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Happy Black History Month!
SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman issued a statement and video to commemorate Black History Month.
SBA offers programs and services to help Black business owners and entrepreneurs start, grow, expand, and recover from disasters like COVID-19. Join a virtual event this month to learn more.
Celebrating Black History: Federal Contracting Panel
The SBA’s Illinois District Office is spotlighting two Black-owned 8(a) firms Precise Information Systems & Professional Services, Inc., and Supplied Industrial Solutions. The panel discussion will feature the firm's founders as they share their entrepreneurial journeys, tips on navigating the federal contracting space, and how the SBA assisted them in upscaling their businesses. Tuesday, February 15, 10:00 a.m.
8(a) Orientation & SAM Registration
Learn about the 8(a) Business Development program, eligibility requirements, program benefits, and the steps to register in SAM (System for Award Management) to do business with the government. This series will be offered on the third Wednesday of each month. Wednesday, February 16, 9:30 a.m.
Start-up Funding Programs for Black Entrepreneurs
Do you have a start-up or a new business idea that you need assistance funding or growing? Join the SBA's Illinois District Office and Greenwood Archer Capital for an overview of financial resources for new businesses or business ventures. The presentation will discuss programs available at Greenwood Archer Capital for Black entrepreneurs, in addition to guidance on how to access these programs and opportunities. Thursday, February 17, 1:00 p.m.
Business Resources for Black Entrepreneurs
SBA Administrator Guzman announced the availability of $1.5 million for 10 new grant opportunities for established Minority Serving Institutions aspiring to host a Women’s Business Center to provide business services for women entrepreneurs.
Women's Business Grant Program Application Workshop
You are cordially invited to a virtual Women’s Business Center Grant Program Applicant Workshop for our Alaska and Minority Serving Institution funding competitions. Friday, February 17 at 12:00 p.m.
 The SBA announced the launch of Journey 6 of the Ascent e-learning platform focused on educating women business owners about venturing into government contracting to help expand their businesses.
The Government Contracting Journey 6 identifies opportunities and prepares businesses to pursue those prospects. The new journey has six components or excursions:
- Government As Your Customers – helps the user understand government as a customer.
- Government Contracting Opportunities – evaluates contracting opportunities with local, state, and federal governments.
- Government Subcontracting Opportunities – helps to identify subcontracting opportunities.
- Set-Aside Certifications - guides the business through what is needed to plan and pursue federal government contracting certifications.
- Federal Solicitations – analyzes the components of the federal solicitation process
- General Services Administration (GSA) Contracts – analyzes opportunities for GSA contracts.
Stay updated
Visit sba.gov/relief for updates on the loan programs, guidance for businesses and employers, and other SBA resources.
If you have questions about your already submitted COVID EIDL application, contact the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center at 833-853-5638 or disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
Follow @SBA_Illinois on Twitter.
E-mail questions to illinois.do@sba.gov.
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