DCEO Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month  

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today launched its Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations. This monthlong celebration, starting September 15 through October 15, will include a series of events focused on highlighting and empowering Illinois’ Latino-owned businesses, organizations, and community leaders. DCEO will also amplify Support Latino Business Day, a national call to action that acknowledges and encourages support for Latino-owned businesses, on September 14. 

“Latino-owned businesses are the heartbeat of our communities, driving innovation, creating jobs, and enriching the culture of our state,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “On Support Latino Business Day and throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate their contributions and recognize the vital role they play in our state’s economy. I’m proud to join the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in uplifting Latino-owned businesses across Illinois and empowering them with the resources they need to grow and succeed.” 

“In Illinois, we celebrate our diversity and do everything we can to ensure our small business community is equitable and thriving,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “I encourage all Illinoisans to support the Latino business community and drive their local economy forward!” 

This Hispanic Heritage Month, DCEO is honoring the Latina/e/x community and the over 143,000 Latino-owned businesses across Illinois. DCEO’s Illinois Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) plays a crucial role in providing support to minority-owned and marginalized businesses of all sizes and types, including connection with grants, technical assistance, and incentives to bolster marginalized entrepreneurs and marginalized-owned enterprises. For more information on DCEO’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, please visit DCEO's website. 

“Illinois’ Latino business community is essential to our state’s economic ecosystem,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Support Latino Business Day and Hispanic Heritage Month are great opportunities to highlight the economic and cultural contributions of Latino-owned businesses in Illinois. DCEO is committed to uplifting and supporting Illinois’ Latino-owned businesses this Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond.” 

Events:  ​
​All events are open to the public; additional information and registration links can be found on DCEO's website. ​ 

​Latina Expo - Innovation and Entrepreneurship Workshop ​
​Friday, September 13, 2024 | 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | In-person ​
​Malcolm X College, 1900 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 

DCEO is encouraging innovative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit among Latinas. This session will provide insights into starting and scaling a business, securing funding, and overcoming common challenges faced by Latina entrepreneurs. 

Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month: Conversations with Hispanic and Latino Entrepreneurs ​
​Tuesday, October 8, 2024 | 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. | In-person ​
​BECC Suite 1130, 1422 W. Main Street, Peoria, IL ​ 

The Turner Center for Entrepreneurship and Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Bradley University invites participants to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month as they highlight Hispanic and Latino owned small businesses in Central Illinois. ​ 

Starting a business is not easy, and Hispanic/Latino entrepreneurs face unique challenges. Let us The Turner Center recognize and meet with several who are finding their way to success. This event features a panel of five local entrepreneurs in a discussion led by the panel’s moderator, Diana Alfaro, DCEO-OMEE Latinx Business Development Manager. Informal networking reception to follow the discussion. 

Discussion on Business Resources ​
​Wednesday, October 9, 2024 | 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. | In-person | Registration not required ​
​Beardstown Elks Club – 205 E. 2^nd St. Beardstown, IL 

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, DCEO and the University of Illinois Extensions will conduct an in-person workshop focused on providing information on business resources that are available at no cost to business owners such as technical assistance (those who can assist business owners for free), grant and other funding opportunities, as well as additional resources. Presentation will be in English, but attendees can ask questions in English or in Spanish. All business owners are welcome to attend. 

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