Our clients

In Roseland’s 60628 zip code, the housing vacancy rate stands at 19.37%, more than double the Chicago average of 9.59%. That reality is what drives Certified Property Solutions, a business dedicated to preserving and beautifying vacant properties while creating opportunity for local residents. Founded by Jim Williams, Certified Property Solutions began as a side job and grew into a business that now services 70–90 properties each year, all within Roseland. Jim employs local residents and, through the Community Assistance Program (CAPS), seasonally mentors 15–20 neighborhood teenagers, teaching them responsibility, job skills, and the confidence to pursue bigger dreams.

His commitment goes further. Jim launched Green Teens Solutions, a nonprofit that equips youth ages 12–16 with landscaping and property maintenance skills, from handling chainsaws to operating riding mowers. Through both ventures, Jim is not only restoring properties but also investing in people, helping to break the cycle of underinvestment that has long plagued Roseland.

With Southside Market and Café Cooperative, Mabel Shiu, Marcea Lewis, and Pat Harper have transformed a corner store at 79th and Vernon, bringing new energy and opportunity to the community. This collectively owned micro-grocery holds fresh market pop-ups and convenes a Co-op Board. Southside Market has already begun hiring community members, with Lauren Travis joining the team as General Manager.

In Chatham’s 60619 zip code, where food insecurity affects 18.5% of residents—nearly double the 10.4% rate in the Loop—Southside Market and Café Cooperative is stepping up to close the gap. With a grand opening scheduled for Fall 2025, the cooperative grocery, café, and delivery service will provide healthy, affordable food to at least 400 families per month. Southside Market will strengthen the community by hiring locally and offering residents opportunities for ownership, ensuring it is rooted in the community and led by people it serves. Southside Market is a model for community-led solutions to food insecurity.

Keshanna Milsap has spent her life nurturing young learners. After nearly two decades in gifted education, she pursued her longtime dream of opening a childcare center, one that would blend early learning with creativity and community. That dream became Kreating Young Minds, an early education center on Chicago’s South Side dedicated to cultivating brilliance through STEAM. Serving children from infancy through elementary age.

“GAC’s bridge loan support has been amazing—it gave me the courage and resources to bring this dream to life. Your investment means more than money. It’s belief in our mission and in me.”

GAC’s funding helped close the final gap: through their funding, I was able to secure IP protection, select the right vendor, and even fly out to see the production live. “It gave me the final key I needed to cross the finish line”

But the impact wasn’t just financial. “It helped instill belief in myself. When I launched Talk, my personal world had hit rock bottom. But the encouragement I received confirmed that when you do good, it will return to you.”

- Nicole Sain, TrnscndWellness™

With support from Greenwood Archer Capital, LeVar was able to streamline operations, pursue larger development opportunities and expand JLJ’s workforce initiatives. His projects create affordable housing and jobs - and his vision is reshaping what’s possible in underinvested communities.

“GAC didn’t just give us funding. They walked the site. They met the apprentices. They believed in the vision. They want to grow with us.”

- LeVar Love, Founder, JLJ Management

Support from GAC helped Tiffany purchase essential equipment, get her credit in order and scale strategically. “It allowed me to continue and turn what was a project into a scalable business,” she says. “And now, we’re on track to hit a million dollars in revenue.”

GAC’s workshops, one-on-one mentorship and financial support didn’t just provide funds - they gave Tiffany clarity, focus and confidence. “They grow with me. Small business owners don’t always have that. I do.”

- Tiffany Williams, Exquisite Catering & Events