The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is going all out this March to highlight and support women-run businesses with a slew of free events and a comprehensive social media blitz, designed to propel female enterprise in the Prairie State. DCEO Director Kristin Richards said in a released statement, "This Women's HERstory Month, DCEO is proud to uplift our state's women-owned businesses. Ensuring Illinois continues to be the best place to live, work, and do business means supporting and investing in all Illinoisans, including women-owned businesses and entrepreneurs, throughout March and beyond," according to illinois.gov.
Women entrepreneurs, particularly women of color, have long faced hurdles in acquiring much-needed financial and social resources necessary to drive their ventures forward. The DCEO has its sights set on leveling the playing field with initiatives like the Connecting HER to Illinois Business Resources Guide. This guide is a treasure trove of cross-sector resources, available to aid women in conquering the business landscape.
In a robust effort to nurture a fertile business ecosystem that equally empowers all, DCEO's Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) is paying special attention to uplift businesses led by women and minorities. A suite of workshops and continual advocacy efforts are at the forefront of OMEE's year-round support, which includes help in locating grants, offering technical assistance, and other economic incentives crucial for business growth, as reported by illinois.gov.
Making waves this HERstory Month, DCEO will host the inaugural Asian Women's Summit on March 22. Set against the backdrop of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, a panel of accomplished Asian women leaders from multiple industries will partake in an exchange that promises to empower and inspire, especially the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) attendees, though the event stands open for all to join.
