Hispanic Heritage Month 2024

Empowering Latino Businesses for a More Equitable Future

Illinois is honored to celebrate our diverse Latin@/e/x and Hispanic communities in observation of Hispanic Heritage Month September 15^th through October 15^th  as well as amplifying Support Latino Business Day on September 14^th   - a national call to action that acknowledges and encourages support for Latino owned businesses. This monthlong celebration includes a series of events focused on empowering Latin@/e/x and Hispanic owned small businesses, highlighting and uplifting community leaders, organizations, and business enterprises throughout the state.

View a copy of the proclamation.

Latina Expo - Innovation and Entrepreneurship Workshop
Friday | September 13, 2024 | 11:30 am – 12:15 pm | in-person
Malcolm X College, 1900 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL

We are encouraging innovative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit among Latinas. This session will provide insights into starting and scaling a business, securing funding, and overcoming common challenges faced by Latina entrepreneurs.

Latinx Business Colectivo – Small Business Road Show
Saturday | Saturday, September 28, 2024 | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm | in-person
Universidad Popular, 2801 S. Hamlin Ave, Chicago, IL 60623

Universidad Popular is hosting the upcoming Latinx Business Colectivo – Small Business Road Show to provide the community, in particular business owners, with resources. The event will include Spanish workshops, free resources including a resource fair, games, piñata, food, cultural performances and more. The event is FREE. The community and business owners are invited to attend. DCEO is participating and will be in attendance.

Click here to access the event flyer.

Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month: Conversations with Hispanic and Latino Entrepreneurs

Tuesday | October 8, 2024 | 3:00 – 5:00 pm | in-person
BECC, Suite 1130, 1422 W Main Street, Peoria, IL 

The Turner Center for Entrepreneurship and Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Bradley University invites you to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with us as we highlight Hispanic and Latino owned small businesses right here in Central Illinois. 

Starting a business is not easy, and Hispanic/Latino entrepreneurs face unique challenges.  Let us recognize and visit with several who are finding their way to success. We are excited to feature a panel of five local entrepreneurs in a discussion led by our moderator, Diana Alfaro, DCEO-OMEE Latinx Business Development Manager. Informal networking reception to follow the discussion. This in-person event is offered at no cost.

Discussion on Business Resources Available at No Cost
Wednesday | October 9, 2024 | 2:00 – 3:00 pm |  in-person | registration not required.
Beardstown Elks Club – 205 E. 2^nd St, Beardstown, IL

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, DCEO and the University of Illinois Extensions will conduct an in-person workshop focus on providing information on business resources that are available at no cost to business owners such as technical assistance (those who can assist you for free), grant and other funding opportunities, as well as additional resources. Presentation will be in English but attendees can ask questions in English or in Spanish. All business owners are welcome to attend. 

In the link below you will find tips, sample social media posts, graphics and ideas on how to celebrate and promote Support Latino Business Day as well as Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month! 

Click here to access English toolkit or para español haga clic Aquí.

Resources for technical assistance:

• Small Business Development Center (SBDC) – They are centers located across the state that provide no cost business counseling. They can assist you with a business plan, marketing, financial bookkeeping, finding grants, how to start a business, how to grow your business, etc. Here is more info on SBDCs: Illinois Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) - First Stop. To find one near you go here: https://viewer.blipstar.com/blipstar?uid=5161672.
  • Please note, there are many SBDCs that do provide Spanish assistance. If you need help finding a SBDC that provides assistance in Spanish, please contact Diana Alfaro, diana.alfaro@illinois.gov.
• Apex Accelerator (formerly Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTACs)) - They provide at no cost assistance to businesses who want to get into the world of government contracting and assist with certifications like getting certified as minority/Latino/a/e/x or Hispanic owned. For more information, please click HERE. To find one near you, please click HERE.

For more information on Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month and Support Latino Business Day events planned for businesses, contact Diana Alfaro, the Latinx Business Development Manager, at Diana.Alfaro@Illinois.gov or to learn more about ongoing resources and programs for businesses, follow DCEO on social media @IllinoisDCEO.