Chicago, Illinois – More than 500 aspiring and established entrepreneurs gathered Sunday in Chicago for Illinois’ first-ever Business Services Resource Fair, an event aimed at simplifying the process of starting and growing a business.
According to the Illinois Secretary of State’s office, the free event was held April 27 at Malcolm X College and brought together a wide range of state, county and city agencies alongside private-sector organizations to provide direct, hands-on support.
The four-hour fair offered guidance on business registration, licensing, tax identification and access to funding opportunities, including loans and grants. Attendees also learned how to work with government agencies and connect with small business development groups.
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said the initiative is designed to remove barriers that often prevent entrepreneurs from launching businesses.
“Too many people with great ideas never get their business off the ground because the process can feel confusing, expensive and stacked against them,” Giannoulias said. “This is exactly the kind of work government should be doing.”
Organizers reported that more than 200 participants attended formal presentations, while many others engaged directly with exhibitors for one-on-one assistance. The event drew a diverse crowd, including a strong turnout of first-time entrepreneurs—an audience that officials say is often difficult to reach.
Feedback from attendees and exhibitors was overwhelmingly positive, with several organizations describing the fair as one of the most effective outreach events they’ve participated in.
The Secretary of State’s Business Services division oversees registration for corporations, LLCs, partnerships and nonprofits operating in Illinois.
Officials say similar events may be planned in the future as demand for accessible business resources continues to grow.
