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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.

Pride Month 2026

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is honored to celebrate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and Plus (LGBTQIA+) Pride Month. DCEO, through its Office of Economic Equity & Empowerment (OE3) and Office of Regional Economic Development (RED) are hosting and collaborating on a series of tailored initiatives that include spotlighting LGBTQIA+ organizations and business enterprises throughout the state, event focused on empowering LGBTQIA+ business owners and connecting businesses to tangible resources, and much more. 

Proclamation

View the 2026 Pride Month proclamation.

Events

Pride in Small Business: A Community Conversation on LGBTQIA+ Entrepreneurship in East Central Illinois
Tuesday | June 16, 2026 | 6:00 PM | In-person, Champaign Public Library  | Registration Not Required

Join the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for an evening conversation celebrating LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurship and community in East Central Illinois.

This Pride Month event is designed to feel less like a formal panel and more like an honest community conversation—a chance to hear real stories about business ownership, creating affirming spaces, navigating challenges, and building community locally.

Whether you're a current business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, creative professional, student, or ally, all are welcome to attend. The evening will feature a relaxed moderated discussion followed by informal networking and conversation.

Hosted by DCEO’s Office of Economic Equity & Empowerment and Regional Economic Development Team.

 

Beyond PRIDE Month
DCEO will be hosting an event in July to continue the celebration of PRIDE.

Save the Date - Building Together: Business Voices, Stories and Resources
Tuesday | July 14, 2026 | 9:30am – 11:00am | In-person, Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60613

Details are coming soon.

 

Illinois Office of Tourism Pride Events

Business Resources

Business and/or nonprofit resources and directories:

  • 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 at 1-800-252-2923 or ceo.firststop@illinois.gov.
  • 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.
  • Economic Empowerment Centers (EECs) - Provide training in all aspects of business development and small business management, including Business Advice/Technical Assistance, Education and Cohort Training, and other Mandatory Client Services.
  • Small Business Development Center (SBDC) – Centers are located across the state that provide free business counseling for small for-profit businesses.
  • 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.
  • Center on Halsted – “Supporting LGBTQ+ Health, Wellness, and Cultural Enrichment since 1973.” Located in Chicago, IL.
  • Central Illinois Friends – “To support people living with HIV and vulnerable community members in need of comprehensive clinical and supportive services through compassionate and personalized care.” Locations in Peoria, Normal, and Galesburg.
  • Uniting Pride - “Uniting Pride is the only LGBTQ+ resource center of its kind in the East Central Illinois region. We serve clients from Champaign County and the surrounding areas through social and support groups, events, education, resource referrals and more. We also host the annual Champaign-Urbana Pride Fest each fall.”
  • LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois - Promoting Economic Opportunities for the LGTBQ+ Business Community
  • Association of Latinos/as/xs Motivating Action (ALMA) Chicago - One of the oldest Latinx LGBTQ+ advocacy organization in the United States.
  • Equality Illinois - The state's oldest, largest and most effective advocacy organization dedicated to defending rights for LGBTQ+ Illinoisans.
  • DCEO OE3 Newsletter - DCEO OE3’s monthly newsletter shares business resources including grants, loans, and other helpful resources for businesses

For more information on PRIDE creativities or questions, contact OE3 team member, Diana Alfaro at diana.alfaro@illinois.gov or RED team members Renee Wott at Renee.Wott@Illinois.gov  or Madeleine.Wolske@Illinois.gov. To learn more about ongoing resources and programs for businesses, follow DCEO on social media @IllinoisDCEO.