CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) launched its annual Women's HERstory Month campaign — developed to celebrate and support women-owned businesses, entrepreneurs and future female founders throughout Illinois. As part of the month-long celebration, DCEO is hosting events, launching a social media campaign, and sharing new resources to elevate and promote Illinois' entrepreneurial women.

“This Women’s History Month, DCEO is proud to uplift our state’s women-owned businesses," said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “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.”

Although more than 458,000 Illinois businesses are women-owned businesses, women business owners and entrepreneurs, especially women of color, have historically experienced barriers in accessing financial and social capital and other key business resources. DCEO prioritizes creating an equitable business environment through targeted initiatives and resources like the Connecting HER to Illinois Business Resources Guide which includes cross-sector resources available throughout Illinois for women-owned businesses.

“DCEO is committed to collaborating to continue to strengthen the state’s entrepreneurship ecosystem to empower, connect, and advance women-owned businesses and future women entrepreneurs and founders to help them thrive in Illinois,” said Women’s Business Development Manager Michelle Lura White. “Prioritizing different types of investment in female founders, entrepreneurs, and businesses is essential in building strong local economies throughout every community in our state.”

DCEO's Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) works to create an inclusive business environment for communities that have faced systemic challenges to growth, including women business owners and entrepreneurs, as well as businesses owned by people of color. OMEE hosts dozens of events and provides year-round support to women-owned businesses, including connection with grants, technical assistance, and incentives to bolster women entrepreneurs and women-owned enterprises.

Throughout March, DCEO is hosting events and elevating resources to advance women-owned businesses throughout the state. Each event provides attendees with important knowledge and connects them with a wealth of resources available through Illinois’ entrepreneurial ecosystem to expand HER opportunities. All events are free to attend; additional information and registration can be found on the DCEO website:

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.

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

During Team RED’s Office Hours, the entrepreneurial ecosystem will share their tailored programs during DCEO’s Women’s HERstory Month celebrating Illinois women-owned businesses, future women business owners, and aspiring female entrepreneurs.

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.

Illinois e-News Release

DCEO Celebrates Women's HERstory Month

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