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SCAM ALERT: DCEO has been made aware of organizations receiving fraudulent “notice of award” letters claiming to be from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. These are not legitimate notices from DCEO. If your organization receives a notice, please report it to the Federal Trade Commission and/or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Upcoming OE3 Events & Webinars

All events and webinars are open to everyone but intentionally target specific OE3 communities. Feel free to contact us at CEO.OE3@illinois.gov if we don't answer your questions during our webinars or contact the Business Information Center Helpline at 1-800-252-2923. Spanish speaking assistance is available. 

Online with OE3

Online with OE3 - Overview of Financial Resources for Small Businesses
Every 1st Wednesday of the month | 10:00 – 11:00 AM | Virtual

Our monthly webinar is getting a fresh new format! Join OE3's Business Development Managers online and get the latest updates on financial resources from the state, federal, and local government programs, and other funding opportunities from private/community organizations, as well as the opportunity to ask us any questions about your business in English and Spanish! We have different topics every month.

  • January: Grants – Tips & Tricks, presented by OE3
  • February: Business Registration & Tax Credit Overview, presented by the Illinois Department of Revenue
  • March: Information on Licensing, presented by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
  • April: Overview of Domestic Marketing Programs for Businesses, presented by the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA)

  • May: Clean Energy Equity

Other Events

Business Services Roadshow
April 27, 2026 | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm | in person
Malcolm X College, Room 1106
1900 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL

Do you own or want to open a small business? The Illinois Secretary of State is hosting the Business Services Roadshow. At this event, you can learn how to register your business with Illinois, apply for a business state or federal tax number, apply or qualify for funding, or acquire a business license. Diana Alfaro of OE3 will be speaking at this event. Access event flyer

 

Unlock Grants Opportunities
Thursday | April 30 | 6:00 PM | In-person
SBDC at ABPA
7800 W College Drive, Unit 3E. Palos Heights, IL, 60463

Connecting small businesses with state funding opportunities during Arab American Heritage Month. DCEO will be presenting funding opportunities with a focus on grants. Access event flyer

 

P.O.W.E.R. Small Business Symposium
May 20, 2026 | 11:00 AM
Renaissance Center. Joliet, IL

Will County Center for Economic Development is hosting an event to bring together entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders for a dynamic day of connection, education, and opportunity. Centered on supporting Women, Minority, Veteran, and Disabled owned and operated businesses, the symposium connects attendees with the resources, experts, and opportunities needed to elevate and strengthen their operations. Diana Alfaro of OE3 will be presenting at this event.

View Past Events