I grew up on the South Side. I’m opening my bakery in Avalon Park because I see the opportunity and believe small businesses can thrive. – Maya Camille Broussard, Justice of the Pies

“The Desk isn’t only about supporting community projects. It’s also about driving more investment and unlocking the potential of Chicago neighborhoods.” – Charlie Corrigan, JPMorgan Chase & Co

Black entrepreneurs and small developers are often excluded from investment opportunities. The Desk advocates to change that.” – Deon Lucas, E.G. Woode

“The Desk isn’t only about supporting community projects. It’s also about driving more investment and unlocking the potential of Chicago neighborhoods.” – Charlie Corrigan, JPMorgan Chase & Co.

“Systemic change to traditional capital sources is critical to wealth-building and strengthening communities of color. – Lyneir Richardson, Chicago TREND

“As a worker co-op, we believe locally-owned businesses are a critical component to neighborhood wealth-building and revitalization. ChiFresh Kitchen Camille Kerr, ChiFresh Kitchen

All Chicago residents deserve to live in healthy and holistic communities with access to jobs, education, housing, retail and other baseline amenities. In Black and Latinx neighborhoods, financial resources to support community development and revitalizations are often difficult to obtain.

Community Desk Chicago works with nonprofits, community developers and entrepreneurs to assemble the necessary capital, expertise and other resources to increase real estate development in their neighborhoods that promote a high quality of life and provide wealth-building opportunities. 

Celebrating the launch of The Desk! 

News & Announcements

Spotlight on Humboldt Park

Our July 2023 issue of Deskside, our regular newsletter, was devoted to Humboldt Park, one of three communities chosen to participate in our Neighborhood Developers Initiative (NDI). Let’s learn more about the leaders, organizations, and efforts happening in Humboldt...

Spotlight on Englewood

Our May 2023 issue of Deskside, our regular newsletter, was devoted to Englewood, one of three communities chosen to participate in our Neighborhood Developers Initiative (NDI). Let’s learn more about the leaders, organizations, and efforts happening in Englewood...

Spotlight on South Shore

Our March 2023 issue of Deskside, our regular newsletter, was devoted to South Shore, one of the three communities chosen to participate in our Neighborhood Developer Initiative (NDI). Over the next few months, we will shine a light on NDI leaders and the great work...