The month of October is Women's Business Month here in Illinois. This month is a time to recognize and support businesses of all sizes that are owned and operated by women that contribute to our communities. The Small Business Administration (SBA) connects business owners with others to plan, start, or grow their business. Learn more about the resources and opportunities offered by the SBA such as their Women's Business Centers.

Throughout October, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), together with the community, will host events to empower Women-owned businesses and future founders throughout the state. The monthlong celebration will also include initiatives and resources to advance, elevate, and inspire Women as they start, sustain, and scale their businesses. Join us in supporting Women-owned businesses throughout Illinois!

Webinars

Making your Idea, Passion, or Side Hustle into a Business

Wednesday | October 18 | 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Register

Many of you have likely considered turning your hobbies and passions into an additional source of income, but figuring out where to start can be easier said than done. Join DCEO & Future Founders who will share tools to help you organically turn your interests into a profitable side hustle and - eventually - even a full-scale business! Tailored for 18-30 year old females, with all ages and genders welcome.

Turning our Challenges & Failures into Opportunities & Successes

Wednesday | October 26 | 10:00 am – 11:00 am | Register

Join this virtual panel event featuring women-owned businesses who will share their past challenges and failures, what they learned from those experiences, and how they pivoted and turned those moments into future opportunities and successes. A virtual Q&A will follow the panel conversation. Presented by the Illinois Small Business Development Center (IL SBDC) at the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago and hosted by OMEE and the Illinois Small Business Development Center (IL SBDC) network. Tailored for women-owned businesses of all stages & future women entrepreneurs, with all genders welcome.

Additional Resources

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) offer a variety of services, training, and information to help businesses start-up and grow. Find an SBDC near you to learn more. 

Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) help small businesses expand into work with government contracting. For more information, find a PTAC near you. 

Illinois workNet knows that running your own business takes time, dedication, and a lot of hard work. Every day small business owners are helping create more jobs, growing a business, and cultivating innovation; and that is why we do our best to offer as many great resources as we can to help make your job just a little bit easier. Our resources can be used by new business owners, those interested in starting their own business or growing their businesses, entrepreneurs, individuals working with small businesses, and more. Illinois workNet's Starting a Business Guide includes articles and resources you can use to start your own business or help your business grow. Included in this guide is information about:

• Benefits of Starting a Business
• What to Know Before Starting a Business
• What to do Before You Start a Business
• Running Your Business
• Virtual Job Fairs
• Finding Employee Based Training
• Entrepreneurial Programs
• Building an Online Presence
• Growing Your Business and much more

Read our article for Women's History Month that shows examples of influential women in different industries. 

Be sure to follow our event calendar for upcoming events and social media pages to learn more about career fields women are emerging in: 

• Facebook 
• Twitter 
• LinkedIn 
• YouTube