The state of IL offers many resources that can be leveraged to support the growth and advancement of Black business. Join us for a panel of leaders discussing the state of Black business and strategies for securing the economic future of Black business in Illinois. Additionally, businesses are encouraged to visit the Business Resource Expo to learn more about financial tools, business development resources and grant opportunities available to help Illinois businesses.

Opening Remarks: DCEO Director Sylvia Garcia 

Moderator: Matt Simpson, African American Business Development Manager, IL OMEE 

Panelists:

• Mayor Roger A. Agpawa, President - Southland Regional Mayoral Black Caucus (SRMBC) City of Markham

• Apostle Carl L.White, Jr., President - Southland Ministerial Health Network (SMHN)

• Stephanie Kendricks, Vice President & Manager - Wintrust Bank

• Kimberly Hill, Chief Operating Officer, IL DCEO

• Blevian Moore, Executive Director - South Holland Business Association/Community Navigator

• Angela Drexel, President - (BCOE) Black Contractors Owners and Executives

Expo Participants: Small Business Administration (SBA), IL Business Enterprise Program (BEP), Southland Black Chamber of Commerce, IL Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE), Chicago Southland EDC, IL Regional Economic Development Team (Team RED), Cook County Black Chamber of Commerce, South Suburban Economic Growth Initiative, Advantage IL, Small Business Development Center (SBDC),  IL Accountability, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Businesses Initiative, Greenwood Archer Capital