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Urban Growers Collective Wins at Chicago Innovation Awards

On November 14, 2025, Urban Growers Collective (UGC), in collaboration with Green Era Educational NFP, celebrated a significant achievement by winning the prestigious title at the 24th Annual Chicago Innovation Awards. This event, held at the UIC Forum, recognizes groundbreaking products and services introduced annually in the region.

The Chicago Innovation Awards highlights leaders in innovative thinking, with the 2025 winners being praised for their contributions across various sectors including B2B, B2C, and healthcare. UGC received this accolade for their crucial role in the development of the Green Era Campus, a transformative initiative aimed at tackling food insecurity in Chicago’s South and West Side neighborhoods.

Traditionally, these areas have struggled with significant challenges including food scarcity, unemployment, and environmental degradation due to pollution. UGC’s innovative solution has repurposed a 9-acre neglected brownfield site into a dynamic renewable energy facility. This project functions as a green hub for economic opportunity, intending to foster clean energy, support vertical farming, and encourage the rise of green start-ups with social missions.

The Green Era Campus, located in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood, features a biodigester that converts food waste into both compost and renewable energy. Moreover, it is designed to offer training programs for local residents aiming to enter the green job market. This initiative is instrumental in promoting local agricultural production, decreasing landfill waste through composting, and generating clean energy to power homes around the community.

Erika Allen, CEO of Urban Growers Collective, expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “Winning a Chicago Innovation Award for Green Era Campus affirms what our South Side community has built together—a model for turning food waste into clean energy, healthy soil and local jobs, as a foundation for next-generation innovation.” This recognition not only celebrates the successful efforts in creating sustainable practices but also reinforces UGC's commitment to enhancing economic development and health across the city.

The competition was fierce this year, with 315 organizations nominated for the awards. Collectively, these nominees have produced upwards of $4.2 billion in new revenues and contributed to the creation of more than 2,300 jobs in the region. Organizations such as Accenture and Comcast Business have played significant roles as sponsors of the event, standing behind the mission of fostering innovative community solutions.

UGC, a Black-woman-led nonprofit, bases its operations in Chicago, focusing on urban agriculture to combat inequities often found in communities of color. By using agriculture as a vehicle for change, they aim to not only provide food but also nourish communities both nutritionally and economically. To learn more about their mission or explore volunteer opportunities, individuals can visit urbangrowerscollective.org.

The success of UGC and the Green Era Campus serves as a beacon of hope and innovation during challenging times. With the combination of renewable energy, agricultural training, and community engagement, they are not only providing immediate relief from food scarcity but are also paving the way for a sustainable future.

In conclusion, the recognition received at the Chicago Innovation Awards further solidifies Urban Growers Collective’s role as a leader in fostering innovative, community-centered actions that combat food insecurity, economic disparity, and environmental challenges in urban settings.