About Us
About the Chamber
About the Chamber
Rooted in legacy, love, and leadership, the Chi North Lawndale Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to revitalizing our community through unity and economic power. We support and empower local businesses with initiatives like our Local Vendors Workshop, SBAC|Empower Mentorship Program, free 30-minute business consultations, and grant writing assistance (admin fees included).
With the proud support of Alderwoman Monique L. Scott, State Senator Lakesia Collins, State Representative Yolanda Morris, and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, we are leading a historic movement—organizing the 1st Annual Juneteenth Liberty & Justice for All Parade and building programs focused on workforce development, returning citizens, community safety, and business accessibility for our disabled community.
We are committed to strategic economic development throughout the 24th Ward—investing in our business corridors, attracting capital, and driving commercial revitalization that uplifts local entrepreneurs and anchors long-term community wealth.
Join us for bi-monthly networking events, connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, and be part of the movement that is reshaping North Lawndale—where our history fuels our future!
Under Construction & Membership Pause
As we continue moving forward together, the Chi North Lawndale Chamber of Commerce wants to speak directly to our community with clarity and purpose.
Now that we have the businesses, we take this short time to focus on their administrative and internal capacity. Focusing on funding and capital access. At City, County, and State Levels.
Thank You Again & See You Soon for our yearly open membership season in September!
"EVERYBODY EATS"
As we continue moving forward together, the Chi North Lawndale Chamber of Commerce wants to speak directly to our community with clarity and purpose.
North Lawndale is rich in people, talent, and possibility. Our message is simple: we want everyone to win. When opportunity is structured right, investment is intentional, and community voice is respected—not just heard—"Everybody Eats".
The Chamber exists to be an anchor for that vision. Not a dependency model, but an empowerment model—building leadership, sharing access, and ensuring economic growth benefits the people who live and work here.
Leadership matters, especially in community development, education, and civic engagement. That is why the Chamber organizes committees to help protect our community from being overlooked or taken advantage of, and to ensure residents are informed and prepared when decisions are made about our neighborhood.
Civic power is central to this work. There is no voice without a vote. The Chamber serves as a Deputy Registrar institution because voting is one of the strongest tools our community has to protect itself, influence policy, and demand accountability. Economic power and civic power must move together.
We also extend love and comfort to every family navigating loss or hardship this season. You are not alone. This community stands together.
As we look ahead, we invite you to stay connected, stay engaged, and consider stepping into leadership—because the future of North Lawndale is strongest when we build it together.
With gratitude and purpose,
Join the Movement. Build Power. Everybody Eats.
The Chi North Lawndale Chamber of Commerce is bringing together business owners, entrepreneurs, faith leaders, and community advocates who believe in ownership, opportunity, and collective growth. If you’re ready to strengthen North Lawndale through collaboration, civic engagement, and economic leadership, this is your seat at the table.
Scan the code, get connected, and be part of the work that ensures Everybody Eats.
Entrepreneurship & Fundraising Committee
🌟 Introducing Our New Entrepreneurship & Fundraising Committee Chair! 🌟
The CHI North Lawndale Chamber of Commerce is proud to introduce Chantrelle Cross as the Entrepreneurship & Fundraising Committee Chair.
As a successful entrepreneur, mentor, and community leader, Chantrelle has dedicated her career to helping businesses grow, strengthening financial literacy, supporting entrepreneurs, and creating meaningful opportunities throughout our community.
In this leadership role, she will help expand business resources, cultivate strategic partnerships, identify new funding opportunities, and lead initiatives that strengthen North Lawndale's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Please join us in congratulating Chantrelle as she helps lead the next chapter of growth for our Chamber and our business community.
📧 cc@northlawndalechamberofcommerce.com
🌐 northlawndalechamberofcommerce.com
Together, we build businesses. Together, we build community.
Everybody Eats.
Education Committee
Land-Use & Agriculture Committee
The Land-Use & Agriculture Committee of the Chi North Lawndale Chamber of Commerce (CNLCC) is dedicated to advancing responsible land development, neighborhood revitalization, and sustainable agriculture throughout North Lawndale. The committee promotes productive use of vacant land, supports community gardens and urban farming, encourages responsible development, and advocates for equitable access to housing, green space, and economic opportunities. By bringing together residents, developers, businesses, and public partners, the committee works to transform underutilized properties into assets that strengthen the community and build long-term neighborhood wealth.
Meet the Chair: Lillian Holden
Lillian Holden serves as Chair of the Chi North Lawndale Chamber of Commerce Land-Use & Agriculture Committee. A dedicated community leader with a passion for neighborhood revitalization and environmental stewardship, Lillian is committed to helping shape a healthier, more sustainable North Lawndale. She works to foster partnerships that support responsible land use, urban agriculture, community beautification, and economic development while ensuring residents have a voice in the future growth and preservation of their community. Under her leadership, the committee is focused on cultivating opportunities that improve quality of life and create lasting community impact.
📧 lillian@northlawndalechamberofcommerce.com
🌐 northlawndalechamberofcommerce.com
Together, we teach agriculture . Together, we build a Community Land Trust .
Everybody Eats.
Grant Writing Team
The Grant Writing Team of the Chi North Lawndale Chamber of Commerce (CNLCC) is committed to expanding access to funding that drives sustainable economic and community development. The committee identifies local, state, federal, and private funding opportunities; develops competitive grant proposals; and provides strategic support to businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions, and community partners. Through collaboration, technical assistance, and capacity building, the committee helps organizations secure the resources needed to launch programs, expand services, create jobs, and strengthen North Lawndale's long-term economic future.
Meet the Grant Writing Leadership Team
The Grant Writing Committee is led by a collaborative team of experienced professionals dedicated to bringing investment and opportunity to North Lawndale.
Denita Sanders, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Chi North Lawndale Chamber of Commerce, provides strategic leadership and oversees grant development initiatives that align with the Chamber's mission of community wealth-building, economic development, and organizational growth.
Chantrelle Cross, Entrepreneurship & Fundraising Chair, specializes in fundraising strategy, partnership development, and resource cultivation. She works to build relationships with public and private funders while helping businesses and nonprofits position themselves for long-term sustainability.
Genese Blanchard, an Early Education Executive and nonprofit leader, contributes expertise in grant writing, program development, educational initiatives, and outcome-based program design. Her experience strengthens the committee's ability to develop impactful proposals that support youth, families, workforce development, and community advancement.
Together, the committee works to secure funding that transforms ideas into action, expands opportunity, and builds a stronger, more resilient North Lawndale through strategic investment and collaborative leadership.
📧 info@northlawndalechamberofcommerce.com
🌐 northlawndalechamberofcommerce.com
Together, we engage parents and community . Together, we build better education in community.
Everybody Eats.
Education Committee
The Education Committee of the Chi North Lawndale Chamber of Commerce (CNLCC) is committed to strengthening educational opportunities for students, families, educators, and the broader community. Through collaboration with schools, higher education institutions, businesses, nonprofits, and community stakeholders, the committee works to advance academic achievement, workforce readiness, financial literacy, career exploration, and lifelong learning. Its mission is to ensure that education serves as a catalyst for economic mobility, community development, and generational success throughout North Lawndale.
Meet the Chair: Genese Blanchard
Genese Blanchard serves as Chair of the Chi North Lawndale Chamber of Commerce Education Committee. A lifelong North Lawndale resident, devoted mother, and experienced educator, Genese brings a deep understanding of the community's educational landscape and a passion for student success. She is committed to building meaningful partnerships that connect education with workforce development, entrepreneurship, and family engagement while helping create opportunities that empower the next generation of leaders in North Lawndale.
📧 genese@northlawndalechamberofcommerce.com
🌐 northlawndalechamberofcommerce.com
Together, we engage parents and community . Together, we build better education in community.
Everybody Eats.
"Everybody Eats"
"Being the Change"
"Everybody Eats"
"Being the Change"
"Everybody Eats"
"Being the Change"