UnlockGroup Buying Power
Join our network and leverage collective buying to save on goods and services.
SPN is partnering with local Chicago business service organizations to create savings for small businesses and non-profit organizations.
See The Network in Action
How It Works
The Power of Cooperative Buying
Chicago businesses are coming together to leverage collective purchasing power and reduce costs.
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 your operational costs through bulk purchasing discounts, potentially saving thousands annually on essential services.
Better Terms
Access improved contract terms and conditions not available to individual businesses, including protective terms and premium service levels.
Local Focus
Benefit from a program designed specifically for Chicago-based businesses and organizations, with an understanding of local market conditions and service providers.
Streamlined Procurement
Allows you to focus on the work that matters by reducing the administrative burdens of purchasing and shrinking operational costs.
Values-Based Purchasing
Be in community with local businesses and organizations for problem-solving and resource-sharing to support sustainability, equity, and resilience.
Our Services
Waste Hauling
Waste Hauling, Recycling, and Composting
Join the Shared Purchasing Network for better pricing and terms.
More Services Coming Soon
Accounting
Professional financial services at group rates
Copiers
Managed print services at competitive rates
Discounts
Savings on products and services
Electricity
Lower rates through collective negotiation
Facilities
Comprehensive cleaning and maintenance
Food Service
Catering and food supply at bulk pricing
HVAC
Heating and cooling maintenance services
Insurance
Group coverage for better protection and rates
Internet
Better bandwidth at reduced costs
Natural Gas
Reduced heating costs through bulk purchasing
Payment Processing
Credit card and payment solutions
Security
Protection services for businesses and events
Solar
Renewable energy solutions
Join the Network
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the Shared Purchasing Network.
What is the commitment if I submit the form?
None! Submitting the form indicates your interest in joining the network. It does not commit you to signing any contract.
How are vendors selected? Who are you working with?
The Emerald South Economic Development Collaborative and Cooperative Purchasing Alliance identify area vendors to invite to participate in the procurement process. If you know of and LOVE any other vendor, we would be happy to meet with them and include them in an RFP!
When it comes time to sign a contract, you will select your own vendor. There is no selection requirement through our process.
Who is eligible for the program?
Businesses and nonprofit organizations are currently eligible for the program.
Do I have to pay a fee to join?
No! Participants don't pay any fees to the network, and there is no separate fee above the vendor's quoted rates. Our operations are supported by vendor rebates that are built into the process.
How do contracting dates work?
If your contract is ending in 2025 or 2026, the timing of this RFP is just right. If your contract ends at a later date, you can still submit your information and we can follow up with you when your current contract is closer to ending.
What are termination steps/how do I change my vendor through this process?
Many vendors have specific termination requirements, including the timing and method for termination. Please look at your particular contract for the termination steps required.
Who is Emerald South? Who is CPA?
Working with community partners like business service organizations, the Emerald South Economic Development Collaborative builds community wealth for Chicago's mid-South Side through programs focused on leveraging our assets like our small businesses, culture, and vacant land. Learn more at emeraldsouth.org.
The Community Purchasing Alliance (CPA) is a social purpose purchasing cooperative with a focus on shifting spend to local MWBE. CPA has operated for over a decade in the DC Metro region and is expanding to new regions like Chicago, Boston, and parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee.
I still have questions. Whom can I contact?
Reach out to us any time at info@sharedpurchasingnetwork.org.
The Partners
Organizations that support the Shared Purchasing Network.
Be Inspired
Barack Obama
44th President of the United States
"The measure of our success is not whether we have more, but whether more people have enough."
Oprah Winfrey
Media Executive & Philanthropist
"The key to realizing a dream is to focus not on success but on significance — and then even the small steps and little victories along your path will take on greater meaning."
Jay-Z
Entrepreneur & Hip-Hop Artist
"We used to be ashamed to be rich. Now we're not. And I think it's important that we take care of our own communities. That we open businesses in our own neighborhoods, employ our own people, and invest in our culture."
Marcus Garvey
Publisher, Journalist, Entrepreneur
"A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots."
Fannie Lou Hamer
Voting and women's rights activist
"You can pray until you faint, but unless you get up and try to do something, God is not going to put it in your lap."