Grant Partner:
Southside Blooms
Southside Blooms is a farm-to-vase florist that fosters bottom-up economic development in the under-resourced Englewood neighborhood by transforming vacant land into flower farms, and employing local youths to grow, maintain, and sell their products.
Southside Blooms’ Impact:
Alleviating inner city poverty- Create jobs for youth in underserved communities
Creating safer cities- At-risk youth have a safe alternative from gangs
Improving economic development- Transform neglected lots into thriving farms
Developing sustainable living- Showcase innovative rainwater irrigation systems and solar energy
Nurturing environmental stewardship- Inspire a healthier and more sustainable future
"It's super exciting to see what they've created. By employing underprivileged youth and helping their community, they're also generating money for an important endeavor. It's a 'win-win'; a new model any modern not-for-profit." - Peter Levine
"Southside Blooms has benefited greatly from our participation in the Levine Impact Lab! The Levine family's world class business acumen and global network of business leaders has helped to facilitate our organizational growth as our revenues increased by 143 percent in our first year in the program. I would highly recommend LIL to anyone lucky enough to get an opportunity to join this program!" - Quilen Blackwell, President
Meet the Team!
Quilen Blackwell
Co-Founder and President
Hannah Bonham Blackwell
Co-Founder and Vice-President