Emerald South Launches ‘Shared Purchasing Network’ to Generate Cost Savings for Small Businesses and Organizations
May 22, 2025 at 9:30 AM CDT
CHICAGO – The Emerald South Economic Development Collaborative – the economic development partner of The Obama Foundation – today launched the ‘Shared Purchasing Network,’ (SPN) a program that allows small businesses and organizations to exert their collective buying power to negotiate better contract terms and reduced rates from vendors providing core operational goods and services.
The Obama Foundation worked closely with Emerald South to develop the SPN, convening local small business owners and other stakeholders to determine which services to include in the network and how to make the process more inclusive. The Foundation also plans to join the network to identify vendors for services at the Obama Presidential Center, opening in 2026.
“At The Obama Foundation, we believe meaningful economic development starts with listening to and partnering with local communities,” said Valerie Jarrett, CEO of The Obama Foundation. “By working alongside Emerald South to launch the Shared Purchasing Network, we’re helping bring people together to unlock collective power, create real economic opportunities, and uplift the businesses and organizations that are vital to the South Side’s future.”
The program, managed in partnership with the Community Purchasing Alliance, will give small businesses and organizations access to perks typically reserved for larger businesses and organizations, allowing them to reduce operational and administrative costs. The initial service available through the program is waste hauling. Emerald South anticipates adding services, such as insurance, security, natural gas and more in the months ahead. The Community Purchasing Alliance has proven the impact of this model through a similar program where participants saved an average of 10-15 percent, with some saving as much as 50 percent on waste hauling.
Joining the SPN provides access to:
Collective Power: Join forces with other local businesses to increase negotiating leverage and secure better deals than any single business could achieve alone.
Cost Reduction: Significantly reduce operational costs through bulk purchasing discounts, potentially saving thousands of dollars annually on essential services.
Better Terms: Access improved contract terms and conditions not available to individual businesses, including protective terms and premium service levels.
Streamlined Procurement with a Local Focus: Allows small businesses and organizations to focus on the work that matters by reducing the administrative burdens of purchasing and shrinking operational costs through a program designed specifically for a Chicago-based market.
“This launch represents the culmination of deep collaboration, trust-building, and thoughtful planning with our community partners,” said Ghian Foreman, president and CEO of the Emerald South Economic Development Collaborative. “We’re proud to have reached this milestone alongside The Obama Foundation and are excited to continue elevating South Side entrepreneurs and organizations by making it easier for them to access the resources they need to grow and thrive.”
While the SPN is available citywide, Emerald South is focusing on raising awareness of the program among owners of small businesses and organizations located in historically under-resourced communities. To join, owners should visit sharedpurchasingnetwork.org (Opens in a new tab) and complete an in-take form, which will allow a SPN representative to provide a customized concierge service throughout the process, reviewing the owner’s current contract and discussing their unique service needs.
“The Shared Purchasing Network is a powerful tool for leveling the playing field for small businesses and building wealth in our communities,” said Rhonda McFarland, executive director of the Quad Communities Development Corporation. “By coming together, our small business owners can finally access the kinds of cost savings and contract advantages typically reserved for larger companies. QCDC is proud to partner with Emerald South and empower communities with this opportunity, helping small businesses reinvest those savings into growth, jobs, and long-term sustainability.”
Owners of small businesses and organizations from across the city of Chicago are encouraged to visit sharedpurchasingnetwork.org (Opens in a new tab) for more information.
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Contact: Emily Bittner, [email protected]