Every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday in Augustinformation provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (July 31, 2020) – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (DCEO – OMEE) will host a series of webinars to celebrate National Black Business Month, which begins August 1, 2020. The series is made possible through a partnership with DCEO, Groupon, and the Small Business Administration. Panel discussions will address issues facing Black-owned businesses in Illinois.
Special guests include: Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton and State Treasurer Michael Frerichs.
The Black Business Month events will take place every Monday at 2:00pm, Wednesday at 10:00am, and Thursday at 2:00pm. Online registration links are included below:
August 3: Define BOSS
A high level discussion on entrepreneurship, and success stories from Black business bosses from across the state. Click HERE to register.
August 5: Open Forum
Join African American Business Development Manager Matthew Simpson and Women’s Business Development Manager Ibie Hart in an open forum in which participants can ask questions and get answers. Click HERE to register.
August 6: Open Forum
Join African American Business Development Manager Matthew Simpson and Women’s Business Development Manager Ibie Hart in an open forum in which participants can ask questions and get answers. Click HERE to register.
August 10: Black Women in Business
A discussion on Black women’s experience in the world of business that will include conversations about the challenges as well as success stories from Black woman entrepreneurs from across the state. Click HERE to register.
August 12: How to Best Position Yourself for Government Grants
This webinar is for Black women who are interested in preparing their business for government grants. We will be discussing GATA certification and NOFO writing, as well as best practices and common mistakes. Click HERE to register.
August 13: Doing Business with Government
Fostering an inclusive and competitive business environment that will help Black Business Enterprises increase their capacity, grow revenue, and enhance credentials. Click HERE to register.
August 17: Access to Capital
A conversation on business finance and how entrepreneurs—from start-ups to experienced business owners—can put themselves in a position to tap into capital markets. Click HERE to register.
August 19: Leveling up your marketing and operations for success during COVID
This webinar is for Black women who want to learn how to market their business and improve operations for success during a pandemic. Click HERE to register.
August 20: Black Business Lending
How Black businesses can access financial resources and tax incentives to scale and grow a sustainable business that increases overall economic opportunity and growth in communities of color. Click HERE to register.
August 24: Strength in Numbers
Discussing the need for collaboration in business development and how unity brings success and facilitates growth. Will also touch on the reality that we cannot do it alone. Click HERE to register.
August 26: OMEE & Illinois SBDC Presents ADME
Each month we will offer a dynamic discussion on a business topic and highlight one of OMEE’s focus communities. This month the discussion is marketing and the highlight is National Black Business Month. Click HERE to register.
August 27: Federal and State Financial Resources
Particularly for Black businesses impacted by COVID-19 and civil Unrest—how to take advantage of federal/state COVID-19 grant/loan relief programs and rebuild damaged businesses. Click HERE to register.
August 31: A Vision for Your Brand
A conversation on branding and ensuring that entrepreneurs understand how to present and position their company in the best way possible. Click HERE to register.
Questions about any of the above webinar events can be emailed to [email protected].