Will County Gazette

In an Aug. 4 Facebook post, Sen. Elgie R. Sims Jr. highlighted August as “Black Business Month” and encouraged his constituents to support Black-owned businesses in Chicago. “Black Business Month” goes back to 2004, according to ChicagoDefender.com. 

"It’s #BlackBusinessMonth! Illinois has more than 130,000 Black-owned businesses – find some to shop at and support in Chicago."

Elgie R. Sims, Jr. was first elected to the Illinois Senate in 2018. A Democrat, their legislative experience includes serving on the Appropriations-Human Services and Business Growth & Incentives. Sims is a state senator who resides in Chatham, Chicago, according to the Illinois Senate.

In his Facebook post, Sen. Sims shared a link to a list of more than two dozen Black-owned businesses in Chicago. The list includes a bookstore, a comic book store, a coffee company, a variety of restaurants, and more. 

The Black Ensemble Theater, Eb & Flow Yoga Studio, and the DuSable Black History Museum & Education Center also made the list. You can check out the full list here.

The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity is hosting a variety of events throughout the month, and all over the state. On Aug. 1, there was a talk about the “State of Black Business in IL" in Decatur and another in Rockford on Aug. 4. Another event is scheduled in Kankakee on Aug. 15 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Individuals can register for the event here.

DCEO is also kicking off a “Shop Black Saturdays” campaign where Illinois residents are encouraged to support Black-owned businesses in their communities each Saturday.

In an Aug. 1 news release announcing the state’s support of “Black-Owned Business Month,” Gov. Pritzker said: “Black-owned businesses are key to our state's economic success—employing thousands of workers, generating billions in economic activity, and providing innovative, high-quality goods and services to millions. This Black Business Month, I couldn't be happier to join the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in celebrating and uplifting the Black-owned businesses that make Illinois, Illinois."

The Cook County Small Business Source shared a press release with a variety of events in Chicago. Those include: On Aug 11: Advancing the Development of Minority Entrepreneurship: Achieving Success with the Illinois SB Network, which will help business owners learn more about Illinois’ business development center network. Register here.

 On Aug 18 “Navigating the Pandemic: Resources to Help Black Businesses Survive and Thrive” is an event where DCEO will host a group of business leaders to talk about funding and grant opportunities. To register, visit this website.