Illinois
Chicago
Advancing the Development of Minority Entrepreneurship (ADME)
In January 2016, Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner revealed this new program, aimed to help minority and women entrepreneurs connect with mentors and institutions for business success. ADME is a pilot program headed up by an entrepreneur-turned-official that provides end-to-end training.
https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/SmallBizAssistance/ADME/Pages/default.aspx
West Suburban Women Entrepreneurs (WSWE)
Focused on serving the needs of women in Chicago’s western suburbs, WSWE offers “friendship, support, and resources to help you and your business flourish”.
WBDC-Women’s Business Development Center
the WBDC is a non-profit is the oldest, largest women’s business assistance center in the US. It offers help at every stage of business growth
The InnovateHER Challenge is a competition held each year by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for businesses that benefit women. Local winners move on to a national semifinal round before three national finalists win between $10,000 and $40,000.
https://scwbec.org/grant-for-women-annual-innovateher-challenge-awards-grants-up-to-40000/
SCORE is a nation-wide mentorship and support organization for small business owners. The non-profit offers consulting, workshops, and mentoring for free.
St. Augustine is enhancing its existing small business program to create an entrepreneurship/business leadership concentration in the undergraduate business program.
https://www.mbda.gov/business-center/st-augustine-college
The Illinois Minority Business Development Agency (IL MBDA) Business Center is operated by Strategic Exceptions Professional Consulting Inc. The group provides personalized consulting to help minority business owners jumpstart their capacity.
Illinois MBDA