Workshops and virtual events to link Latinx businesses to resources for growth
Information provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
CHICAGO, Ill. (September 15, 2020) – The State of Illinois announced a series of events planned by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the Department of Central Management Services (CMS), and other state agencies in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage month, beginning September 15 and running through October 15. In partnership with businesses, chambers, cultural and community organizations, and industry experts from across the state, these events will celebrate the culture and contributions of Hispanics throughout Illinois and provide tips on how entrepreneurs and business owners can access free resources to strengthen their business.
The events planned will be offered in Spanish and English, and include topics such as accessing capital, branding, grants application, and special panels with experts in the industries of film, manufacturing, and government contracting. The Illinois Department of Central Management Service’s (CMS) Business Enterprise Program (BEP) will participate in several events and offer training and technical assistance to business owners to assist them with certification options. BEP certification ensures Latinx and other minority-owned businesses in every community have the access and opportunity to participate in the economic future of Illinois. BEP’s focus is to support Illinois communities and ensure economic inclusiveness throughout our State.
Events for businesses begin this week and are free to join. More information on how to register is found below, or on DCEO’s website.
September 23, 2020 at 10:00 a.m., “SBDC Assistance & Best Practices for Business Owners” (en español)
DCEO-OMEE and the Illinois SBDC Network will conduct a workshop for business owners and a discussion around best practice for businesses as well free resources for business owners.
To register please visit: https://bit.ly/3iw0wTB
September 29, 2020 at 3:00 p.m., “OMEE Grant: Best Practices”
DCEO’s Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) and Office of Accountability will host a workshop to provide guidance around the process for applying for state grants, such as the OMEE grant.
To register please visit: https://bit.ly/2FrGv28
September 30, 2020 at 4:00 p.m., “Equity in Film: Latinx Perspectives”
The Illinois Film Office and OMEE will join filmmaker Erika Valenciana, filmmaker Christian Mejía, and Latino Film Festival Pepe Vargas for a talk about the importance of racial equity in film. The panel will be moderated by Film programmer Raul Benitez.
To register please visit: http://bit.ly/3mnaOYz
October 1, 2020 at 2:00 – 3:30 p.m., “The Brand of U & How to Work It”
DCEO – OMEE, Groupon, LULAC – Latina Entrepreneurs NOW, Latina Executive and Entrepreneur Network (L.E.E.N.), Mujeres Latinas en Accion and Chicago Latina Moms will host a workshop on branding in today’s COVID-19 environment. The workshop will cover how entrepreneurs can brand and leverage technology to pivot their business to work for them during COVID-19 and will feature opening remarks from Deputy Governor Sol Flores. Learn from business ‘disruptors’ on how to capitalize using innovative approaches to position your business for success.
To register please visit: gr.pn/brandofu
October 6, 2020 at 2:00 – 3:30 p.m., “Regulations, Workforce, and Finances”
DCEO’s Office of Employment and Training and OMEE, the Greater Peoria Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Northwest Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will host a workshop on how to obtain applicable business licenses from IDFPR, how to hire and expand workforce, and business finances.
To register please visit: https://bit.ly/2Rs4CQx
October 7, 2020 at 2:00 – 3:30 p.m., “Latinas in Manufacturing”
DCEO’s Office of Employment and Training and OMEE, and Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE) President and CEO Patricia Mota will celebrate the confluence of Hispanic Heritage Month, National Women’s Small Business Month, and Manufacturing Month (all in October) with a webinar featuring how Latinas in manufacturing got into the business, pivoted, and expanded into leadership roles.
To register please visit: https://bit.ly/2ZBqLAw
October 13, 2020 at 10:00 a.m., “Certification and Government Contracting”
Join DCEO-OMEE and CMS’ Business Enterprise Program (BEP) for a discussion about how to get your business certified and expand into government contracting. Also joining Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus, Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Aurora Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
To register please visit: https://bit.ly/35G4llD
October 15, 2020 at 2:00 p.m., “Certification and Government Contracting” (en español)
DCEO-OMEE will join the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ramiro Cavazos, CMS’ Business Enterprise Program (BEP) for a discussion about how to get your business certified and expand into government contracting. Also joining Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus, Groupon, Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Aurora Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Mujeres Latinas en Accion.
To register please visit: https://bit.ly/2ZG6wle
For more information on National Hispanic Heritage Month events planned for businesses, contact Diana Alfaro, Latino Business Development Manager, at [email protected]. To learn more about ongoing resources and programs for businesses, follow DCEO on social media @IllinoisDCEO or sign up to receive the newsletter.
