In Chicago, a culinary school is doing something the local food industry has long needed. Food Hero, based in the city’s historic Little Village neighborhood, provides professional development for working Chicagoans seeking careers in food service and entrepreneurship.

The organization was founded in 2014 by Javier and Juan on the notion that everyone deserves access to the training and guidance that can create pathways to job growth, leadership and business development. While there are culinary schools of all kinds scattered across the nation, there was none in Little Village, a historic Chicago neighborhood and hub for immigrant and working-class communities. Food Hero set out to fill that gap. In 2021, Food Hero was approved as a private vocational school by the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

The school operates as a bilingual culinary school and food incubator, offering credentials in culinary arts, baking, consumer packaged goods and culinary medicine. Students can pursue careers in food service or launch their own businesses, and the shared kitchen gives aspiring entrepreneurs a place to develop and test products without the prohibitive cost of commercial kitchen rental.

In 2025, Javier and Juan came to Self-Help seeking to refinance a higher-interest loan. They also needed working capital to bridge timing gaps between grant awards and incoming payments. The better loan terms could free up cash needed for other expenses, and the working capital would support smooth operations. Self-Help provided the financing, and now the school is positioned for growth as it continues serving its much-needed role in the community.