The Chicago Blackhawks Foundation today announced the Spring cohort of grant recipients through its small business fund, Support West. Support West, which is generously supported by United Airlines and Clorox, provides $5,000 grants to minority-owned small businesses on Chicago's West Side to assist the economic corridors of West Side communities through financial resources, peer and business mentorship, and marketing support.
Five local Black-owned businesses were selected, including:
345 Art Gallery ( www.345artgallery.com/ ) is a beautiful space located in East Garfield Park in the middle of a thriving art community. It was designed to create and showcase art by artists, Chicago Public School students and others as well as provide an aesthetically pleasing multi-purpose space for private events.
Art West ( www.artwestchicago.com/ )curates arts and cultural experiences to elevate the West Side art community. In addition to offering educational workshops, virtual festivals, and curated events, they are responsible for developing the Art West Gallery Tour, which explores local galleries and highlights the rich history and culture of Austin, North Lawndale, East and West Garfield Park.
Bitoy's Sweet Treats ( www.bitoysbrands.com/ ) is one of the few African-American owned gourmet sweet shops serving Chicago, offering hand-crafted gelato, popcorn and confections. Launched in 2015, Bitoy's Sweet Treats builds upon a family legacy of 50+ years in entrepreneurship, economic development and philanthropy.
Muse Coffee Studio ( www.musecoffeestudio.com/ ) is more than a coffee shop. For creatives by trade or creatives at heart, Muse is a place, a setting, a source (and yes, a coffee shop) for the acknowledgement, appreciation, and amplification of culture through creative expression.
Taylor's Tacos ( www.taylorstacoschicago.com/ ) is a pop-up catering company that specializes in authentic street style tacos with a whole lot of soul! It is 100% female, black, and lesbian owned. They believe in curating universal experiences through interaction, connection, and quali-TAY ingredients. Taylor's Tacos truly believes that tacos create community one deliciously good taco at a time.
All five of the newest Support West small businesses will join the Blackhawks at the United Center for the Black History Month game spotlight tonight (Friday, February 25) in a culmination of the monthlong celebration — which featured stories of Black individuals who are making their mark on the Blackhawks organization, the game of hockey and our local neighborhoods.
Atrium doors will open at 5 p.m., where fans can see art come to life in real-time as well as sample tacos, coffee and other bite-sized treats during pregame (subject to change, while supplies last).
The Chicago Blackhawks Foundation looks forward to featuring and awarding additional Support West grant winners in Fall 2022. For more information, visit Blackhawks.com .
