The Emerald South Economic Development Collaborative, the Obama Foundation’s economic development partner, said more than 75 small businesses and nonprofits in Chicago have joined its network, allowing them to collectively negotiate vendor services.
The Shared Purchasing Network launched in May and is free to join. It gives smaller organizations access to benefits typically reserved for larger counterparts that reduce operational costs. Members stand to save an average of 35% on waste, recycling and composting costs, which saves organizations thousands of dollars annually, according to Emerald South.
Emerald South expects to add more services in coming months, such as insurance, security and natural gas.
“Supporting the economic vitality of the South Side has always been central to our mission, and the Shared Purchasing Network is a powerful example of what’s possible when we listen to and partner with local small business owners,” Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation, said in a news release. “These savings aren’t just numbers — they represent real resources that small businesses can reinvest in their employees, their growth and their communities.”
The Obama Foundation is a member and will use the network when the Obama Presidential Center opens in June 2026.
Other participants include Bronzeville Winery, Chemistry Restaurant, Litehouse Whole Food Grill and Momentum Coffee, as well as nonprofits such as The Renaissance Collaborative and the Quad Communities Development Corp.
In its initial stage, Emerald South aims to have 100 participants in the network, which is open to applicants through its website. Organizations across the Chicago area can join, though Emerald South focuses on supporting under-resourced communities.
Network vendors include food waste recycler Green Era in Auburn Gresham, as well as recycling and waste companies Diamond Waste, Flood Brothers and Republic Services. Business owners are not locked into one vendor but can choose from multiple service providers.
Among network members that got quotes for new waste, recycling and composting contracts, 16 potentially can save 40% on costs, while nine potentially can save half, according to Emerald South.
“When a local nonprofit or neighborhood business can cut a core bill by 40% or 50% based on competitive bids, that can be the difference between reducing hours and growing their staff,” said Ghian Foreman, president and CEO of Emerald South.
The network rolled out at a time when many businesses report rising costs. Tariffs have had an impact while insurance premiums have risen 15%-20%, Foreman said. Meanwhile, costs have not decreased since they spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Most of the business owners we work with are managing a lot on their own, and they rarely have time to renegotiate or shop around for a better waste contract,” said Rhonda McFarland, executive director of the Quad Communities Development Corp.
Emerald South’s shared network lets business owners see “multiple bids lined up next to each other, often with significantly lower costs and better terms. That frees up money they can put back into their storefronts, into hiring and into serving their customers,” McFarland said.
Green Era will recycle food waste from the Obama Presidential Center, as well as other network members. “We see this as a practical way for local employers to save money and invest in their communities at the same time,” said Green Era co-founder Jason Feldman.
The Shared Purchasing Network is managed in partnership with the Washington, D.C.-based Community Purchasing Alliance, a network of cooperatives. It runs similar waste-hauling programs in several states, including Maryland and Massachusetts.
Capital One provided financial support for Emerald South’s costs for the initiative, including building the Shared Purchasing Network website and technology platform.