The Village of Flossmoor’s Connecting HER to Illinois Business Resources–Chicago Southland luncheon on Oct. 28, brought together women entrepreneurs, business leaders and community partners to explore state and county programs that support small business growth.
The event, held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Flossmoor Village Hall, 2800 Flossmoor Road, filled the space with business owners, community leaders and resource providers.
The event blended workshop-style learning with networking, and leaving most attendees feeling more informed and better connected.
The luncheon was part of a statewide effort by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to connect women-owned and emerging small businesses with funding, mentorship and legal support. About 70 people attended from across the Southland, including Tinley Park, Richton Park, Hazel Crest and Homewood.
Mayor Michelle Nelson said the luncheon gave business owners resources of where to turn for help. As speakers shared information about state and county programs, one message stood out to her. “Those connections provide not just resources, but also encouragement and motivation,” Nelson said.
“Some people hit roadblocks and don’t know where to turn for help. They don’t realize that assistance is available through the state and county, resources they’re already paying for in their taxes, it’s important for folks to use those tools to grow the economy and provide for their families.”
Representatives from DCEO, the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development, and YWCA Metropolitan Chicago walked attendees through programs designed to help small business owners get started, stay organized, and grow.
The luncheon was a joint effort among the Flossmoor and Homewood Business Associations and the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce. BankFinancial sponsored the event and provided 90 boxed lunches from Dunning’s Gourmet Market and Deli, a woman-owned shop in Flossmoor.
For attendees like Colleen Carter of Orland Park, the event was a welcome resource. Carter, who is in the process of starting her own business, said she found the presentations helpful and welcoming of all stages.
“I wanted to learn more about what kind of help is out there,” she said. “It’s really encouraging to hear from people who understand the challenges and want to see small businesses succeed.”
Given the event’s success, the door is open for similar programs in the future. Nelson spoke about what it meant to see the event come together and the turnout it drew.
“This was the first time we’ve hosted something like this in Flossmoor, and it was exciting to see so many people connecting and learning about what’s available to them,” she said. “When women entrepreneurs succeed, our entire community benefits.”
