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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.

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month 2026

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is honored to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month this May. Find information about upcoming events and resources to support AAPI-owned businesses in Illinois below. 

DCEO Events

Overview of Financial Capital Resources for Small Businesses
tailored for businesses of all stages & industries
Wednesday | May 6, 2026 | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. | Virtual

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! Joining us as our May guest speaker is Esther Kim, DEI Partnerships Manager, from the Illinois Power Agency (IPA).

 

Awesome Adventures in Product & Innovation Expo 
attendees from all backgrounds are welcome to join
Presented by the Economic Development Center at CMAA with collaborators like the  Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and additional cross-sector organizations
Thursday | May 21 | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm | in-person
National India Hub. 930 National Parkway. Schaumburg, IL 60173

The second annual event features an energetic expo featuring government, primes, small businesses, and small business resource booths. The expo will offer workshops and seminars including one from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) featuring International Trade Specialist-Asia, Kelly Hou from DCEO’s Office of Trade and Investment (OTI) and Northeast Regional Manager Joseph “Joe” McKeown, from DCEO’s Office of Regional Economic Development (RED).  Women’s Business Development Manager Michelle Lura White from DCEO’s Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment (OE3), will also be available to answer business inquiries at the event.

 

BUILT TO LAST: Future Proofing Businesses for the Next Generation (An AAPIHM Celebration)
presented by the North River Commission and Fifth Third Bank
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm | in Chicago at Movement on Montrose

Join the community for an evening of celebration, connection, and practical support as we close out AAPI Heritage Month in Chicago’s Albany Park neighborhood. This free community event brings together small business owners, entrepreneurs, and neighbors to uplift and invest in the AAPI business community. Whether you’re running a long-standing business, just getting started, or exploring an idea, this event is designed to connect you with the tools and people you need. Hear from a panel of Asian American business owners at different stages of their journeys as they share insights on how to future-proof your business—covering topics like adapting to the digital landscape, succession planning, and preparing for long-term growth or transition. Connect directly with local, county, and state partners offering resources for small businesses such as from Women’s Business Development Manager Michelle Lura White from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO) Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment (OE3). Enjoy a “Noodles Party” featuring dishes from across Asian cultures, and spend the evening building relationships with fellow entrepreneurs and community members.

AAPI Community Events

Asian American Heritage Month Kickoff & Business Expo 2026
presented by the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois (AACCIL), the Asian American Coalition of Chicago (AACC), Asian American Executive Network (AAEN), BMO, Chicago Asian Network (CAN), and OCA Chicago
Friday | May 1 | 9:30 am – 2:30 pm | in-person
BMO at 320 S. Canal Street in Chicago

Join Chicago’s Pan Asian American community for the Asian American Heritage Month Kickoff, featuring cultural performances and a program highlighting local celebrations and events taking place throughout the month.

 

The 29th Annual Asian American Showcase
presented by the Siskel Film Center and the Foundation for Asian American Independent Media
May 7-12 | Siskel Film Center

The Asian American Showcase (AAS) provides a platform for new work by established and emerging Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander filmmakers and stories.

 

Umbrella Arts Festival 2026
presented by Evanston ASPA
Saturday | May 30 | 1:00 –5:00 pm | Foundation Square in Evanston

The Umbrella Arts Festival is a celebration of Asian American history, culture and art.  The umbrella symbolizes the Asian American diaspora which includes a diversity of ethnicities from over 40 Asian, South Asian, Southeast Asian and Pacific Island countries around the world, and is inclusive of the many intersections of identities that exist in our communities.  The festival is free and for all ages!

 

Where to Experience Asian Art, Culture, and History in Chicago
presented by Choose Chicago
How to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Chicago, presented by Choose Chicago

To view additional upcoming events for women-owned businesses happening throughout Illinois during the month of May and year-round.  Illinois State Designated Cultural District

To view Illinois and national events tailored for AAPI business owners, see below. 

Resources

Connecting HER to Illinois Business Resources Guide 

As the most in-depth, cross-sector business resources tool in the state, this guide provides a wealth of knowledge for Illinois women-owned businesses, future women business owners, aspiring female entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs from all communities; many of the resources are applicable to all genders, too. Offerings in the statewide tool include business resources presented by entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs) and aligned multisector organizations. Resources include financial capital (grants, loans, tools, etc.), social capital (mentoring programs & networking opportunities), contractor & vendor opportunities, and much more!  

Business Directories and Features