Building Pathways to Prosperity for Every Chicagoan
At Work Ready Chicago, as a Small Business Development Center (SBDC), we are committed to increasing economic empowerment in underserved communities. Our mission is to drive positive, lasting change by providing a host of resources and support services like employment training, youth development, violence prevention, and community engagement.
Our Mission & Purpose…
We believe that economic empowerment is the cornerstone of thriving communities. By equipping under-supported residents with the skills and knowledge needed for gainful employment, we enable them to break free from the cycle of poverty and build a better future for themselves, their families, and our communities.
WRC Programs
& Services
Employment Training
& Career Pathways
As a Small Business Development Center SBDC, we serve as both a workforce engine and an economic catalyst for the communities we support. We provide hands on job preparation and business support that goes beyond the basics, including personalized resume development, interview coaching, and real world workplace readiness training that helps individuals present their best selves to employers. Our work spans Chicago, Suburban Cook County, and surrounding areas, with a focus on increasing access to opportunity in underserved communities.
Youth Development, Coaching & Violence Prevention
Through our youth development programs, we provide comprehensive support, mentorship, and skills-building opportunities that empower young adults to thrive and contribute positively to their communities. We are also deeply committed to violence intervention and prevention efforts, offering a range of services from conflict mediation to case management and crisis intervention. Our aim is to create safer, more resilient neighborhoods where conflict is resolved peacefully, and the cycle of violence is broken.
Support Services
& Community Outreach
Work Ready Chicago also serves as a vital hub of support for communities in need, delivering a wide range of essential resources that go beyond traditional workforce services. The organization operates food pantries to help address immediate needs, while also providing direct support and referrals for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Through strong partnerships and a hands-on approach, Work Ready Chicago helps connect participants to emergency shelter, transitional housing opportunities, and longer-term pathways to stable, permanent housing.
Get Work Ready, Chicago!
At Work Ready Chicago, we take pride in delivering employment training programs meticulously crafted to bridge skills gaps. Our programs are designed to empower participants by imparting not just job-specific skills, but also fostering a holistic approach to personal and professional development.
Through hands-on training, mentorship, and a supportive learning environment, we instill the confidence and competence needed for inner city youth and young adults to excel in their chosen careers.
We believe that empowerment is the key to unlocking one's full potential, and we are dedicated to helping individuals harness their capabilities and seize the opportunities that await them. Get empowered with Work Ready today!
“We elevate standards of living by expanding access to education, employment, and entrepreneurship. Communities are the heart and soul of our society, and when they come together with a shared vision of empowerment, the possibilities are boundless. At WRC, the strength of our mission lies not only in what we do, but in the collaborative spirit of the communities we serve. Together, we are building bridges to success, and ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background or neighborhood, has the chance to thrive.”
— Daniel Payne, President of WRC
Meet Our Leadership
Daniel Payne, Veteran,
President
Daniel Payne is a proud military veteran, Chicago native, and a natural leader who brings both heart and hustle to everything he does. Growing up in Chicago gave him a deep understanding of community, resilience, and the importance of having the right support systems in place. Those early experiences continue to fuel his passion for uplifting others, especially youth, individuals experiencing homelessness, and fellow veterans who often face barriers to stability and opportunity.
His time in the military strengthened his discipline, leadership, and sense of accountability, but it also reinforced something even deeper, a commitment to service that didn’t end when his uniform came off. Today, that commitment shows up in the way he mentors young people, advocates for those in need, and creates pathways for individuals to rebuild and thrive.
Professionally, Daniel has translated that same focus and determination into real estate investing, where he takes a thoughtful, long-term approach to building value and creating opportunity. He’s not just looking at properties, he’s looking at potential, whether that’s revitalizing spaces, supporting communities, or helping others gain access to ownership and stability.
What really sets Daniel apart is his energy and authenticity. He’s hands-on, approachable, and driven by a genuine desire to see people win. Whether he’s in the community, in business, or working one-on-one with someone who needs guidance, he shows up with purpose, integrity, and a belief that real change starts with showing up and doing the work.
Candice Payne, Community Activist, Founder & Vice-President
Our Founder and President, Candice Payne is deeply connected to the communities she serves. Born and raised in Chicago, she possess an intimate understanding of the prerequisites for success. As an accomplished and seasoned serial entrepreneur, real estate developer, business education coach, and proprietor of a wellness, coffee and smoothie shop, Ms. Payne brings a wealth of tools, expertise, and hands-on experience to the mission of expanding educational and employment opportunities for often marginalized residents.
Candice has been the proud recipient of a host of grants and public praise for her work with the homeless and at-risk youth. Her community-focused initiatives, such as sponsoring back-to-school events for over 15 years, have provided free haircuts, hairstyles, school supplies, and food to more than 125 youth annually.
She also rose to fame and has been featured at the BET Awards, the Today Show, received $50,000 on The Ellen Show, and had articles written about her in The NY Times, Sun Times, Essence Magazine, CBS News, and more, purchasing rooms and galvanizing resources to get youth and homeless citizens out of Chicago's harsh winter weather. She even received a commendation from J.B. Pritzker, the governor of Illinois.
Her vision is rooted in the cultivation of stronger communities and unlocking the latent potential within. We invite you to join us in our endeavor to shape a more prosperous and improved Chicago.
