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Arab American Heritage Month 2025

Throughout April, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is celebrating Arab American Heritage Month. DCEO, through its Offices of Economic Equity and Empowerment (OE3) and Regional Economic Development (RED), is spotlighting Arab American businesses across the state and elevating resources to advance Illinois’ Arab American businesses, showcasing DCEO’s continued commitment to their growth and development. 

IMPORTANT FACT

Illinois is the first state to recognize the racial classification of Middle Eastern or North African (MENA) for state data collection purposes. 

EVENTS

Arab American Heritage Month Resource and Small Business Fair
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM | in-person
Business Conference Center Building M at Moraine Valley Community College
9000 W College Pkwy, Palos Hills, IL 60465 Palos Hills, IL

“Arab American Resource Fair is a vibrant annual event that brings together community members, business professionals, and leaders to celebrate culture and foster connections.” It’s a unique opportunity for attendees to connect with leaders, celebrate Arab American heritage, and leave with tangible business resources. Event is open to all.  

BUSINESS RESOURCES

  • First Stop Business Information Center – Provides comprehensive information and technical support to businesses with questions and concerns about mitigations, government regulations and business assistance programs. First Stop can be reached at 1-800-252-2923 or ceo.firststop@illinois.gov.
  • Incentives and Tax Assistance - Illinois offers a competitive range of incentives for locating and expanding your business, including tax credits and exemptions that encourage business growth and job creation. Additional grant programs and access to loans can assist your business with working capital, machinery, equipment, land acquisition, building construction and public infrastructure improvements. And for those looking to invest in Illinois companies, early-stage investment incentives are also available.
  • Small Business Development Center (SBDC) – Centers are located across the state that provide free business counseling for small for-profit businesses. Below are some of the services provided at no cost:
    • One-on-one business advice and management assistance.
    • Assistance with the development of business plans.
    • Help with accessing market information and the development of marketing plans.
    • Assistance with accessing business financing programs.
    • Access to business education and training opportunities.
  • To find one near you visit: https://viewer.blipstar.com/blipstar?uid=5161672
    • If you need assistance in Arabic, the SBDC at the Arab American Business and Professional Association have personnel who speak Arabic.
  • Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP) - The Small Business Environmental Assistance Program is a non-regulatory program which provides free, confidential assistance to Illinois small businesses to help them succeed. Services include a toll-free helpline 1-800-252-3998 for confidential regulatory questions. SBEAP helps in understanding how state and federal environmental regulations apply to your business. They provide fact sheets summarizing various environmental rules, environmental recordkeeping tools, and other resources for navigating environmental regulations.

 

Need Information on Financial Resources including Business Grants?

Sign up for the DCEO-OE3 newsletter and we will be sure to email you at least once a month on business resources including grants, loans, and other helpful resources for your business. Sign up HERE.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS

Throughout the month, DCEO will be highlighting Arab American-owned businesses across the state.

Hashtags: #AAHM2024

ARAB AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLKIT

Click here to access Arab American Heritage Month 2025 toolkit, to find tips, sample social media posts, graphics, and newsletter ideas on how to celebrate and promote Arab American Heritage Month 2025!

For more information on Arab American Heritage Month events planned for businesses, contact Diana Alfaro at Diana.Alfaro@Illinois.gov or to learn more about ongoing resources and programs for businesses, follow DCEO on social media @IllinoisDCEO.