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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.

Black History Month 2026

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is proud to celebrate Black History Month. Throughout February, DCEO will be hosting a series of virtual and in-person events to engage with and uplift Black businesses and entrepreneurs across Illinois. Find information about events and resources below.

Proclamation

View the Black History Month 2026 proclamation

Events

Woodson Regional Library Roundtable
Thursday | February 5, 2026 | 10:00 - 11:30 am | in-person
9525 S Halstead St 60628

Dive into the historic Library of the Founder of Black History Month! Discover valuable state resources and explore local opportunities designed to help your business grow and thrive. Speakers includes Obama Foundation Center and the Chicagoland Chamber SBDC.

Webinar: The 1908 Project with The Springfield Project
Wednesday | February 11, 2026 | 10:00 – 11:00 am | virtual

Learn about how Springfield leaders are maintaining Black History in Springfield and how in 1908, the was an organization was founded to help improve the City of Springfield and specifically the impact of Blacks in Springfield.

Metro East Realtist Collective Black History Business Tour & Roundtable
Thursday | February 26, 2026 | 11:00 am - 2:00 pm | in-person
616 N. 16th St. East, St. Louis, IL, 62205

Join the Metro East area for a workshop uncovering current State resources, learn more about Black History in Metro East and how Black people have built and sustained the Metro East community.

Metro East Small Business tour

Markayle Tolliver, in collaboration with Metro East Realist Collective, will be touring Black-owned small businesses throughout the Metro East area.

Resources

Stay Connected!

Sign up for the OE3 newsletter to receive more information on resources for minority owned businesses and entrepreneurs.

For more information on Black Heritage Month, contact Markayle Tolliver at Markayle.Tolliver@illinois.gov, or to learn more about ongoing resources and programs for businesses, follow DCEO on social media @IllinoisDCEO.