The Times Weekly,
In recognition of Women’s History Month, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is kicking off ‘HERstory’ – an initiative to celebrate and elevate Illinois and Illinois women-owned businesses. As part of this, DCEO is spotlighting women-owned businesses, resources, and hosting events with women trailblazers designed to provide tools and guidance for women in business to succeed.
“During the month of March, and every day of the year, DCEO is focused on delivering resources that women-owned businesses need to grow and thrive,” said Acting Director of DCEO, Sylvia I. Garcia. “I’m proud to recognize the significant economic contributions that women entrepreneurs provide to Illinois’ economy, generating over $74 billion in economic activity each year.”
Illinois has a vibrant community of 47,000 women-owned businesses that employ close to 411,000 employees across the state, in addition to 408,000 Illinois women who operate businesses without employees. Women business owners – especially women business owners of color – have historically faced challenges to starting a business, accessing capital and other resources. During Women’s History Month and throughout the year, DCEO is fully committed to creating an equitable business environment through targeted initiatives and resources designed for women business owners through its Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE). OMEE offers resources to support women-owned businesses and helps them access financial capital programs like grants and small business loans. OMEE also hosts events for women who own businesses, such as Women’s Webinar Wednesdays and provides networking opportunities.
“It is important to give a platform for women to voice our challenges, celebrate our accomplishments, and encourage one another to keep fighting for an equitable future,” said Beverly Kim, Restaurateur and James Beard Award-Winning Chef. “I’m honored to be a speaker on DCEO’s HERstory to share the struggles women and mothers are facing in the culinary and hospitality community and also give voice to my Asian American community that suffered the effects of anti-Asian hate during this pandemic.”
“Women’s HERstory Month is an important time for reflection, celebration, and action. As a woman founder and executive, I value deliberate programs to connect with amazing female leaders,” said Ashley S. H. Moy, President of Cast21. “It’s great the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has dedicated programming to inspire women and educate the public on how to support the community. DCEO understands that our state, our community, is our strongest when we are all participating and thriving.”
DCEO, through its Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) and Office of Trade and Investment (OTI), DCEO also spotlight women-owned businesses across the state on International Women’s Day and throughout the month.
Women HERstory Month Events will feature women trailblazers who are leaders of industry, ranging from academia, financial institutions, hospitality, government, manufacturing, non-profits, and telecommunications. All events are free to attend; additional information and registration can be found on the DCEO website
