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Who we are

Momentum Grounds for Change is the nonprofit arm of Momentum Coffee, Chicago’s Black-owned, community-rooted café network. We are dedicated to building economic ecosystems where local residents—especially Black entrepreneurs—are owners and agents of their community’s prosperity.

Our Mission

To catalyze community-owned economic empowerment by supporting food, retail, construction, and housing enterprises—founded, led, and sustained by residents of the neighborhoods we serve.

Programs

Food Incubator Program

The Momentum Food Incubator Program is designed to help aspiring and early-stage food entrepreneurs turn ideas into sustainable businesses. Through mentorship, practical training, business planning support, and access to real-world industry insight, the program helps participants better understand what it takes to launch, operate, and grow a food-based venture.

Youth Technology and STEM Program

The Youth Technology and STEM Program introduces young people to the tools, skills, and ways of thinking they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. The program is designed to spark curiosity, confidence, and creativity through hands-on learning experiences in technology, digital literacy, innovation, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship.

Community Workshop and Lecture Series

A public education and engagement platform featuring workshops, panels, and talks on entrepreneurship, community development, and issues impacting our neighborhoods. By hosting discussions in accessible community-centered spaces, Momentum Grounds for Change helps turn conversation into action and information into empowerment.

Small Business and Entrepreneurship Program

The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Program supports emerging and existing entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools, and guidance needed to build stronger businesses. This work is especially important for founders who have talent, vision, and community support but limited access to traditional networks and resources. The program reflects our broader mission of fueling equity by helping people move from hustle to structure, from survival to ownership, and from isolated effort to supported growth.

Testimonials

Ahava

This program opened up the door for us on a whole another level to be able to do what we have been wanting to do at our store. A heartfelt thank you so much for opening up this program for people like me and my husband. We've been in business for 10 years and we want to keep it up the momentum for years to come.

FH Jerkgod

This program played a critical role in helping us grow from one restaurant to two within a year, and we are now actively working toward our third. The team was incredible to work with and consistently provided valuable insight that made a real impact. Thank you!

Contact Us

Reach out to us for any general inquiries, details on catering services, collaborations, event space rental, or to explore exciting opportunities to join our team!