Tracy Powell
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts | University of Iowa
CERTIFICATIONS
Licensed Real Estate Broker 1990- 2007
Coordinating Council Member - Empowerment Zone Coordinating Committee City of Chicago
Affordable Housing Advisory Council to the FHLB of Chicago.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Founder & President | Ignite Technology and Innovation
President | Blue Venture Partners
Managing Director | The Blue Lacuna Director of Technology Initiatives, Rainbow PUSH Coalition
Owner | P2 Investment Advisors Inc.
Financial Advisor | Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE
Kenwood Oakland Development CorporatioN
Woodlawn Community Development Corporation
St. Edmunds Redevelopment Corp
Millennium Development Corporation
HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS
Woodlake Townhomes
St Bernards Place - New Homes for Chicago
6300 S Woodlawn - Mix Use Condo development
3801 W Thomas - Affordable housing
6027 S Michigan - Moderate Income Housing project
Marquette Park Developments 6 buildings (72 units)
St Edmunds Tower - Senior building
TECH & INNOVATION SPACES
Rainbow Push Coalition - Tech Space - South Kenwood
Blue Lacuna Coworking space - Pilsen
Momentum Coffee and Coworking - South Loop
Momentum Coffee and Coworking - Englewood
Momentum Coffee Roasters - South Shore
Tracy Powell
Co-Founder
Momentum Coffee
Tracy Powell is a Technology Entrepreneur, Real Estate Developer and Investor. He invested the first part of his business career in investments working for firms such as Merrill lynch and First National Bank of Chicago and American Express. As a real estate developer and investor with over 28 years of experience he specialized in urban real estate development. developing 100’s of units of affordable, market rate and elderly housing.
Tracy is also the founder of Blue Venture Partners a Software Development and IT consulting firm, and Blue Fund Rewards which is a crowdfunding platform that focuses on raising capital for startup businesses and organizations. He is the President of Ignite technology and Innovation, a not for profit that focuses on creating technology coworking spaces and programming in under-resourced communities throughout the country.
Currently he is the Co-Founder of Momentum Coffee, an intentional space whose journey began in May 2020 in the heart of Chicago, founded by the dynamic duo of Nikki Bravo and Tracy Powell. Their shared passion for coffee and community ignited the idea of creating a space where people could connect over exceptional brews. The inaugural location in Chicago's South Loop faced the daunting challenge of a delayed opening due to the global pandemic. Yet, despite this setback, Momentum Coffee flourished and expanded, proving that determination and a love for coffee can overcome any obstacle.
What started as a coffee shop quickly evolved into much more. The flagship location not only served as a place to savor delicious coffee, tea, pastries, and sandwiches but also as a co-working space for people seeking a welcoming environment to work and connect. Momentum Coffee's mission was clear from the beginning: to provide quality coffee and food across its five locations, intentionally situated in under-resourced areas, serving as economic catalysts for the communities they call home. The coffee shops have become hubs for residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and tourists looking for great local coffee, tasty food, and welcoming spaces to connect.
Today, Momentum Coffee stands as a testament to the power of coffee to transform lives and communities. With a strong reputation for its rich coffee flavors and warm atmosphere, Momentum Coffee continues to grow, proving that a love for coffee, dedication to the community, and the pursuit of excellence can truly make a difference.
Join us on our journey and be a part of the Momentum Coffee story.