drawbacks.

You should consider mortgage delinquency, reverse mortgage, and/or default resolution counseling if you are in any of the following situations:

· Have not missed a mortgage payment but are concerned that you may miss future payments

· Behind on mortgage payments

· Received a notice of foreclosure

· Having trouble communicating with your mortgage lender

RENTAL COUNSELING (RENTAL ASSISTANCE)

Families struggling to keep up with rent and utility costs are often living one emergency or misstep away from losing their housing. In some instances, some families wait until they are already obligated to a lease to seek rental counseling, however rental counseling should occur prior to signing a lease.

Housing counseling agencies play an essential role in reducing evictions by:

· Helping clients identify an affordable unit

· Providing information to renters on tenant rights and fair housing issues

· Counseling on household budgeting and good rental practices

· Connecting clients with community resources

If you are seeking support for listing of affordable housing properties, interested to learn budgeting tools and techniques to help with managing credit and knowing your Fair Housing Rights, need assistance to resolve landlord and tenant disputes, how to report unsafe building conditions and costs associated with rental housing, rental counseling is offered on demand. Please contact our office at 312-328-0873. Proof of income and state-issued ID is required for rental counseling.

Hours of operation:
M-Tu: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
W: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Th-F: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Neighborhood Business Development Center

YWCA Metropolitan Chicago is funded in part by a grant from the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer (BACP) through its Neighborhood Business Development Center Program. BACP ensures a fair and vibrant marketplace for both businesses and consumers; it also licenses business and public vehicles, provides business education and access to resources, enforces the Chicago Municipal Code, and protects consumers from fraud. For more information about BACP and the many services it offers, visit https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bacp.html.

The YWCA has an expertise in offering guidance as a Business Stage Specialist for our community. Our services help entrepreneurs and business owners grow or sustain their small businesses.

Business Stage Specialist

We provide targeted support for one, or more, of the following business stages:

(1) Pre-start-up and start-up;
(2) Growth and establishment;
(3) Maturity and exit/conversion.

We identify barriers to growth and utilize our networks and relationships to introduce clients to new markets. Additionally, we provide support in the development of general business acumen and assistance with (i.e. directly or via a referral partner) fundamental operational activities.

YWCA Metropolitan Chicago NBDC Contact Information:
SBDC@ywcachicago.org

City Public Official (Alderman) and Ward Information:
Citywide

The YWCA is committed to helping you grow your small business by providing you the tools to support your entrepreneurial journey!

We are prepared to assist you with the following:

  • Business-to-business networking opportunities

  • Employment and workforce development assistance

  • Consumer marketing assistance

  • Connecting your business to the local community

  • Information about a particular neighborhood

  • Getting a new small business started

  • Troubleshooting City-related issues for small businesses

  • Connecting businesses to financial resources

We offer services in the following language: English

Small Business Development Center

Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity)

In concert with the Economic Empowerment Services of the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) strives to provide a hub for the support of small business owners and entrepreneurs. Interested in becoming a client? Click here and select “New Client”.

Virtual Business Master Plan Course

Our course is taught by business experts who cover the following essential elements of the business plan: Executive Summary, Company Description, Target Market, Competitive Analysis, Operations/Management, and Financials. Master Plan is offered twice a year.

For more information, please email sbdc@ywcachicago.org.

This service is also supported by:

Streetwise

StreetWise exists to elevate marginalized voices and provide opportunities for individuals to earn an income with dignity. Anyone who wants to work has the opportunity to move themselves out of crisis.  StreetWise provides “a hand up, not a handout.” Click here to learn more about StreetWise.