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Navigating the complex landscape of financial resources available to Illinois businesses can be overwhelming, but understanding these opportunities can significantly impact your company's growth and success. This Coffee on Us session focused on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).

 

Illinois offers a robust ecosystem of financial support programs designed to help businesses at every stage of development, from early-stage startups to established companies looking to expand. However, many entrepreneurs are unaware of these resources or don't know how to access them effectively. This informal, expert-led discussion will demystify the process and provide practical guidance on leveraging available programs.

 

Who Should Attend:

• Illinois business owners seeking funding opportunities
• Entrepreneurs exploring state and federal financing options
• Startups preparing for capital raises and looking for additional resources
• Established businesses considering expansion financing
• Anyone interested in understanding the Illinois business support ecosystem

Come prepared with questions about your specific funding needs and challenges.

  

About the Instructor

 

Michelle Lura White serves as Women's Business Development Manager at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's Office of Economic Equity & Empowerment (OE3). She brings extensive experience in business development and entrepreneurial support, having previously worked as a Business Development Manager at the U.S. Small Business Administration where she gained comprehensive knowledge of federal funding programs and business support services. 

 

Prior to her government service, Michelle served as Executive Director of the Women's Business Development Center, where she led initiatives to support women entrepreneurs and small business owners. Her diverse background spans both public and private sector business development, giving her unique insights into the complete spectrum of resources available to Illinois businesses.

 

Michelle's expertise in navigating government funding programs, combined with her practical experience supporting entrepreneurs, makes her particularly effective at helping business owners understand and access available financial resources. Her work focuses on creating equitable economic opportunities and removing barriers for underserved business communities.

 

About the Organization

 

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) creates equitable economic opportunities across Illinois by attracting and supporting major job creators, investing in communities, strengthening the workforce, fostering innovation, and advancing the clean energy economy. The Office of Economic Equity & Empowerment (OE3) specifically advocates for equitable economic opportunities for minority, women, veteran-owned businesses, businesses owned by persons with disabilities, and other underserved communities. Through targeted programs, resources, and outreach activities, OE3 creates an inclusive business ecosystem for communities that have traditionally faced systemic barriers to entry and growth.

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