Chicago’s local businesses do more than fuel the economy — they drive meaningful change. From eco-friendly initiatives to job training programs, these purpose-driven enterprises uplift communities and create lasting social impact. Explore the stories behind these impactful businesses — and support their missions by shopping local.
In this article
Chicago restaurants with a mission
Sip of Hope: Grab a cup of coffee with a side of hope. As the world’s first coffee shop where 100% of the proceeds fund suicide prevention and mental health education, Sip of Hope’s goal is to create a safe space for community engagement and break the silence around mental health. Check out their cozy cafes in Logan Square and Hyde Park at the University of Chicago’s Center for Care and Discovery.
TurkeyChop Gourmet Grill: Every meal at TurkeyChop makes a difference. This gourmet grill serves delicious, made-from-scratch dishes like stuffed turkey legs, juicy burgers, and hearty sides — with 25% of every dollar supporting Chicago children and families in need. Order online or stop by the restaurant in Humboldt Park.
Overflow Coffee: Housed in the historic building once home to one of the first African American record companies, this coffee shop and small business incubator provides space for diverse-led initiatives to scale and create connections. Located in the South Loop, stop by for a cup of coffee or attend one of their special events.
Arts and culture with purpose
Kehrein Center for the Arts: Fostering creativity, community, and civic engagement, the Kehrein Center for The Arts is the center of culture and performing arts in the Austin neighborhood. Dedicated to making the arts accessible to everyone, they provide free tickets to local schools, nonprofits, churches, and assisted living facilities. Attend one of the center’s events in Chicago or donate to directly support local performers and sustain cultural enrichment.
Boutiques and brands that give back
Rags of Honor: Rags of Honor in Chicago is a dedicated enterprise that supports veterans through meaningful employment and stability. Shop apparel, coffee, and phone accessories, and help provide access to housing and PTSD treatment. By providing job opportunities and a supportive community, Rags of Honor builds a stable foundation for veterans, honoring their service and empowering them with hope and dignity.
Monarch Thrift Shop: Shop sustainably and support Monarch’s mission. This Avondale shop is where second chances find a home — whether it’s a pre-loved jacket or a job training opportunity that transforms a life. Peruse the curated collection of apparel, furniture, and home decor, knowing that your purchases help support the in-house job training program for individuals facing barriers to employment.
ReStore Chicago: Retail therapy with a purpose. Every purchase helps keep quality home goods out of landfills, funds Habitat for Humanity’s Chicago community initiatives, and offers conscious consumers great finds at discounted prices. Shop for home goods, furniture, and more at two ReStore locations in Chicago.
The Brown Elephant Resale Shops: If you love to hunt for the best vintage finds, check out The Brown Elephant Resale Shops in Andersonville and Northalsted. Shop through the decades for the coolest vintage fashions and home decor. All proceeds support LGBTQ+ healthcare and fund care for the uninsured and under-insured at Howard Brown Health.
BeeLove: BeeLove is a purpose-driven brand that sees the potential in every individual, advocating for dignity and compassion through meaningful employment for those returning from incarceration. At the heart of their product line is 100% raw, urban honey, sourced from Chicagoland’s abundant wildflowers and fruit trees. You can shop BeeLove’s honey products at local boutiques around Chicago or online.
An urban farm for the community
Growing Home: Growing Home Inc. in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood is a USDA-certified organic urban farm and workforce development program. Providing paid job training and affordable produce, Growing Home empowers individuals and strengthens community ties. You can get involved and support its mission by shopping its produce at local Chicago farmers’ markets or volunteering on the farm.
