Value proposition

Working to bring an end to decades of concentrated poverty on Chicago’s west side.

West Side Forward’s efforts are targeted to ensure that the development of businesses and jobs for the West Side align with the economic growth, development, and jobs of the Chicago region. We believe that it is essential that the economy of the West Side move from one of high levels of government support and low levels of sustainability into the mainstream regional economy, interconnected with the economy of the larger region and producing a net export economy for the West Side.

West Side Forward’s primary investment areas for bringing about community transformation are business development, workforce development, and industrial development advocacy on the West Side of Chicago.

Our Communities
WSF> is particularly focused on Chicago’s West Side which includes Chicago’s Austin, West and East Garfield Park, Humboldt Park, and North Lawndale communities.

We are focused on creating opportunities to bring individuals and families out of poverty and bringing about system and policy changes necessary to lift an entire community out of poverty. We invest in people who are ready to invest in themselves and we impact the systems and policies that dampen the human spirit and prevent communities from thriving.

Our Strategies
*Build a self-sustaining West Side economy that is connected to the larger regional economy.

*Strengthen community capacity to benefit from investment.

*Create opportunities to bring individuals and families out of poverty.

*Support policies and systems that help communities thrive.

Our Services
* Business Development
* Workforce Development
* Chicago Neighborhood Business Development Center

Our Core Programs
* Career Training in Middle Skill Industries
* Business Start-Up Training
* Tech Start-Up Training
* Business Xcelerator


economic development, workforce development, entreprenuership, career training, manufacturing, business development, urban development, and tech entreprenuership