Native American Heritage Month 2026

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is proud to honor Native American Heritage Month. This year, we celebrate by uplifting Native American–owned businesses and recognizing the leadership, innovation, and economic contributions of Native American entrepreneurs, organizations, and enterprises across Illinois. As part of this year’s observance, DCEO is releasing a Native American–owned Business in Illinois Fact Sheet, along with additional resources designed to increase visibility, support economic opportunity, and deepen partnerships with Native communities throughout the state.

View the Native American Heritage Month proclamation.

For the first time, DCEO is releasing an Illinois fact sheet on Native American-owned Businesses.

• Overview of Financial Resources for Small Businesses
  Wednesday | November 4, 2026 | 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.
• Native American Heritage Month Panel Discussion and Job Fair
  Thursday | November 5, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | In-person | Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
  
  This event is co-hosted by the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS), Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM), and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The event consists of a panel discussion and job fair. DCEO will be participating in the event. 

• Celebrating Native American Haritage Month
• Native American Heritage in Illinois – DCEO’s Office of Tourism’s itinerary highlighting Native American heritage in Illinois, featuring museums, walking trails, and galleries. 
• Native American Heritage in Illinois’ Landscapes – DCEO’s Office of Tourism “…four day journey across Illinois takes you from the north of Illinois to its deepest south; from scenic bluffs alongside the Mississippi River to rolling hills and river valleys. All the way, it invites you to dive into the long history and deep cultural roots that exist within this region.”
• Cahokia Mounds – DCEO’s Office of Tourism’s guide to the history of the Cahokia Mounds and learn how to plan your visit.

• 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 – 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 visit: https://viewer.blipstar.com/blipstar?uid=5161672
• State Small Business Credit Initiative Technical Assistance (SSBCI TA) Program - The SSBCI TA Program helps small businesses, especially Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals (SEDI) and Very Small Businesses (VSBs) to overcome systemic barriers to capital access by offering targeted technical assistance. SSBCI TA Providers offer free Legal, Accounting, and Financial Advisory services to help entrepreneurs become fully prepared to access capital, specifically federal loan programs.
• Economic Empowerment Centers (EECs) - provide training in all aspects of business development and small business management, including Business Advising/Technical Assistance, Education and Cohort Training, and other services. A small fee may apply at some centers.

• DCEO OE3 Newsletter – DCEO OE3’s monthly newsletter shares business resources including grants, loans, and other helpful resources for businesses
• Business Information Center – Provides comprehensive information and technical support to businesses with questions and concerns about mitigations, government regulations and business assistance programs. Business Information Center can be reached in English and Spanish at 1-800-252-2923 or BIC@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, 2026.
• Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum
• Trickster Cultural Center

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.