This July, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) in collaboration with the Latino Business Colectivo will be hosting the 4th Annual Latin@ Economic Summit. Join Illinois Latino business leaders, innovators, and other aspiring entrepreneurs for a day of networking and connection.
This event:
Is open to the public
Is bilingual with simultaneous translations.
Is free to attend, and parking is available onsite.
Agenda
Welcome Remarks
Exciting Éxito
Keynote
Plenary: Creative Strategies to Drive Foot Traffic and Boost Revenue
We’ll explore strategies that are driving foot traffic looking at everything from optimizing your business profile online, leveraging social media, partnering with neighborhood businesses, hosting events, and creating an in-store experience. Then we’ll dive into the sales side, looking at how those strategies can lead to revenue growth.
Breakout 1 - AI for Beginners: The Business Owner’s Guide to AI
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI), and what are the pros and cons of using AI for small businesses? AI is reshaping how businesses operate, compete, and grow. But with so many platforms, tools, and strategies to navigate, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. This workshop is designed to provide business owners with a practical start for integrating AI into their business, specifically focused on social media, marketing, and budgeting.
Breakout 1 - Contracts 101: Know What You Sign & Legal Resources for Business
This workshop is in Spanish. Every business owner signs contracts – but not every business owner truly understands what they’re signing. Through plain-language explanations, real contracts examples, and practical exercises, participants will learn how to read fine print and spot items in contracts that deserve a closer look.
Breakout 1 - Fund it Differently – Alternative Lending Solutions
Obtaining funding for your small business via traditional avenues can be challenging. But there is a whole world of funding beyond banks. We will pull the curtain on alternative lending and introduce business owners to often overlooked funding strategies.
Breakout 1 - Business Best Practices in an Uncertain Economy
The economy has never been simple but the last several years have tested business owners in ways few could have predicted. Latinos have always adapted, innovated, and thrived. This session will discuss navigating today’s complex and ever changing economic environment. It brings together best practices, strategies, and mindset shifts needed to not just survive but build a business resilient to thrive.
Breakout 2 - Contracts 101: Know What You Sign & Legal Resources for Business
This workshop is in English. Every business owner signs contracts – but not every business owner truly understands what they’re signing. Through plain-language explanations, real contracts examples, and practical exercises, participants will learn how to read fine print and spot items in contracts that deserve a closer look.
Breakout 2 - From Newcomer to Business Owner: Entrepreneurship & Rights..
This workshop is in Spanish. Building a business is one of the most powerful ways to create independence, generate wealth, and contribute to your community. More than 46 percent of Fortune 500 companies in 2025 (231 out of 500) were founded by immigrants or their children. But immigrants often have limited access to resources, language barriers, and a lack of knowledge of the market. This session will provide essential business knowledge and legal awareness every immigrant entrepreneur needs to thrive, including how to protect your assets in your absence.
Breakout 2 - How to Build Powerful Business Credit and Protect Your Personal
Business credit is one of the most powerful and misunderstood tools. This workshop closes that gap. In an engaging and practical format, we’ll give business owners a comprehensive understanding of business credit – how it works, how it is built, and how to use it as a strategic tool for growth.
Breakout 2 - Built to Last Beyond You
You spent years – maybe decades – pouring your heart, your time, and your resources into building your business. But have you thought about what happens to it when you are ready to step away? What will you do if family succession is not an option? How do you protect what you have built? How can you profit? This session explores succession planning and exit strategy in multiple options.
