Illinois Office of Minority Economic Empowerment

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
• Cannabis Workshop Information
• Business Plan Template for Startups
• How To Write a Business Plan

OMEE Events:

The webinars are open to everyone;​ however, please note that there are webinars that do target specific communities. We are working towards conducting more webinars; therefore, if you don’t see one that appeals to you below OMEE or DCEO’s Regional Economic Development office may have one for you in the near future. Feel free to contact us at CEO.OMEE@illinois.gov.

• Online with OMEE: The Business Development Managers from Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) are excited to host you for Online with OMEE – an open online conversation with OMEE constituents (racial/ethnic minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veteran owned businesses). We will provide you with the latest updates regarding federal and state programs, provide you with information about other resources available, and answer any questions you may have about available state or federal programs.
• Wednesday, June 17, 2020 – 9:00 a.m. –10:00 a.m. please click here to register.
  
  
• Tuesday, June 9, 2020 (English) – LEEN Presents: Illinois Economy Reopening After Covid-19 Crisis – Latinx businesses: Co-host: Latina Executive and Entrepreneur Network (LEEN), 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (CDT), please register at HERE.
  
  
• All in for Women Businesses: The Women's Business Development Manager from the Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) is hosting a Phase 3 Reopening Webinar for Women owned businesses throughout the State of Illinois. She will provide you with Government updates as well as a deep dive into the reopening guidelines to ensure that you understand how to be prepare your business to maintain safety and wellness for your consumers.
• Saturday, June 13, 2020 - 12:00p.m.-1:00p.m. click here to register:
  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/all-in-for-women-businesses-phase-3-reopening-tickets-107121711924
  
  

• For Business Enterprise Program (BEP) current and potential certified vendor events, please see flyer about upcoming events.
  
  

For information please contact:

Diana Alfaro, Latino Business Development Manager (si hablo español)
Diana.alfaro@illinois.gov
312.919.3620

Matthew J. Simpson, African American Business Development Manager
Matthew.simpson@illinois.gov
312.520.0434

Ibie Hart, Woman’s Business Development Manager
Ibie.Hart@illinois.gov
773.951.8542

Tiffany T. Hawkins, Cannabis Loan and Grant Program Manager
Tiffany.Hawkins@illinois.gov
312.793.9702

Contact the First Stop Business Information Center Helpline at: 1-800-252-2923.  Spanish speaking assistance is also available at that number.

Follow DCEO on Social Media:

Twitter: @IllinoisDCEO
Facebook: @illinoisdceo
LinkedIn: Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity

Community Partners

• Chicago Urban League
• Accion
• CIBC Bank

Program Partners