The Office of Minority Economic Empowerment will focus and promote opportunities for all minority communities across the state through targeted programs, resources and advocates. The goal is to ensure minority enterprises have an equal opportunity to contribute to the growth of the Illinois economy and serve as an advocate for businesses, entrepreneurs and start-ups in traditionally economically-disadvantaged groups.
Download the OMEE brochure
The Office administers Advancing the Development of Minority Entrepreneurship (ADME), an investment program developed to strengthen Illinois’ start-up and small business community by tapping into the potential of minority entrepreneurs. The program will identify high-potential minority entrepreneurs and provide start to finish support to help them grow their business.
Download the ADME flyer
ADME Program
Overview
ADME is a 7-week program that will assist aspiring entrepreneurs that want to launch their new business model. Applicants will bring their great idea, passion and drive, to harness their business mindset and creativity to start their own company.
Curriculum Summary
Week 1 - Foundation & Vision - Company Background, Determine Need, Financial Health Assessment
Week 2 - Foundation & Vision - Target Market and Intellectual Property
Week 3 - Marketing & Exposure - Marketing strategy, Branding and Promotional Strategies
Week 4 - Marketing & Exposure - Presentation Financial & Finesse Operations
Week 5 - Financial & Finesse - Pricing, Expenses Research
Week 6 - Financial & Finesse - Financial Statements
Week 7 - Final Presentation and Access to Capital Panel
Additional Benefits
- Financial Health Assessment – A loan pre-qualification assessment for each borrower to assess loan readiness
- One-One-Session – Meeting with an attorney to assist with questions on your business
- Access To Capital Panel – Presentation of your business to a panel of microlenders, banks, community lenders
- The ADME Program is free; however, the application fee is $25 (non-refundable).
Cohort locations
SBDC Far South
June 20, 2018 – August 8, 2018
Wednesdays from 5:00PM-8:00PM
9923 S. Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60628
Application periods opens: May 3, 2018
Application Deadline: June 8, 2018 (Deadline extended)
Download the ADME Program Application
SBDC Champaign
June 19, 2018 – July 31, 2018
Tuesdays from 5:30PM-8:30PM
Champaign Public Library (Business Center)
200 W. Green St.
Champaign, IL 61820
Application periods opens: May 3, 2018
Application Deadline: June 8, 2018 (Deadline extended)
Download the ADME Program Application
SBDC Quad Cities
September 2018 – October 2018
Thursdays from 5:00PM-8:00PM
Western Illinois University QC Campus
3300 River Drive
Complex C - room 1418
Moline, Illinois
Application periods opens: May 3, 2018
Application Deadline: August 15, 2018
Download the ADME Program Application
Program Partners
Community Partners
- Chicago Urban League
- Accion
- CIBC Bank
ADME Business Workshops
Wednesday, December 5, 2018 – 9:30am-12:00pm
Lincoln Land Community College
Montgomery Hall – Room 1168
5250 Shepherd Road
Springfield, IL 62794
This is a free event but registration is required. Please visit Eventbrite to register: https://adme-dec5.eventbrite.com or Call 217-786-4530
Thursday, December 6, 2018 – 10:00am-1:00pm
Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES)
16845 S. Halsted Street
Harvey, IL 60426
This is a free event but registration is required. Please visit Eventbrite to register: https://admeworkshopdec6.eventbrite.com
For information please contact:
Debbie Cortez, ADME Program Coordinator
Debbie.Cortez@illinois.gov
Office: 312.814.8736
Sharon Polk, ADME Program Coordinator
Sharon.Polk@illinois.gov
Office: 312.814.5704
Derrick Champion, Deputy Director
Derrick.champion@illinois.gov
Office: 312.814.8736