October is National Women's Small Business Month

October is National Women's Small Business Month! We have a number of small businesses owned by women in the Macomb Area, so I encourage all of you to give them a special shout out this month for all of the incredible work they are doing. 

To celebrate, the state of Illinois is calling upon business leaders across all sectors to come together in support of women-owned firms. A series of virtual events hosted this month by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will shine a light on these challenges, and focus a discussion on ways businesses, government leaders, chambers and other decision makers can drive a more inclusive business environment that will help Illinois women firms grow and thrive. Additionally – ongoing COVID-19 business relief programs will be discussed – including the Governor’s Business Interruption Grants (BIG) program – which so far has devoted about $20 million, or 40 percent, in grants to women-owned firms, with more on the horizon.

"All in for Women: BIG Webinar "

Join Ibie Hart, the women's business development manager, to learn about the Business Interruption Grant Program (BIG). In this webinar, women owned businesses will learn about eligibility, program details, and the application process. Technical assistance support will also be provided for the last 30 minutes of every session.    

Saturday, October 10, 2020 10:00 a.m. Register HERE
Tuesday. October 20, 2020 2:00 p.m. Register HERE
Tuesday, October 27, 2:00 p.m. Register HERE 

 
"Empowering Her with Resources during COVID-19 and Civil Unrest"

Groupon and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity present “Empowering Her with Resources during COVID-19 & Civil Unrest”. We will discuss fostering an inclusive business environment that uplifts Women owned business with resources through government and the private/public sector so that they may succeed amidst a pandemic. This conversation will feature opening remarks from MK Pritzker and a keynote from Andrea Zopp, CEO of World Business Chicago. Panelists include: Marianna Markowitz, CEO of the First Women's Bank, Charity Marcus, CEO of Black Women Business Owners of America, and Margot Dorfman, CEO of the U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce, and more. You don't want to miss this!  

Thursday, October 8, 2020 2:00 p.m. Register HERE

Moderator: Ibie Hart, Women’s Business Development Manager, DCEO         
Welcome Remarks:  
Erin Guthrie, Director, Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity 
Andrea Zopp, President and CEO 
Melissa Thomas, CFO, Groupon 
MK Pritzker, First Lady, State of Illinois        
Panelists: 
Charity Marcus, Founder, Black Women Business Owners of America
Nik Sweeney, Owner of Amani Nicol Wellness and Groupon Merchant
Marianne Markowitz, CEO, First Women’s Bank 
Fernanda Pedraza-Schmitt, Branch Manager, U.S. SBA
Margot Dorfman, CEO, U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce     
 
"Women Get Involved in Manufacturing"

In honor of Women's Small Business Month and Manufacturing Month, this webinar will uplift women in the manufacturing industry through leaders sharing their insights and best practices. The hope is that students and community stakeholders will get a closer look at what it takes to enter the industry. 

Thursday, October 22, 2020 2:00 p.m. Register HERE
 
Moderator: Cindy Tomei, IMA  Keynote:  Erin Hallstrom, Influential Women in Manufacturing                              
Panelists: 
Samantha Chmielewski from Custom Aluminum   Megan Parsons, Director of HR, Libman Mops  Melissa Lederer , MHUB Annie Mouhapt, Mohop 
 
"Women Webinar Wednesdays"

Join Ibie Hart, the women's business development manager, as she partners with the SBA and WBDC to support women owned business owners. We will be providing updates, programs and resources available to empower women as they start, scale, and improve their businesses. This space will be available every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month with the hope that it will be a reliable place to gain information. 

October 14 at 11am - Phyllis Shelton, U.S. Small Business Administration 
https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=ecc5d7249639098b0c209861cdef870e1

October 28 at 11am  - Tasha Brown, Women Business Development Center (WBDC)
https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=e08b70c7839c30364a77ea0de5119ebbf


Lauren Merritt
Executive Director
Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce
309.837.4855
214 N. Lafayette St. | Macomb, Illinois
www.macombareachamber.com

Make sure you #keepitinmacomb this year!