Grinders in support of Blackhawks Foundation

Support West

The West Side is our home. We are doing things differently as we partner with our neighbors on the West Side. The Chicago Blackhawks Foundation is investing in long-term, local partnerships, where organizations are led by leaders from these communities and with direct lived experiences that shape their visions for the future.

We launched Support West to create direct partnership with minority-owned small businesses. From creating jobs to creating safe spaces, investing in local businesses is vital to the future of our communities providing the economic backbone of every neighborhood. And what makes the Support West program so unique is that it’s not just about the financial investment. We help each business build their network and match each owner with a mentor from our network to help grow their businesses.

With the generous support of Breakthru, our 2023 cohort included:

• Taylor’s Tacos (with entrepreneurs Taylor and Maya Mason)

• Bitoy’s Sweet Treats (with entrepreneur Layla Bitoy)

• Fatso’s Hard Kitchen (with entrepreneurs Wanda and Freddie Gilmer)

• La Malinche (with entrepreneurs Hector Aguille and Yvette Valdez )

• Cajun Café (with entrepreneur LaShawn Burrell)

• Principle Barbers (with entrepreneur Bobby Price)

Impact by the Numbers

Total Funds Distributed: $127,500

West side residents employed through our Support West businesses: 70+

Because of their Support West grants and business mentorship:

• Taylor’s Tacos has opened their own brick & mortar

• Cajun Café has upgraded to private kitchen space in the Hatchery

• Bitoy’s Sweet Treats has expanded their market into multiple airports and venues such as Wintrust Arena

• La Malinche has been able to do inside and outside space renovations

• 100% of businesses have been able to expand and hire additional staff from west side communities

• 100% of businesses have reported that because of their mentorships they have improved their business plans and/or financial planning

What our Partners are Saying

Taylor Mason, Owner of Taylor’s Tacos: “Support West has changed both our business and personal lives tremendously. We have been able to grow and scale both of our locations through the mentorship and backing of the foundation. I could name a million reasons why support west is so amazing, but one reason sticks out particularly. We were paired with mentors from large scale companies that we aspire to be like. They helped us to understand business terms, strategies, and our financials by breaking functions down in an approachable and granular way. The knowledge received was priceless and we wouldn't have gotten it without the help of #supportwest. We strongly believe that our business is going to flourish because of the help, direction and support of SUPPORT WEST!”

Layla Bitoy, Owner of Bitoy’s Sweet Treats: “The Support West Program is a jump start to reconnecting key organizations to the West Side Community! Through the partnership, we have gained a cash infusion, access to the Chicago Blackhawks network for mentorship, and brand exposure. Most importantly, we have gained a partner that is committed to and shows up for the West Side.”