Welch Hosts Local Entrepreneurs for his Black Business Empowerment Expo
WESTCHESTER, Ill. – House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch welcomed a full house of Black entrepreneurs at his recent Black Business Empowerment Expo, connecting both seasoned job creators and aspiring start-up leaders with state economic development resources, networking opportunities, and advice from experts in business growth.
“Supporting Black businesses matters because when Black businesses grow, they create jobs, strengthen neighborhoods, and open doors for others to follow,” Welch said. “That’s about more than building businesses; it’s about building opportunity, creating generational wealth, uplifting entire communities, and making sure the next generation has an even stronger foundation to build on. In Springfield, I remind my colleagues to play the infinite game, to know their why, and to remember that winners do the work. There’s no better advice that I could share with men and women who are working every day to leave something better for those who follow them. Who wake up every day determined to not just do well, but to also do good. And who are building a brighter future for us all.”
Welch developed the Black Business Empowerment Expo in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, which had economic development experts on hand to discuss state resources for start-ups, growing businesses, and Black- and woman-owned contractors. The Expo was also held in conjunction with Welch’s partners at the West Cook Business Alliance—including Mayors Nathaniel Booker of Maywood, Andre Harvey of Bellwood, and Katrina Thompson of Broadview.
The standing-room crowd also heard keynote speeches from Brown Sugar Bakery founder Stephanie Hart, and South Loop Chick-Fil-A owner Kareem Edwards.
Welch’s push for economic opportunity continues this Saturday when he will connect hundreds of local jobseekers with employers ready to hire at his annual job fair. Welch will host this free job fair on Saturday, Aug. 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Proviso Math and Science Academy, located at 8601 W. Roosevelt Road in Forest Park. Please call Welch’s constituent service office at 708-450-1000 for more information.
