April 2023
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is more than a buzz word– it’s a must–have, and many entrepreneurs aspire to balance earning a profit while fulfilling a purpose in their business. Join us for a networking event about the history and upcoming trends of social entrepreneurship. Hear from a panel of successful Chicago-based social entrepreneurs Neil Sullivan of Quari Ice, Kate Jakubas of Meliora Cleaning Products, and Brady Gott of Cara Connect's Cleanslate, moderated by ICNC's Jamie Elder, who will speak to the pros and cons from their experiences, so you can determine the right path for you. 
Date: Wednesday, April 19th
Time: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Location: The Hatchery Chicago (135 N. Kedzie Ave.)
“What I love about food is it’s sort of like a love language. I feel like that's the easiest way to make somebody happy,” said Impact Training student Kiara Jones in a recent feature with WTTW. The cohort had the opportunity to share that message during one of the highlights of each Impact student's journey: Mock Service Day. Forty-two guests enjoyed a robust menu of quiche, flatbread, antipasto, caesar salads, and more during the free lunch event on-site at The Hatchery, closing out the students' 8-week kitchen training in late March.
Now, they're off! Each of the six students have begun their their 4-week internships, matched with close culinary partners to gain valuable experience in the restaurant industry. Albert Bailey is with St. Stephen Church and The Hatchery, Callum Radley is with Loaf Lounge, Morgan Walker is with The Hatchery tenant Cajun Cafe Chicago, Kiara Jones is with Luella's Southern Kitchen, Ruben Nava is with Mi Tocaya Antojeria, and Yara Solorzano is with Frontera Grill.
Make City Mentions + The Hatchery Chicago® Headlines
Event
Coalition Strength & Conditioning
News Feature
Carolyn's Krisps
Run through West Town during Coalition Strength & Conditioning's 5K! The run will begin and end at Coalition, taking runners through the neighborhood. The $40 fee includes access to the 5K, a t-shirt, and a complimentary beer at Midwest Coast post run. Sign up to participate.
The 100% plant-based Cheddar Krisps from Carolyn's Krisps were hand-picked as one of Katy Perry's favorite woman-owned snack brands and featured in her Happier Hour gift set with Foxtrot Market. Shop online for the set that's available nationwide.
Award Win
Old Arthur's Barbecue
News Feature
Meliora Cleaning Products
Congratulations to Old Arthur's Barbecue Sauce for having their Spicy BBQ Sauce named first place in the Tomato Spicy Sauce category at the National BBQ & Grilling Association award ceremony! Support Old Arthur's by shopping online.
The Soap Stick Stain Remover from Meliora Cleaning Products won the Real Simple 2023 Cleaning Award for Best Stain Remover! The effective product had rave reviews from testers who praised the use of minimal ingredients. Read the feature.
More News...
Join us and our local industrial retention partners for a job fair! On Thursday, May 11 from 10 AM to 2 PM, manufacturing employers will welcome jobseekers into The Hatchery for interviews and networking to help place them into local positions. If you'd like to be involved or have any questions, connect with Ashlee Krawcyzk, Economic Development and Advocacy Specialist.

Date: Thursday, May 11th
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: The Hatchery Chicago (135 N. Kedzie Ave.)
Connect with Us at Upcoming Classes + Events
How ICNC's Workforce Team Can Support Your Business
The Workforce Development team at ICNC works to provide support, quality, and services that connect a skilled and qualified jobseeker with employment, as well as a variety of labor market services to meet the needs of local businesses.
Free ServSafe Training
Free ServSafe Food Handler (a value of $15) and ServSafe Manager (a $240 value) training is now available. This program is open to all Illinois residents, but priority will go to West and South Side of Chicago residents. Please contact Alicia for more information.
Grow Your Business @ Make City + The Hatchery
Make City - 320 N. Damen
The Hatchery Chicago - 135 N. Kedzie
ICNC's Make City incubator offers a thriving entrepreneurial community and immediate access to ICNC's advising, export, and advocacy services alongside 100 other small, modern urban manufacturing businesses. ICNC supports small businesses and the West Side community through incubation, advocacy, and advising.
The Hatchery Chicago is a non-profit food and beverage incubator dedicated to helping local entrepreneurs build and grow successful businesses through cutting-edge kitchen facilities, entrepreneurship curriculum, partnerships with generous corporate sponsors and foundations to create local job opportunities and accelerate local economic growth.
Check out our partners:
Learn more about the Illinois SBDC at ICNC here. The Illinois Small Business Development Center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, and the Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago (ICNC). Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Please contact the center at (312)433-2373.