Native American Heritage Month

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is proud to celebrate Native American Heritage Month. This year’s celebration entails hosting an event uplifting Native American-owned businesses, amplifying Native American business leaders, organizations, and business enterprises throughout the state, and celebrating the Native American community here in Illinois. 

View the Native American Heritage Month proclamation.  Coming soon!

Overview of Financial Resources for Small Businesses
Wednesday | November 5, 2025 | 10:00 – 11:00 AM | Virtual

Is your business or idea of a business in need of funds? Attend this virtual webinar where during the Online with OE3 series we will share with you information on available financial resources from different levels of government as well as the private sector. During the webinar, you can ask Team OE3 any question for your business. 

Discover the DCEO Office of Tourism’s itinerary highlighting Native American heritage in Illinois, featuring museums, walking trails, and galleries. To learn more, visit: https://www.enjoyillinois.com/plan-your-trip/road-trip-itineraries/native-american-heritage-in-illinois/

Explore the DCEO Office of Tourism’s guide to the history of the Cahokia Mounds and learn how to plan your visit. To learn more, visit: https://www.enjoyillinois.com/plan-your-trip/travel-inspiration/cahokia-mounds/

The Native American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois provides one-on-one assistance, help businesses apply for state and other government grant programs, host business education events, and more. If you need assistance with your business, please contact the Native American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois to schedule an appointment. You can email them at: andrew@nacc-il.org.

The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, is a national organization that provides assistance to Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses.

Small Business Development Center (SBDC) – Centers located throughout the state provide no cost business counseling. SBDC’s can assist you with a business plan, marketing, financial bookkeeping, finding grants, how to start a business, how to grow your business, etc. To find one near you go to: https://viewer.blipstar.com/blipstar?uid=5161672.

Apex Accelerator (formerly Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTACs) – PTAC’s provide no cost assistance to businesses who want to get into the world of government contracting and assist with certifications like getting certified as minority/Native American owned. To find one near you, please click HERE.

• DCEO OE3 Newsletter – DCEO OE3’s monthly newsletter shares business resources including grants, loans, and other helpful resources for businesses
• 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.
• 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.
• 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. 

There are several community events celebrating Native American-owned businesses and culture. Below is a list of organizations and events to consider attending and supporting this Native American Heritage Month:

• American Indian Center of Chicago
• Chicago American Indian Community Collaborative
• The Field Museum
• First Nations Film and Video Festival
  Celebrate the works of Native American filmmakers and attend the First Nations Film and Video Festival from November 1-10, 2025.
• Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum
• Trickster Cultural Center

If you want to receive more information on resources for Native American businesses and entrepreneurs, consider signing up for our newsletter in which we will share business resources including grants and loans. Sign up HERE.

For more information on Native American Heritage Month 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.