Information provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
CHICAGO, Ill. (February 1, 2021) – The State of Illinois recently announced a series of events and resources planned during February’s National Black History Month to recognize the important contributions of Black businesses in Illinois’ economy, and to promote efforts aimed at supporting their continued growth in the years ahead. Planned by the Illinois Department of Commerce (DCEO) Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE), the Department of Central Management Services (CMS), and community and civic leaders including the Chicago Urban League, Fifth Third Bank, and more—the events planned will include a wide range of topics offering insight into resources and programs exclusively focused on boosting Black and minority-owned businesses in Illinois.
This year’s Black History Month pays tribute to the 132,000 Black businesses in Illinois, building on the work that the State does year-round to recognize their contributions and provide targeted programs and resources to lift up diverse businesses and ensure equitable opportunity for businesses of all types and sizes.
“National Black History Month is an opportunity for all of us to seek a deeper understanding of Black history and experiences, laying the groundwork for more progress toward equity and freedom the rest of the year,” said Governor JB Pritzker.
Throughout the month, DCEO will be partnering with state leaders in promoting a wide range of events focused on topics including: COVID-19 relief, access to capital, branding, grant applications, and a special panel focused on diversifying international trade. A number of DCEO and State of Illinois programs will be highlighted – as well as financial assistance by public and private partners.
“Throughout Illinois and across the country, Black businesses are essential to the vitality and strength of our communities and the economy,” said Erin Guthrie, Director of DCEO. “As we celebrate 2021’s Black History Month, our administration is committed to lifting up all of our Black-owned businesses now more than ever before given the profound impact COVID-19 has had on these communities. We invite you to join us for a series of events as we explore opportunities that will allow them to grow and thrive.”
The Illinois Department of Central Management Service’s (CMS) Business Enterprise Program (BEP) will participate in several events and offer training and technical assistance to business owners to assist them with certification options. BEP certification ensures Black and other minority-owned businesses in every community have the access and opportunity to participate in the economic future of Illinois.
Upcoming events being hosted by DCEO, CMS, and its partners include the following – registration is now open and can be found on the DCEO website.
Event details
Wednesday, February 11, 2021, 10:00 A.M., Celebrating the History of Black Business: A Fireside Chat with Director Erin Guthrie
DCEO will convene a discussion with 8 accomplished small business owners from across the state to share their experiences during the pandemic, including barriers overcome and lessons learned to help more Black businesses thrive during the pandemic and beyond.
Thursday, February 11, 1:00 P.M., Fair Access to Justice | Diversity in Procurement (Part I)
CMS and DCEO will present a special two-part Fair Access to Justice Series, exploring diversity-related matters in procurement. This first series will offer attendees information on the certification process for the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) and guide small business owners to resources and other important information relative to doing business with the state of Illinois.
Thursday, February 18, 2021, 2:00 P.M., Black Access to Capital: How Black Economic Trailblazers are Closing the “Racial Wealth Gap”
DCEO Director Guthrie will join Fifth Third Bank, the Chicago Urban League, 4S Bay Partners, and Black Chicago Pioneers for a panel discussion about ways to increase access to capital in Black communities, and solutions for addressing the equity gaps faced today.
Tuesday, February 23, 2021, 2:00 P.M., Black History Month: Opportunities in Trade and Overcoming Barriers
DCEO’s Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) and the International Trade Club of Chicago (ITCC) host a conversation about how to increase Black business participation in international trade, including through tools like the State’s I-STEP program, aimed at introducing more small and minority companies to the $62 billion dollar a year export market. Registration code: ITCCOMEE
Wednesday, February 24, 2021, 10:00 A.M., Advancing the Development of Minority Entrepreneurship (ADME): Longevity in Business
DCEO’s Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) and the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will host a conversation on “Longevity in Business.” A panel of Black business owners from across the state will share insights and best practices for starting, growing, and maintaining a successful business for years to come.
Thursday, February 25, 2021, 1:00P.M. Fair Access to Justice | Diversity in Procurement (Part II)
CMS and DCEO will present a special two-part Fair Access to Justice Series, exploring diversity-related matters in procurement. This is the second conversation in the two-part series and will focus on how the State can continue to advance economic development in Black communities around Illinois by working alongside of community organizations dedicated to this advancement as well.
The Illinois Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) plays a crucial role in providing support to minority-owned businesses of all sizes and types, including connection with grants, technical assistance, and incentives to bolster minority entrepreneurs and minority-owned enterprises. For more information on Illinois Black History Month events planned for businesses, please contact Matthew J. Simpson, the African American Business Development Manager, at [email protected].
To learn more about ongoing resources and programs for businesses, follow DCEO on social media @IllinoisDCEO or sign up to receive the newsletter.
For updates on Black History events and future programming from BEP, follow CMS on LinkedIn or visit the BEP Events calendar.
