Women business owners in Illinois are being encouraged to participate in the Illinois Office of Comptroller’s SMART Business program, which offers free counseling and support for those seeking certification as small or women-owned businesses. The announcement comes during National Business Women’s Week.
Comptroller Mendoza stated, “Getting certified means our hard-working business owners can take advantage of procurement opportunities with the State of Illinois, bidding on contracts set aside for businesses in these categories.”
Certification with the state provides several benefits, including consistent demand from government contracts and an established record that can help attract additional clients and increase revenue. Staff members from the SMART Business program are available to guide business owners individually through the certification process.
Business owners interested in the program can find more information and sign up at Smart Business Illinois – The Illinois Office of Comptroller (illinoiscomptroller.gov).
“I want to do all I can to help women grow their businesses, and thanks to years of hard work and fiscal discipline, the State of Illinois is now a solid partner,” Comptroller Mendoza said. “I encourage women business owners to take advantage of our assistance and become certified with the state.”
Data from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity show that there are over 500,000 women-owned businesses in Illinois, employing more than 661,000 people and generating $165 billion in annual revenue.
