The State of Illinois announced a series of events planned by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the Department of Central Management Services (CMS) and other state agencies in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage month, beginning September 15 and running through October 15. In partnership with businesses, chambers, cultural and community organizations and industry experts from across the state, these events will celebrate the culture and contributions of Hispanics throughout Illinois and provide tips on how entrepreneurs and business owners can access free resources to strengthen their business. A few of the events include:
 
September 30, 2020 at 4:00 p.m., “Equity in Film: Latinx Perspectives”
The Illinois Film Office and OMEE will join filmmaker Erika Valenciana, filmmaker Christian Mejía, and Latino Film Festival Pepe Vargas for a talk about the importance of racial equity in film. The panel will be moderated by Film programmer Raul Benitez.
To register please visit: http://bit.ly/3mnaOYz

October 1, 2020 at 2:00 – 3:30 p.m., “The Brand of U & How to Work It”
DCEO – OMEE, Groupon, LULAC – Latina Entrepreneurs NOW, Latina Executive and Entrepreneur Network (L.E.E.N.), Mujeres Latinas en Accion and Chicago Latina Moms will host a workshop on branding in today’s COVID-19 environment. The workshop will cover how entrepreneurs can brand and leverage technology to pivot their business to work for them during COVID-19 and will feature opening remarks from Deputy Governor Sol Flores. Learn from business ‘disruptors’ on how to capitalize using innovative approaches to position your business for success.
To register please visit: gr.pn/brandofu
 
To learn more about ongoing resources and programs for businesses, follow DCEO on social media @IllinoisDCEO or sign up to receive the newsletter. For the full list of events, www2.illinois.gov.