Hispanic Heritage Month 2025

Illinois is honored to celebrate our diverse Latino and Hispanic communities in observation of Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15^th through October 15^th. Illinois will also take part in amplifying Support Latino Business Day on September 14^th   - a national call to action that acknowledges and encourages support for Latino-owned businesses.

During this monthlong celebration, DCEO will be hosting a series of events including Office Hour Roadshow to meet with members of the Latino businesses across the state. Through a monthlong social media campaign, DCEO will also highlight Latino community leaders, organizations, and business enterprises throughout the state. 

During the monthlong celebration, DCEO will be hosting open office hours in person and virtually. Join us for free office hours designated to support your business growth or kick start your business! Connect with funding opportunities, obtain resources, and get personalized guidance from our team to support your business.

Register for an event in your area below. If you prefer to meet virtually, contact Diana Alfaro, Latinx Business Development Manager, at diana.alfaro@illinois.gov.

Moline hosted by Mercado on Fifth
Tuesday | September 16, 2025 | 4:00pm – 7:00 pm

Harvard hosted by Harvard Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Wednesday | September 17, 2025 | 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
36 N. Ayer Street, Suite 1, Harvard, IL 60033

Waukegan hosted by National Financial Literacy Campaign
Thursday | September 18, 2025 | 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
2744 Grand Ave, Waukegan, IL

Belvidere hosted by Growth Dimensions
Friday | September 19, 2025 | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
982 Belvidere Road, Belvidere, IL 61008

Joliet hosted by Joliet Latino Economic Development Association (LEDA)
Tuesday | September 23, 2025 | 3:30 pm – 7:00 pm
310 N Ottawa St, Joliet, IL 60432

Rockford hosted by Rockford Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Thursday | September 25, 2025 | 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
4855 E State St, Suite 21, Rockford, IL 61108

Fairmont City hosted by the Illinois Small Business Development Center for the Metro East at SIUE
Wednesday | October 1, 2025 | 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Fairmont City Library, 4444 Collinsville Rd., Fairmont City, IL 62201

Springfield hosted by the Illinois Migrant Council
Thursday | October 2, 2025 | 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
1 Horace Mann Plaza, Springfield, IL 62715

Aurora hosted by Aurora Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Thursday | October 9, 2025 | 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
105 E Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL 60505 (3rd floor)

• 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 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 some 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.
• 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.

Follow @IllinoisDCEO on all social media to learn more about ongoing resources and programs for businesses.

For more information on Hispanic Heritage Month and Support Latino Business Day events planned for businesses, contact Diana Alfaro, the Latinx Business Development Manager, at Diana.Alfaro@Illinois.gov.