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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.

Juneteenth 2026

“One Illinois: Celebrating Freedom & Expanding Access”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is celebrating and honoring Juneteenth. Throughout the week of June 19, DCEO will be celebrating liberation and resilience across Illinois. Find information about upcoming events and resources to support the weeklong celebration of Juneteenth in Illinois below.   

DCEO Events

Overview of Financial Capital Resources for Small Businesses
Wednesday | June 3, 2026 | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. | Virtual 

Join OE3's Business Development Managers online and get the latest updates on financial resources from the state, federal, and local government programs, and other funding opportunities from private/community organizations, as well as the opportunity to ask us any questions about your business in English and Spanish! Joining us as our June guest speakers are Matthew Monahan and Kimberly Hill from the Illinois Secretary of State.  

 

Juneteenth & Black Economic Power: Then, Now & Next
Tuesday | June 16, 2026 | 2:00 – 4:30 p.m. | Hybrid
555 W. Monroe. Chicago, IL. The Illinois room, 1st floor.

DCEO proudly announces its 2026 Juneteenth Signature Business Roundtable, launching a yearlong series of Black programming honoring 250 years of Black innovation, resilience, and economic leadership. This signature event brings together visionaries, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to explore how the legacy of Juneteenth continues to shape the future of business, equity, and opportunity in Illinois.  

 

Black Roots, Black Resilience, & Black Real Estate
Wednesday | June 17, 2026 | 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. | Virtual 

Honoring both Juneteenth and National Homeownership Month, this webinar celebrates freedom, financial empowerment, and the ongoing journey toward equitable access to homeownership. This special event brings together housing experts, community leaders, and financial professionals to explore the historical significance of Juneteenth while providing practical tools to help individuals and families build generational wealth through homeownership.

DCEO Resources

Community Events throughout Illinois

Enjoy Illinois

Other Juneteenth Celebrations in Illinois

Social Media Toolkit

Access the social media toolkit to find tips, sample social media posts, graphics, and newsletter ideas on how to celebrate and promote Juneteenth!

Stay Connected!

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

For more information on Juneteenth, 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.