The State of Black Business in Illinois: Findings from the First Statewide Black Business Survey

In late 2021, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Chicago State University and the Chicago Urban League launched a first-of-its-kind statewide Black business survey to solicit information directly from Black-owned businesses. Nearly 1,200 business owners responded. This virtual panel will discuss high-level findings from the survey and identify major takeaways from the research. Panelists will also discuss opportunities for providing further assistance to help the state’s Black businesses thrive.