As we honor Black History Month in 2026, the Illinois Economic Development Corporation (Illinois EDC) is proud to spotlight the contributions of Black leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators who shape our communities, pave paths for new opportunity, and strengthen our economic future.
We celebrate Black excellence in Illinois, and we’re excited to platform a series of leaders in our new section, Economic Drivers, this heritage month and those that follow.
By the Numbers: Black-Owned Business in Illinois
Illinois is home to 1.8 million Black residents—14% of our total population—making a significant (and growing!) economic footprint. According to the U.S. Census’ 2023 Annual Business Survey, Black-owned firms make up 13% of all businesses in the state, totaling over 180,000 firms. These businesses employ more than 54,000 Illinoisans and are especially prominent in professional services, food and hospitality, education and social services, retail, and arts and entertainment.
Notably, Black women are leading the charge—64% of respondents to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Illinois Black Business Survey identified as Black women business owners in 2023. This entrepreneurial spirit is resilient; nearly one-third of these businesses have been in business for over a decade (and over 37% have been in operation between three and nine years), showcasing long-standing community impact.
Nobody’s Darling co-owners Angela Barnes and Renauda Riddle share how Illinois is a welcoming state, a characteristic they’ve infused into their business to reflect what the state offers. The LGBT+ friendly bar is a local favorite.
Spotlight on Local Legends
Across the state, Black-owned businesses are enriching communities, creating jobs, and redefining excellence in their industries:
- Southside Blooms (Chicago): A farm-to-vase nonprofit that employs at-risk youth through sustainable flower growth and design, and who just recently announced their expansion into North Lawndale this coming spring!
- Ms. Jana’s Candy (Aurora): With the slogan ‘butter is our best friend,’ you’ll find in Ms. Jana’s an open and inviting environment offering treats like butter toffee, creamy caramels, and their version of the classic turtle.
- Vintrendi Wine Company (Park Forest): A micro-winery bringing unique flavor and family pride to the south suburbs.
- The Irie Cup (Huntley): A family-owned whole leaf teahouse, emphasizing sustainable sourcing and offering tea education via holistic self-care practices.
- Justice of the Pies (Chicago): Honoring her late criminal defense attorney father, Stephen J. Broussard, owner Maya-Camille Broussard specializes in sweet and savory pies, quiches, and tarts.
- Chicago Mahogany Tours (Chicago): Highlighting Chicago’s people, architecture, and impact on the world, historian and award-winning tourism ambassador Dilla offers regional tours “the Chicago Way.” (The Illinois EDC team recently had the honor of touring with Dilla, who generously offered his time, passion, and Chicago expertise with us.)
- Brown Sugar Bakery (Chicago): A community anchor established in 2022 where nostalgia is turned into dessert with soul.
- My Just Desserts (Alton): A shop famous since 1982 for its homemade pies, desserts, and lunches, with a picturesque view of the Mississippi River.
- Riley’s Vegan Sweets & Eats (Peoria): A visionary cupcake and coffee lounge (and Peoria’s first 100% vegan bakery) imagining a plant-based future.
- CBPB Popcorn Shop (Champaign): A gourmet popcorn and sweets shop, serving as a popular community destination in Central Illinois known for their caramel apples.
- Triple Dipple’s (Chillicothe): An award-winning bakery making waves with its famous cheesecakes like the Sweet Tater and magnetic community spirit.
These are just a few of the many Black Illinois Makers featured through the Illinois Office of Tourism’s Illinois Made campaign—a program celebrating local artisans and creators who make Illinois a special place to live and visit.
Leaders Who Inspire
From historic figures to today’s C-suite trailblazers, Black Illinoisans have helped shape the state’s business and civic life, including:
- Jesse Binga: Binga began the city’s first privately-owned African American bank, the Binga State Bank, in 1921, offering the Black community an alternative to large white-owned banks. Today, the building (located at 35th and State) is home to the Illinois Institute of Technology Research Institute.
- John H. Johnson: Johnson was the first African American to appear on the Forbes 400 in 1982, and his headquarters—the Johnson Publishing Building on South Michigan Avenue, which put out magazines like Ebony and Jet—gave Chicago its only high-rise designed by a Black architect.
- Anthony Overton: Overton established the Overton Hygienic Company in 1898 in Kansas City and moved it to Chicago in 1911, making it one of the earliest successful Black-owned businesses in the city. He went on to operate several businesses, including the Chicago Bee newspaper franchise.
- Ida B. Wells: Wells, an established journalist when she moved to Chicago in 1893, challenged discriminatory practices and promoted equality, helping create a more inclusive and economically vibrant business environment in the city.
- Oprah Winfrey: Winfrey, who started her career as a news reporter, hosted “The Oprah Winfrey Show” from her West Loop space, Harpo Productions, for over two decades and eventually became the first Black woman billionaire, according to Forbes magazine.
Today, notable Black leaders like Nicholas Bruce (SVP, Wintrust Bank), Simara Campbell (chief human resources officer, LaSalle Network), Brandon Fair (VP of corporate real estate, United Airlines), Shalisa Humphrey (principal, EY), Otto Nichols (executive VP and shareholder, Clayco) and Zaldwaynaka (Z) Scott (Illinois EDC board member and president, Chicago State University) continue this legacy, serving as role models and agents of change in business, education, and community impact.
These are just a few of the 100+ people honored in Crain’s Notable Black Leaders, representing all industries and communities: C-suite executives and investors handling multimillion-dollar budgets and billion-dollar deals, advisers helping our neighbors pursue higher education and secure social services, attorneys leading law firms, and advocates leading the way toward change.
Organizations Driving Equity
Black-led organizations and chambers of commerce are also key to Illinois’ inclusive economic development. From the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce and the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce to the Black Business Alliance – Peoria Chapter, Business Leadership Council, and Chicago Urban League, these groups provide advocacy, mentorship, capital access, and community empowerment.
Events like Chicago Black Restaurant Week (February 8 – 22, 2026) uplift Black-owned food and beverage businesses, while groups like the Quad County African American Chamber of Commerce expand opportunity across counties including Kane, Kendall, DuPage, and Will.
Why This Matters to Illinois EDC
At Illinois EDC, we believe that inclusive growth is strong growth. Our mission is to foster investment and job creation that reflects the full diversity of Illinois. That means celebrating the businesses and leaders who represent Black excellence—and working to ensure equitable access to opportunity through our site selection guidance, incentive navigation, and research support.
Illinois is home to talent, innovation, culture, and resilience. Black-owned businesses are an essential part of what makes our state dynamic and competitive, and beautiful. As we celebrate Black History Month, we commit again to building a more inclusive economy—one that ensures everyone has the chance to grow, learn, lead, and succeed.
Learn more about Illinois for your business. Get in touch with our team today.
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