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Arab American Heritage Month 2026

Throughout April, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is proud to celebrate Arab American Heritage Month. Through its Offices of Economic Equity and Empowerment (OE3) and Regional Economic Development (RED), DCEO will be sharing resources to support and uplift Illinois’ Arab American owned businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs. This effort reflects DCEO’s ongoing commitment to advancing and uplifting Arab American entrepreneurs throughout Illinois during this month and year-round.

IMPORTANT FACT

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

PROCLAMATION

The Governor has officially proclaimed April as Arab American Heritage Month, recognizing the vital contributions Arab Americans have made to our state and nation. This month offers an important opportunity to celebrate, honor, and amplify those contributions. While our commitment to serving and uplifting Arab American communities extends throughout the year, Arab American Heritage Month allows us to further elevate their impact and stories. Proclamation is available here.

EVENTS

Little Palestine Tour:
The Arab American Business & Professional Association (ABPA) is leading a tour to meet with several Arab American-owned businesses, followed by a discussion about available resources. DCEO will be joining the tour sharing business resources available for the business community.

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.

BUSINESS RESOURCES

  • Business Information Center – Provides comprehensive information and technical support to businesses with questions and concerns about mitigations, government regulations and business assistance programs. They can be reached at 1-800-252-2923 or BIC@Illinois.gov.
  • Economic Empowerment Centers (EECs) -  EECs provide training in all aspects of business development and small business management, including Business Advising/Technical Assistance, Education and Cohort Training, and other services. A small fee may apply at some centers.
  • 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 has personnel who speak Arabic.
  • Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP) - The Small Business Environmental Assistance Program is a non-regulatory program that 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.

Social Media Toolkit

Click here to access the Arab American Heritage Month 2026 toolkit, to find tips, sample social media posts, graphics, and newsletter ideas on how to celebrate and promote Arab American Heritage Month 2026!

Do you 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 with business resources, including grants, loans, and other helpful resources for your business.

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.