February 13, 2020

37 Oaks = Local Commerce + Innovation + Economic Development

The work we do and the impact we have is impossible without the support and trust of our economic development and municipality partners and the business owners they serve. 

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Hear what they have to say about their partnership and experience with 37 Oaks and our 37 Oaks University and SOKONI brands. 

January 14, 2020

Join us in celebrating 37 Oaks 4th birthday!

We thank all the entrepreneurs, economic development organizations, municipalities, partners and supporters as none of this would be possible without you!

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Before we close up 2019, we want to take a few moments to reflect on our top 10 (maybe 11) moments of the year.

February 3-4, 2020 (New Orleans, LA)

37 Oak's Founder/CEO, Terrand Smith, is excited to speak at the upcoming Ancillary Retail Expo on February 2-3, 2020 in New Orleans, LA.

She will lead a session on "How Grass Roots Retail Pop Ups Bring Life to Vacant Street Retail & Revitalize Communities".

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In creating 37 Oaks' B2C commerce development platform, called SOKONI, her experience in this area will warrant an insightful discussion.

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November 22, 2019

Check out updates on SOKONI Pop Ups, 37 Oaks University, Media & Partnerships and more!

November 25, 2019 - January 10, 2020 (Chicago, IL)

Once again, SOKONI & QCDC are partnering to provide opportunities and platforms to help our local businesses become more profitable, sustainable & scalable. 

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From November 25 - January 10, we present the Winter Artisan Market. A storefront pop up shop at Navy Pier (Chicago, IL).

Local, national and global shoppers will experience the brands that represent the talent and essence of our Chicagoland neighborhoods. 

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Check out our event's website for more details! https://www.sokonistore.com/navypier

November 22, 2019

Get Found Get Funded takes pride in featuring companies led by entrepreneurs that are generally under-represented in the startup space.

Terrand Smith, 37 Oaks' Founder/CEO had wonderful conversations with the hosts and Lynda Peralta about product positioning, finding the right retailer, various distribution channels, the importance of testing and staying focused on the problem you're trying to solve.

November 22, 2019

ChiBizHub, an initiative of World Business Chicago, is a portal for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners looking for resources to start, scale and accelerate their business in Chicago. 

37 Oaks' Founder & CEO, Terrand Smith is excited to write a blog for their recent newsletter. She shares 5 tips for local retailers to prepare for the holiday season.

January 07, 2019

Just like everything else at 37 Oaks, SOKONI (a sub brand) focuses on the intersection of Retail + Innovation + Economic Development. 

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This past holiday season, 37 Oaks entered a strategic partnership with the Village of Matteson (Chicago South Suburb Community) to help spur economic development by repurposing vacant commercial real estate; attracting growing brands and retailers; creating jobs; offering a shopping point of difference and helping strengthen retail acumen with local brands. 

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Read the full article on the cover page and Page 6

January 06, 2019

Under the vision of West Side Health Authority, a (non-profit organization that has served the Austin neighborhood and the greater west side of Chicago since 1988), 37 Oaks' was focused on developing an innovative mobile retail platform that guided 8 Austin based youth (West Side Chicago) towards ownership and operation of this business.   

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This 12 week program was in partnership with We Are Light, a nonprofit dedicated to tackling poverty, in which their Founder & CEO Demetrius Brooks led the Community, Leadership and Advisory portion of this program while 37 Oaks Founder and CEO led the business modeling, entrepreneurship training and operations of the innovative business.

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Check out the Article for the full story. 

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