Office of Economic Equity & Empowerment

State-Designated Cultural Districts – 2025 NODO (APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED)

Cannabis Social Equity Direct Forgivable Loan Program, round 2 recipients

SSBCI Technical Assistance Grant Program (APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED)

The Office of Economic Equity & Empowerment (OE3), formerly known as Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE), advocates for equitable economic opportunities across the state of Illinois for minorities-, women-, veteran-owned businesses, businesses owned by persons with disabilities, eligible not-for-profit corporations, and other underserved communities. Through targeted programs, resources, and outreach and promotional activities, OE3 aims to create an inclusive and strong business ecosystem for communities that have traditionally faced systemic barriers to entry and growth. This investment spurs local economic development in underserved areas resulting in a revitalized and thriving Illinois economy.

OE3’s programming and initiatives include:

• Promoting and conducting outreach efforts to ensure access to State and federal funding opportunities, as well as assisting with finding resources to help apply for and receive State loan funds.
• Providing and hosting workshops and public forums and engaging in outreach efforts that:
  • Encourage participation in programs under the Business Enterprise for Minorities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities Act, and assisting those businesses in becoming designated under that act and under similar certification programs.
  • Assist and educate on the process of applying for and becoming certified to apply for State grant funds.
  • Assist and educate aspiring and existing entrepreneurs with understanding concepts such as, but not limited to, business formation and not-for-profit incorporation, business planning, capital access, and marketing a business or not-for-profit corporation.
• Administering programs to provide grants.
• Coordinating assistance with other State agencies.

Public Act 103-0889 created the Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment.

Advocacy & Outreach

• Capacity Building: Engage in collaborative outreach efforts to enhance capacity and eliminate barriers.
• Strategic Partnerships: Forge and nurture partnerships that bolster the business ecosystem.
• Cultural Diversity: Celebrate and amplify the rich cultural diversity within our communities.
• Business Support: Offer business assistance and connect individuals to a network of technical support and valuable resources.

Grants & Loans

• Funding Programs: Launch and administer a range of funding initiatives, including the State-Designated Cultural Districts Program, Illinois Economic Empowerment Centers, SSBCI TA Loan program, and Capital Infrastructure grant program.
• Compliance & Evaluation: Evaluate and monitor businesses and/or organizations applying for or receiving funding through our programs to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
• Cannabis Social Equity Program: Oversee and administer loan programs for qualified Social Equity Applicants (SEAs) such as the Direct Forgivable Loan Program and other cannabis initiatives.
• Technical Assistance: Develop a network of technical assistance providers that are available to assist social equity applicants in their quest to procure and retain a cannabis business license.
• Resource Support: Provides essential resources and support through various programs administered by our office.