Our Biggest Graduation Yet!
We’re still feeling the energy from our Spring 2025 Community Business Academy Graduation where we celebrated a record-breaking 139 entrepreneurs who are building businesses and transforming communities across Chicago
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This month our Alumni Accolades is featuring Jessica House, founder of Just Dip It Tacos, who turned a family legacy and a leap of faith into a thriving food business rooted in community and culture. After being laid off in 2023, she found support through Sunshine Enterprises and hasn’t looked back. Her story is a powerful reminder to trust your purpose and bet on yourself.
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Sunshine Enterprises just celebrated the graduation of a dynamic group from the inaugural JPMC Diverse Developers Program - real estate professionals committed to transforming Chicago’s neighborhoods. With new skills in sustainable building, project planning, and capital access, they’re ready to bring bold visions to life.
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This month our Alumni Accolades features Ora Wardlow, founder of Café 322 Urban Bistro. She joined the Sunshine Enterprises family in 2024 to gain the business knowledge and resources she needed to grow her family-owned catering company. Through the Community Business Academy and one-on-one coaching, she’s developed practical skills like budgeting, business credit building, and industry-specific strategy.
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Our Alumni Accolades this month features Walter Mendenhall who is transforming lives in Chicago through the Male Mogul Initiative, a program dedicated to mentoring and empowering young men of color. With the support of Sunshine Enterprises, Walter gained the financial and business acumen needed to grow his organization and create lasting change. Discover how his journey from the football field to community leadership is shaping the next generation of leaders.
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This Women's History Month, we celebrate the resilience and success of women entrepreneurs, who are shaping the future of business with innovation and determination. At Sunshine Enterprises, where 71% of our alumni are women, we proudly supported the launch, growth, and expansion of hundreds of women-owned businesses. Our staff spotlight shines on Audria Green Hawkins, Director of Recruitment, whose extensive experience in business mentorship and strategic partnerships empowers entrepreneurs daily.
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