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IHCC Programs

Click any link below to learn more about the programs we offer to assist your business and its growth.

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Illinois Hispanic Entrepreneurship Center

The Illinois Hispanic Entrepreneurship Center (IHEC) provides direct services, guidance, and support to high-growth potential firms to help them achieve their growth. A part of the Illinois Entrepreneurship Network, the Illinois Hispanic Entrepreneurship Center works to support business growth and job creation in the State of Illinois. The activities of the Center are focused on helping high-growth potential firms gain access to these essential elements: 

Click here to download application        

The Illinois Hispanic Entrepreneurship Center further supports high-growth potential firms through the implementation of a matching business grant program . The IHEC awards grants up to $5,000 to eligible firms as an immediate resource to expedite implementation of specific marketing, business development and/or related projects or initiatives. Firms awarded the business grants also receive strategic business development and capacity-building assistance. Additional supportive services to participating firms are provided through the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Small Business Development and Procurement Technical Assistance Centers and related programs.

Through its work, the Illinois Hispanic Entrepreneurship Center seeks to promote economic development and job creation in the state of Illinois by focusing on Hispanic companies and entrepreneurs. In addition, the IHEC serves as a catalyst to:

• Build and strengthen the culture of entrepreneurship in the community.
• Provide a venue for entrepreneurship that attracts, nurtures, and develops firms that embrace business innovation and creativity.
• Drive efforts to identify new opportunities in the Hispanic consumer marketplace.
• Serve as a tangible tool for the state's commitment to foster and support inclusive initiatives for economic growth that reach diverse communities.

The Illinois Hispanic Entrepreneurship Center is a program of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (IHCC) that operates as a premier, visible, results-oriented entity. IHCC leverages its existing business membership, relationships, and outreach capabilities to maximize the effectiveness of the Center. This Program is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Project Guidelines for the IHEC Grant:

The grant may be used for the provision or acquisition of professional services that will lead to the successful achievement of a significant business milestone.  Projects should deliver a short-term and/or long-term impact by increasing revenues and creating jobs. Broad categories of services may include those related to:

 * Sales diagnostics and/or creating jobs.

 * Lead generation and prospecting strategies

 * Channel and market sales analysis and strategies

 * Sales pitch and presentation coaching

 * Corporate messaging and positioning

 * Overall business strategy; marketing strategies and plans

 * Development of private placement memorandums

 * Capitalization strategies

 * Financial modeling

 * Website design or improvements

 * Software

 * Other services deemed critical to achieving a significant business milestone

These are NOT:

 * Legal costs associated with establishing or incorporating your business
 * Architectural, engineering and design costs                                                                

 * Rental or purchase of land or buildings                                                                                  

 * Improvements or furnishings to land or buildings                                                                     

 * Office equipment
 * Printing of business cards or marketing materials
 * Employee training or salaries
 * Business valuation or appraisal fees
 * Loan application/origination fees
 * Fees for lobbying elected assemblies or for entertainment
 * Product development costs 

Click Here to Download Application 

Please contact Adrian Soto, Director of Illinois Hispanic Entrepreneurship Center at (312) 425-9500 or via e-mail for additional information.

Illinois Hispanic Entrepreneurship Center Advisory Board