Asian American Pacific Islander Month 2023

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is excited to celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. Throughout May, DCEO is hosting events and elevating financial and social capital resources to advance AAPI-owned businesses throughout the state. We will also spotlight the contributions of businesses owned by AAPIs in Illinois – learn more about how to get involved, attend events, and support AAPI-owned businesses below.

Governor Pritzker has officially proclaimed May as Illinois Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.  View the proclamation.

Overview of Financial Capital Resources
Wednesday | May 3, 2023 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | VIRTUAL | REGISTER
During the monthly Online with OMEE series, Team OMEE provides the latest financial capital resources offered across the sectors, state and federal programs, and other opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs. In honor and celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, the May Online with OMEE will also feature additional resources for AAPI-owned businesses and future founders.

Advancing the AAPI Community Through Opportunity
Wednesday | May 24, 2023 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | VIRTUAL | REGISTER
Hosted by OMEE and the Illinois Small Business Development Center (IL SBDC) at DCEO, the virtual event is part of the monthly webinar series, Advancing the Development of Minority Entrepreneurship (ADME), which features a different topic and presenter each month. In recognition and celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, Illinois Small Business Development Center at Chinese Mutual Aid Association (IL SBDC at CMAA) will lead the presentation during a panel discussion with AAPI leaders in the small business support ecosystem.  EVENT FLYER

AAPI in Tech: AAPI Heritage Month Celebration
Wednesday | May 24, 2023 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | IN-PERSON | REGISTER
Location: TechNexus Venture Collaborative, 20 N Upper Wacker Dr 12th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606
Celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month with Chicago:Blend and TechNexus Venture Collaborative over good food, great networking and a conversation featuring Chicago’s top investors, founders and changemakers. Our speakers will explore the state of AAPI professionals in Chicago’s startup ecosystem, share what AAPI Heritage Month means to them, and tackle other cultural issues impacting the AAPI experience.  EVENT FLYER

AAPIHM 2023 Small Biz Pop-Up Market & Social
Wednesday | May 31, 2023 | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM | IN-PERSON | REGISTER
Location: Chicago Food Stop, 875 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60610
Join the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO), World Business Chicago (WBC), and Chicago Asian Network (CAN), for a special final day of AAPI Heritage Month celebration with a panel of distinguished AAPI food entrepreneurs, innovative pop-up vendors, and essential business resources! Be inspired, connect, enjoy great food, and jam to DJ JayFunk! Attendance to this FREE in-person event is limited to the first 150 registrants.

2023 APAHM Community Kickoff and Networking Event
By: OCA-Chicago, Asian American Coalition of Chicago & Asian American Executive Network
Monday, May 1, 2023 | 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM CST | REGISTER
The McCormick Tribune Campus Center (MTCC) – Auditorium
3201 S. State Street Chicago, IL 60616

White House Forum on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders
By: White House Initiative on AA and NHPIs
Wednesday, May 3, 2023 | 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM EDT | REGISTER
The George Washington University Student Center
800 21st Street, NW Washington, DC 20052

Community Health and Civic Engagement
By: South Asian American Policy & Research Institute (SAAPRI)
Tuesday, May 9, 2023 | EVENTS & TIMES
Location varies by event

2023 AAPI Restaurants Week – Chicago
By: OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates, Chicago Chapter
May 12 – 21, 2023 | EVENT | RESTAURANT LIST
Showcasing AAPI-owned restaurants all around the Chicagoland area

AAPI Heritage Month: Asian Night Market
By: Oakton College
Friday, May 12, 2023 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | REGISTER
Des Plaines Campus, TenHoeve Center
1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016

2023 National AANHPI Business Summit
By: National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE)
Wednesday, May 17, 2023 | 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM EDT | REGISTER
U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency
1401 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20230

Asian American Showcase 2023
By: The Foundation for Asian American Independent Media (FAAIM)
May 19 – 25, 2023 | EVENT | FILM LIST
The Gene Siskel Film Center
164 N. State Street, Chicago, IL 60601

2023 Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program: Inspiration for Innovation
By: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)Wednesday, May 31, 2023 | 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM ET | VIRTUAL | REGISTER

Asian American Resource Directory
By: Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois

AAPI Community Events | Chicago Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Calendar (PDF)
By: Chicago Asian Network

How to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Chicago
By: Choose Chicago

Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
By: The Library of Congress

Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: May 2023 – Census Stats
By: United States Census Bureau

In the following link, you’ll find tips, sample social media posts, graphics, and ideas on how to celebrate and promote AAPI Heritage Month! View the tool kit