Agencies
Services
Black Business Month 2025
2025 National Black Business Month Toolkit
Voices of Change: Elevating Black Businesses
This August, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is celebrating National Black Business Month. Throughout the month, DCEO, through its office of Office of Economic Equity & Empowerment (OE3), will be uplifting Black businesses and entrepreneurs across Illinois through a series of events and social media campaigns. Find information about events and resources below.
Events
Leveraging Social Capital to Elevate Your Business
This webinar will provide Black entrepreneurs and business owners with tips on how to elevate their businesses. The session will explore strategic networking, relationship-building, and community engagement as drivers for business growth. Participants will gain insights into innovative funding avenues beyond traditional grants and loans—from partnerships and pitch competitions to crowdfunding and equity opportunities.
When: Thursday, August 28
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Registration link – Register Here
Shop Black Saturdays
Show your support for Illinois’ Black business community by participating in #ShopBlackSaturdays. Post a pic at your favorite Black-owned business and share on social using the #ShopBlackSaturdays every Saturday in the month of August.
Resources
Resources for Illinois Black-owned businesses
Resources for supporting Black Businesses
Social Media Toolkit
Access DCEO’s Black Business Month 2025 toolkit to find tips, sample social media posts, graphics, and newsletter ideas on how to celebrate and promote National Black Business Month 2025!
For more information on Black Business Month, contact African American Business Development Manager Markayle Tolliver at markayle.tolliver@illinois.gov. To learn more about ongoing resources and programs for businesses, follow DCEO on social media @IllinoisDCEO.