Host: Michelle Lura White 

Agenda: 

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (“DCEO”) has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to businesses owned by very small businesses (VSBs) or socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (SEDI) to support small business capital improvement projects. This grant will offer small business grants across the state to help eligible businesses achieve sustainable growth, improve efficiency, and create and retain jobs.

Grant webpage: https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities/2160-2940.html

This virtual event will provide an overview of the OE3 Small Business Capital & Infrastructure Grant and an opportunity for Q & A. After the grant program overview, we’ll share additional resources and services for business owners and future entrepreneurs that are offered by DCEO, the Illinois SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE, and the Illinois entrepreneurial ecosystem.

As this webinar is tailored for businesses and cross-sector stakeholders in the Southwest Region of the state, attendees from different Illinois regions are welcome to join us, too.

Presenters
* Derek Sherman: Southwest Senior Regional Manager, Office of Regional Economic Development (RED) at DCEO
* Giovanna “Jo Ann” Di Maggio May: Director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (Illinois SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE)
* Tracey L. Glenn: Southwest Senior Regional Manager, Office of Regional Economic Development (RED) at DCEO
* Michelle Lura White: Women’s Business Development Manager, Office of Economic Equity & Empowerment (OE3) at DCEO