August is Black Business Month and is a time to recognize the contributions of the 132,000+ black-owned businesses throughout Illinois. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will host a series of webinars "highlighting community leaders, organizations, and business enterprises through a campaign inviting Illinoisians to "Shop Black-owned Business Saturdays."" 

The Shop Black Saturdays Campaign is an effort to support minority-owned businesses. Each Saturday in August, Illinois residents are encouraged to shop at local black-owned businesses. Use the hashtag #ShopBlackSaturday to promote these businesses' services and products on social media. 

Learn more about Black​ Business Month 2023 and the Shop Black Saturdays Campaign on DCEO's website. 

Also, be sure to check out these Illinois workNet resources for small businesses: 

• Illinois workNet Business Hub 
  
• Start a Business Guide  
• Benefits of Starting a Business  
• What to Know Before You Start Your Business  
• What to Do Before You Start a Business  
• Get Going on Your Small Business  
• Running Your Business  
• Find Employee Based Training  
• Building an Online Presence for Your Business  
• Growing Your Business  
• Entrepreneurship and Small Business  
• 4 Ways to Grow a Local Family Business  
• Recruiting & Hiring  
• Employer Hiring Credits 

Be sure to follow our event calendar for upcoming events and social media channels to stay updated:   

• Facebook   
• Twitter   
• LinkedIn   
• YouTube