Stella with Soap Disk

The Enterprising Kitchen (TEK) is a Chicago-based, nonprofit social enterprise.  TEK provides workforce development and support services to women transitioning from poverty to self-sufficiency and economic independence.  Workforce preparation at TEK is experiential, utilizing the issues that arise in the day-to-day operations of dynamic business as a basis for learning.  TEK manufactures natural soaps and spa products on-site at the Chicago facility. TEK participants have the opportunity to work in all aspects of this growing enterprise, including manufacturing, customer service, direct sales, assembly, production as well as shipping and receiving.  A wide variety of support services are available to assist women on their paths to self sufficiency including: financial counseling, basic skills training and tutoring, health screenings and assessments and computer training among others.  Each year TEK enables more than 70 lower-income women who have been unemployed and underemployed, to maximize their individual potential and move into sustainable employment after 6-12 months of training.