National Black Business Month 2024

Empowering Excellence: Proudly Celebrating National Black Business Month in Illinois 

August is National Black Business Month. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) recognizes that the goods and services Black businesses produce contribute to our state’s economic growth, and the creativity and resilience of Black entrepreneurs fuels future innovations that transform the nation and world around us. For this reason, Illinois is proud to be at the forefront of saluting and advancing Black entrepreneurship this month, and all year long. Through the Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE), Illinois is celebrating August as Black Business Month. This monthlong celebration includes a series of events highlighting community leaders, organizations, and business enterprises throughout the state, as well as a “Shop Black-owned Business Saturdays,” inviting Illinoisans to support and highlight companies in their community via social media.  

WEBINAR – Online with OMEE – Overview of Financial Resources for Small Businesses 
Wednesday | August 7, 2024 | 10:00am – 11:00am 

Is access to financial capital important for your business? The Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) Business Development Managers invite you to an online conversation that's open to all minorities ((racial/ethnic), women, persons with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQIA+) and any other marginalized groups-owned businesses. Team OMEE will provide you with the latest updates on financial resources like federal and state programs, information about other opportunities, and answer any questions you may have about your business. We'll take questions in English and Spanish.

WEBINAR – IL Small Business Administration IL District Office - National Black Business Month Capability Statement
Thursday | August 15, 2024 | 10:00am – 11:30am

IL OMEE is happy to share info on this great webinar program. Capability statements defined, what are they used for? This webinar will present the who, what , when where and why of capability statements. We will also delve into the Illinois technical assistance resources with an Apex Accelerator and consulting group.

WEBINAR – Empowering Excellence: Proudly Celebrating National Black Business Month in Illinois
Wednesday | August 21, 2024 | 12:00pm – 1:30pm

Black Business represents the standard of excellence in Illinois. There are countless examples of entrepreneurs and business leaders that are making an impact – creating jobs, transforming neighborhoods, and delivering products and services that spur growth in the Illinois economy. Join us for a virtual panel to hear the stories of success and insights from thought leaders and company owners as part of our celebration of National Black Business Month 2024.

Download our social media toolkit to use graphics, sample posts and other ideas and help us amplify Black Business Month 2024.

The Illinois Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) has created a set of resources to help entrepreneurs navigate the business ownership process. This page will be populated with video content, helpful documents, and links to information – including the Statewide Black Business Survey – that will assist community leaders and business owners as they build a successful company in Illinois.

• OMEE Business Resource Library

Join DCEO as we celebrate “Shop Black Saturdays.”  Each Saturday in August, we encourage Illinoisans to support Black-owned businesses in their community. To help promote the amazing products and services offered, take photos and share the experience using the hashtag #ShopBlackSaturday

The State’s Black Business Month activities are presented by OMEE. OMEE plays a crucial role in providing support to minority owned businesses of all sizes and types, including connection with grants, technical assistance, and incentives to bolster minority entrepreneurs and minority-owned enterprises. For more information on Black Business Month events planned for businesses, contact Matthew J. Simpson, the African American Business Development Manager, at Matthew.Simpson@illinois.gov. To learn more about ongoing resources and programs for businesses, follow DCEO on social media @IllinoisDCEO.