Illinois is gearing up for a month dedicated to supporting women-owned businesses, with a series of virtual events planned throughout March 2026. These initiatives, spearheaded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and partner organizations, aim to provide resources, mentorship and networking opportunities for female entrepreneurs across the state. The focus on women’s business development comes as Illinois continues to implement its 2024 Economic Growth Plan, prioritizing equitable growth and empowering workers and communities.
A key component of this support is access to financial resources. On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., the Operating Engineers Local 3 (OE3) will host a virtual webinar, “Overview of Financial Capital Resources for Small Businesses.” The session will cover state, federal, and local government programs, as well as funding opportunities from private and community organizations. Representatives from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) will also be present to discuss licensing requirements. The webinar will be offered in both English and Spanish, aiming to reach a broad audience of entrepreneurs. Interested parties can register for the event here.
Leveraging Clean Energy Opportunities for Illinois Businesses
The state’s commitment to a clean energy economy also presents opportunities for women-owned businesses. On Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., the DCEO and the Illinois Power Agency (IPA) will co-host a virtual event, “Leveraging Illinois’ Clean Energy Resources for HER Illinois Business.” This event is designed for small and emerging businesses, contractors, and economic development professionals interested in participating in clean energy projects. The session will provide an overview of resources available under the state’s Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), including the equitable energy future grant and the Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant Program.
Hilary Scott-Ogunrinde, Deputy Director of the DCEO’s Office of Energy and Business Utility, and Esther Kim, DEI Partnerships Manager at the IPA, will lead the discussion. Kala Lambert, Southeast Senior Region Manager from DCEO’s Office of Regional Economic Development, and Michelle Lura White, Women’s Business Development Manager from DCEO’s Office of Economic Equity & Empowerment (OE3), will also present and facilitate a Q&A session. Registration for this event can be found here.
Mentorship and Industry-Specific Support
Beyond financial and energy resources, Illinois is also investing in mentorship programs to support the growth of women-owned businesses. A Milestone Circles Mentoring Program Info Session is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, 2026, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. CST. Presented by the DCEO and the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center, this virtual session will provide information about the free Milestone Circles program, which connects entrepreneurs with mentors and peers. Michelle Lura White from the DCEO and Kamy Twiggs Taylor from the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center will present, alongside Dr. Tramayne Butler-DeLong and Lynette Correa-Velez, two Illinois women entrepreneurs who have participated in the program.
Milestone Circles offers industry-focused cohorts in areas such as Climate & Clean Tech, Consumer Tech, Ed Tech, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Mobility & Transportation, and Technology. The program aims to facilitate entrepreneurs elevate their businesses and connect with like-minded individuals. Details about the Milestone Circles program can be found here, though registration for the info session is still forthcoming.
The DCEO has also compiled a comprehensive guide to organizations supporting women-owned businesses in Illinois, offering a broader view of available resources. This guide, “Illinois Organizations Guide for HER Illinois Business,” can be accessed here.
These initiatives represent a concerted effort by the state of Illinois to foster a more inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem. By providing targeted resources and support, the DCEO and its partners aim to empower women-owned businesses to thrive and contribute to the state’s economic growth.
Looking ahead, the DCEO will continue to host events and provide resources throughout the year. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to regularly check the DCEO website for updates and opportunities.
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