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Women’s HERstory Month 2024

"Illinois Advancing HER Business"

Please join the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) as we celebrate and honor HER, Illinois women-owned businesses, during national Women’s HERstory Month. Throughout March, DCEO is hosting events and elevating resources to advance women-owned businesses throughout the state. We’ll also spotlight businesses owned by women in Illinois – learn more about how to get involved and support women-owned businesses throughout Illinois below! 

Events

Overview of Financial Capital Resources for Small Businesses
Wednesday | March 6, 2024 | 10:00 – 11:00 AM | Virtual | Register here
Tailored for businesses of all stages & industries.

Is access to financial capital important for your business? During the monthly Online with OMEE series, Team OMEE provides the latest financial capital resources (grants, loans, etc.) offered across the sectors, along with other opportunities and updates for business owners.

 

Women’s Words of Wisdom

Thursday, March 21, 2024 | 3:00-7:00 PM | in-person in Chicago at BMO Harris, 338 South Canal Street, Floor 17 | Register here

Tailored for women, with attendees from all backgrounds welcome to join.

Throughout the event, attendees will learn about personal branding, financial management, and the most effective ways to overcome life's challenges in the world of business. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out, this conference is the perfect platform to connect with like-minded individuals and take your career to the next level. Panelists include Women’s Business Development Manager Michelle Lura White from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) who is part of the Money Talks panel.

Use code “women” for complimentary admission.

 

Business Networking for Women Entrepreneurs
Thursday, March 21, 2024 | 5:30 PM | in-person in Carpentersville at 6900 Huntley Road | Register here

Tailored for women-owned businesses of all stages and industries, with attendees from all genders welcome to join.

Join us for a networking and educational event, hosted by BMO. Enjoy refreshments, shake hands with local business owners, and learn more about our community programs that are key to your financial success. This event is inclusive, and all are welcome to join.

Special guest speaker, Diana Alfaro with the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity will be joining us to share how you can become Women Owned Certified and what that does for your business.

 

Connecting HER With Illinois Business Resources
Wednesday, March 6, 2024 | 12:30-3:00 PM| In-person in Mattoon at Elevate CCIC, Inc.  at Cross County Mall | Register here

Tailored for women-owned businesses of all stages & industries, future women business owners, & aspiring female entrepreneurs, with attendees from different geographical regions and of all genders welcome to join and learn.

Please join us for a community presentation focused on inspiring, connecting, and advancing Illinois women-owned businesses, future women business owners, and aspiring female entrepreneurs with business resources and opportunities offered across Illinois' entrepreneurial ecosystem. During this free, in-person resource presentation & conversation, we will also answer your questions. As a light lunch will be served by Leaders Innovating for Tomorrow (LIFT) students as courtesy of Coles Together, please register early!

Presenting organizations include: DCEO, IL SBDC at Elevate-EIU, Family Business Center at Loyola University, Future Founders, U.S. SBA, Women’s Business Development Center, and Women Employed.

 

Overview of Mentoring Programs for Women Entrepreneurs
Thursday | March 21, 2024 | 10:00-11:00 AM | Virtual | Register here

Tailored for women-owned businesses of all stages and industries, future women business owners, and aspiring female entrepreneurs, with all genders welcome to join.

Looking to join an accelerator/cohort/mentoring program to take your company or business idea to the next level? During Team RED’s Office Hours, the entrepreneurial ecosystem will share their tailored programs with you during DCEO’s Women’s HERstory Month celebrating Illinois women-owned businesses, future women business owners, and aspiring female entrepreneurs.

 

1st Annual Asian Women’s Summit

Friday, March 22, 2024 | 8:30 AM-1:00 PM | In-person at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago in Chicago | Register here

Tailored for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) professional women from all sectors and AAPI university female students, with attendees from all backgrounds (genders/ethnicities/races/etc.) welcome to join. 

Get empowered and inspired by Asian women leaders from diverse sectors and industries who will share resources, advice, and stories at the 1st Annual Asian Women’s Summit in Chicago. The summit is presented by co-hosts Aurora Austriaco, Mark Hands and Clarita Santos, together with the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Chicago (PACCGC), The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO)- Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE), Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois (AACCIL), South Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, and Valentine Austriaco and Bueschel, P.C.

 

Latinas in Business Workshop
Wednesday, March 27, 2024 | 6:30 – 8:30 PM | in-person in Aurora at Belle Salle Banquet, 1920 E. New York Street | Register here

Connect with state agencies to learn about resources available for your business through our programs and build your network. Access the event’s flyer in English and Spanish.

The event is a shared collaboration effort between State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, State Senator Karina Villa, Aurora Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (ARHCC), Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (IHCC), and DCEO.

Additional Events Throughout Illinois’ Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

View additional upcoming events for women-owned businesses happening throughout Illinois during the month of March and year-round.

Resources

Connecting HER to Illinois Business Resources Guide
As this guide provides a wealth of knowledge for Illinois women-owned businesses, future women business owners, and aspiring female entrepreneurs, it includes business resources offered by entrepreneur supporting organizations (ESOs) and aligned multisector organizations. Resources include financial capital (grants, loans, tools, etc.), social capital (mentoring programs & networking opportunities), contractor & vendor opportunities, and much more! 

Business Spotlights

Throughout the month, DCEO will be highlighting Illinois women-owned businesses across the state.

Facebook: @illinoisdceo
Twitter: IllinoisDCEO
LinkedIn: Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
Hashtags: #ILWHM2024

Women’s HERstory Month Tool Kit

In the link below, you’ll find tips, sample social media posts, graphics, and ideas on how to celebrate and promote Women’s HERstory Month 2024!

Women’s HERstory Month 2024 Toolkit

Celebrate Illinois Women-Owned Businesses

Throughout the month of March, we encourage Illinoisans to support and utilize women-owned businesses in their local communities and during their travels in the state. Below are a few business directories and articles which list Illinois women-owned businesses. Check with your local chambers of commerce organizations and economic development corporations (EDCs) for business directories as well! To help promote Illinois women-owned businesses, please share photos and the businesses’ website and/or social media pages by using the hashtag #ILWHM2024

The state’s Women’s HERstory Month activities for Illinois women-owned businesses, future women business owners, and aspiring female entrepreneurs are presented by DCEO’s Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) and Office of Regional Economic Development (RED). Team OMEE plays an important role in providing support to women-owned businesses of all stages, sizes, and industries, including connections to business resources throughout the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Team RED provides incentives to bolster enterprises, and the team also offers confidential services to companies seeking to expand or relocate within Illinois. For more information on Illinois’ Women’s HERstory Month 2024 events planned for businesses and/or to learn more about ongoing resources and programs for women-owned businesses and future women entrepreneurs, please follow DCEO on social media @IllinoisDCEO. You can also contact any team member from Team OMEE and/or Team RED, in addition to DCEO’s Women’s HERstory Month 2024 Committee: