SOCAP Global is the thought leadership platform for the accelerating movement towards a more just and sustainable economy. We convene a global ecosystem and marketplace – social entrepreneurs, investors, foundation and nonprofit leaders, government and policy leaders, creators, corporations, academics, and beyond – through live and digital experiences that educate, spur conversation, and inspire investment in positive impact.
Meet Our SOCAP26 Fellows
SOCAP Global is one of the largest convenings of social impact capital stakeholders, taking place in Chicago from October 12-14 at Convene in Willis Tower. Community Desk Chicago (the Desk) has assembled a cohort of shared ownership projects from across the City of Chicago to participate in the SOCAP26 fellowship program.
Five Chicago-based, community-led organizations advancing innovative approaches to community ownership, economic development, environmental justice, food systems, media, and neighborhood revitalization. These organizations will be joining our CEO, Ja’Net Defell, to raise capital for their projects.
The Desk is excited to participate in the fellowship to raise funds to support our CorridorLive! Development Fund. The fund will support strategic acquisition and redevelopment of projects along commercial corridors that will be owned by the community.
As part of SOCAP26, the Desk and these innovative organizations are bringing investment opportunities to a broader audience of funders, investors, and partners.
Chicago Frontlines Fund (CFF)
Chicago Frontlines Fund (CFF) is a community-rooted funding organization supporting community initiatives that build power and fight for environmental justice.
CFF is seeking $5 million for its Reclaim Fund, which combines technical assistance, predevelopment funding, and blended capital to support community-led projects.
Village of Leaders Thriving in Solidarity (VOLTS)
Village of Leaders Thriving in Solidarity (VOLTS) is building an ecosystem of commercial and residential cooperatives to create community ownership of assets.
To date, VOLTS has incubated four operational cooperatives and is raising $1.25 million to continue expanding cooperative businesses and real estate.
ChiFresh Kitchen
ChiFresh Kitchen is a worker-owned food service cooperative creating healthy meals for large institutional clients.
As part of the VOLTS cooperative ecosystem, ChiFresh is raising $400,000 to grow its worker-owned business.
CrossTreats
CrossTreats is a food manufacturing worker cooperative creating healthy snacks. Its worker-owners are formerly incarcerated individuals, and the cooperative is part of the VOLTS ecosystem.
CrossTreats is seeking $500,000 to expand its manufacturing headquarters and grow its business operations.
Chicago Media Coalition
Chicago Media Coalition brings together four social equity-oriented media organizations, Sisters in Cinema, Full Spectrum Features, Mezcla Media Collective, and Open Television (OTV), to build capacity, share infrastructure, and raise measurement standards for independent film in Chicago.
Chicago Media Coalition is seeking $5 million for its Film Incentive Loan Fund, an innovative funding tool designed to leverage state tax credits for film production.
Fellowship Benefits and Activities
- Free admission to SOCAP26 in October ($1,999 value)
- One-on-one coaching with SOCAP staff for 6-8 weeks leading up to the SOCAP26 conference, including pitch deck feedback
- Pre-conference orientation
- Coordinated connections to potential investors at SOCAP26 to pitch business and project ideas
- Profile featured and highlighted prior to and throughout the conference
Fellow Qualifications
Fellowship cohort members are active shared ownership businesses that are seeking new investments to grow their operations and/or acquire and rehabilitate real estate. These fellows have:
- A shared ownership model, e.g. a worker cooperative or a community investment vehicle, where workers and/or community members have a path to ownership
- An existing for-profit business that is currently generating revenue with potential for investor returns
- Prior experience with engaging and securing investors (Note: Friends and Family Network is eligible)
- Seeking investments – not grants – to expand current operations, add new lines of business, or acquire/rehabilitate real estate
- Legal entity based in Chicago
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