#United States #Chicago #Urban Growers Collective #Green Era Campus #Chicago Innovation

Urban Growers Collective Celebrated as One of the Top 100 Finalists for the Chicago Innovation Awards

On October 1, 2025, the Urban Growers Collective (UGC) was thrilled to announce its selection as one of the Top 100 Finalists in the 24th Annual Chicago Innovation Awards. Standing out among a total of 315 nominees, UGC has proven its dedication to community development and sustainable practices within the Chicago area.

The Chicago Innovation Awards is an illustrious event that honors innovative products and services across various sectors. The winners will be recognized during a ceremony aimed at acknowledging providers of groundbreaking ideas, scheduled to be held on November 13, 2025, at the UIC Forum. Over 700 business and civic leaders are set to attend this inspiring event, creating a hub for idea exchange and networking.

Urban communities, particularly those in the South and West Sides of Chicago, have battled against challenges like food insecurity and unemployment, exacerbated by environmental pollution. In response to these pressing issues, UGC has emerged as a beacon of hope by transforming a 9-acre vacant brownfield site into the Green Era Campus. This innovative project serves as a model of economic empowerment, blending clean energy production with vibrant community farming initiatives.

Nestled in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood, the Green Era Campus houses an anaerobic digester capable of converting food waste into compost and renewable energy. This dual functionality supports local agriculture while promoting sustainability through training programs that prepare local residents for green job opportunities. By implementing this model, the Urban Growers Collective champions both fresh food access and landfill waste reduction.Erika Allen, CEO of UGC stated, "Being named a Top 100 Finalist affirms that community-rooted innovation matters." Her vision emphasizes the significance of integrating equitable food systems with green infrastructure as a pathway towards a healthier and more prosperous Chicago.

With the recognition as a Top 100 Finalist, UGC will be granted a $2,500 scholarship to attend The Practical Innovator, a one-day executive education course at Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management. This opportunity allows UGC to further hone its innovative strategies and connect with leading experts and practitioners in the field.

Moreover, each finalist has a chance to compete for the coveted 'People’s Choice Award' through online voting open until October 9, 2025. UGC invites everyone to support their mission and take part in this initiative, showcasing the power of community-backed innovation.

The acknowledgment comes as a testament to the impact of UGC’s initiatives and to the broader ripple effect of innovation within the Greater Chicago area. Luke Tanen, the President and CEO of Chicago Innovation, highlighted the profound influence of this year’s nominees, who generated approximately $4.2 billion in revenue and created over 2,300 new jobs. Each proof of value signifies an important step towards Boston’s burgeoning role as an innovation hub on a global scale.

The Urban Growers Collective is a Black-woman-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to improve access to nutritious food in urban centers while simultaneously addressing inequities surrounding food systems and structural racism. The organization is not just about farming; it embodies a movement focused on health, equity, and environmental sustainability. For those interested in contributing to this remarkable journey or purchasing fresh produce from UGC, you can visit their website at urbangrowerscollective.org.

As the excitement builds up towards the awards ceremony on November 13, the Urban Growers Collective continues to showcase that innovation thrives in communities when people work together towards a common goal.