DCEO Kicks Off Women's Business Month with a Series of Events Focused on Elevating Resources for the State's Women-Owned Businesses

CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is celebrating National Women's Business Month throughout October by recognizing the significant contributions of women-owned businesses across the state. Throughout this monthlong celebration, DCEO is elevating resources and opportunities to help bolster Illinois' women-owned businesses.

"For far too long, women in business have faced significant gaps in access to capital and resources - but here in Illinois, we are actively bridging those gaps and prioritizing equity," said Governor JB Pritzker. "This National Women's Business Month, I am proud to join the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in uplifting and empowering the incredible women-owned businesses and entrepreneurs that drive innovation and growth throughout our state."

Although Illinois has over 457,000 women-owned businesses, women business owners and entrepreneurs, especially women of color, have historically experienced barriers in accessing financial and social capital and other key business resources. DCEO prioritizes creating an equitable business environment through targeted initiatives and resources designed for women-owned businesses.

"Women-owned businesses are vital to Illinois' economy, yet many still face challenges in accessing the resources they need," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "This Women's Business Month, we celebrate their contributions and remain committed to breaking down barriers so that all women entrepreneurs can thrive."

DCEO's Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment (OE3) works to create an inclusive business environment for communities that have faced systemic challenges to growth, including women business owners and entrepreneurs, as well as businesses owned by people of color. OE3 hosts dozens of events and provides year-round support to women-owned businesses, including connection with grants, technical assistance, and incentives to bolster women entrepreneurs and women-owned enterprises.

"DCEO is committed to eliminating barriers and creating a more equitable economic ecosystem for women-owned businesses across the state," said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. "During Women's Business Month, DCEO is elevating the resources our office has available, ensuring these businesses have greater understanding and access to the information, funding and tools they need to succeed in October and beyond."

Women's Business Month Events

This series of events and business resources will provide women with knowledge to increase their access to resources and opportunities. All DCEO events are free to attend; additional information and registration can be found below and on the DCEO website.

EVENTS

Overview of Financial Capital Resources for Small Businesses

Wednesday, October 2, 2024 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM | Virtual | Register here

Is access to financial capital important for your business? During the monthly Online with OE3 series, Team OE3 provides the latest financial capital resources and opportunities offered across the sectors. In recognition of National Women's Business Month, we will share tailored resources for women-owned businesses.

Connecting HER with Illinois Business Resources-Decatur

Thursday, October 3, 2024 | 1:00-3:30 PM | In-person at the Metro Decatur Black Chamber of Commerce | Register here

Come celebrate National Women's Business Month by joining us at this community presentation focused on inspiring, connecting, and advancing Illinois women-owned businesses, future women business owners, and aspiring female entrepreneurs with business resources and opportunities offered across Illinois' entrepreneurial ecosystem. Make sure to register as space is limited.

Coffee & Conversation: Advancing Black Women Entrepreneurs' Growth

Thursday, October 17, 2024 | 8:30 - 11:30 AM | In-person in Chicago at the

Chicago Urban League | Register here

In honor of National Women's Business Month, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Chicago Urban League (CHIUL), and Illinois Minority Business Development Agency Business Center (IL MBDA Business Center) are excited to present Coffee & Conversation: Advancing Black Women Entrepreneurs' Growth, a dynamic and empowering event designed to uplift, connect, and support Black women in business.