Here is the biweekly (every other week) update on business resources & opportunities per the request of the Latinx Business Colectivo – Funding Opportunities working group.

**In the future, to help differentiate between resources I have sent previously and ‘new ones’ (resources I haven’t emailed about) I will highlight the new ones in yellow. Hope that helps.**

THANK YOU- To

• Those who have previously sent resources that are still listed given they are not expired. 

If anyone else knows of resources that can be shared with the group, feel free to share those with me.

DCEO is celebrating Arab American Heritage Month. 

OE3 Upcoming Events

• Online with OE3 - Overview of Financial Resources for Small Businesses (flyer attached)
  Wednesday, May 1, 2026 | 10:00 – 11:00 AM | Virtual

Our monthly webinar is getting a fresh new format! Join OE3's Business Development Managers online and get the latest updates on financial resources from the state, federal, and local government programs, and other funding opportunities from private/community organizations, as well as the opportunity to ask us any questions about your business in English and Spanish! We have different topics every month. This month - Clean Energy Equity

Business Cohort/Training Programs

• Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center - Milestone Circles
  • Description: “Milestone Circles is the signature 12-week program helping U.S.-based founders build, scale, and lead with purpose. Our community provides a dedicated space to learn alongside like-minded entrepreneurs across America who share your passion for building something greater than themselves.”
  • Geographic Coverage: Nationwide
  • Cost: Free, “Supported by the Wells Fargo Foundation”

• Empower Program
  • “The Empower Program is a multi-state small business development program designed to help growth-stage entrepreneurs and firms strengthen operational capacity and readiness for government contracting and next-phase opportunities.” Led by the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce. Open to “Small business owners and entrepreneurs who operate in an eligible state”. Illinois is one of the states included. 
  • Cost: Doesn’t appear to be a cost.

• WBDC: Top Shelf Retail Cohort
  • Description: “High Volume Retail Growth Insights program is your next step to building capacity, improving operational efficiencies, and sustaining business growth from a small retail footprint into mass distribution. Each week the program will include components necessary for a consumer product company to become ready to sell into large retailers.”
  • Cost: Free
  • Deadline: April 10, 2026

Business Workshops/Events

• Business Services Roadshow – event from Illinois Secretary of State (flyer attached)
  • Monday, April 27, 2026; 11am – 3pm at Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL
  • Cost: FREE and no registration is required
    • DCEO will have a table at the event.
• Unlock Grants Opportunities
  Thursday | April 30 | 6:00 PM | In-person
  SBDC at ABPA
  7800 W College Drive, Unit 3E. Palos Heights, IL, 60463

Connecting small businesses with state funding opportunities during Arab American Heritage Month. DCEO will be presenting funding opportunities with a focus on grants. Access event flyer. Free to attend.

Grant Training 

• DCEO Grant Training videos: Video Training & Resources and Upcoming Grant Trainings
  • Spotlighting Indicate Rate Video: 18. Illinois DCEO Grantee Training: Indirect Cost Rates

• ICJIA Grant Training information: ICJIA | Training
  • It has information on AmpliFund as well.

• IDHS Grant Training: IDHS: IDHS Grants Administration

• DCEO Accountability Office – Virtual Various Topics Training – 3^rd Wednesday of the month 9AM (free to attend) 
  • May 20, 2026 - Writing a Grant Application: This training will explain how to complete application documents, how to read a Notice of Funding Opportunity, and how to submit the application package for review.

Nonprofit Resources

• Secretary of State – Information on Forming an NFP Online 

• Building Better Charities from Illinois Attorney General 

Nominations 

• Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame
  • Description: “The Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame honors the accomplishments of Illinois residents aged 65 and older. Each year, four older adults are inducted into the Hall of Fame for their work in the arts, sports, and entertainment; community service; education; or the labor force.” Open to the entire state. 
  • Deadline: June 1, 2026

• Who's Who in Hispanic Business 2026 edition
  • Description: “Negocios Now announces that nominations are now open for its 12th Annual Who’s Who in Hispanic Business Special Edition. Nominations are being accepted in the categories of Business, Corporate Leadership, Law, Real Estate, Finance, and others.”
  • Deadline: May 31, 2026

DCEO Job Opportunities: For a full list, click HERE

Additional Resources/Opportunities

• Lake County - Green Business Program
  • Description: “Lake County has a new sustainability program to recognize local businesses that are working to be more environmentally friendly. The Green Business Program highlights businesses that adopt environmentally sustainable practices…”