Walker Encourages Latinx Businesses to Participate in DCEO Survey

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – Recognizing that the ongoing public health crisis is hurting local minority-owned businesses, state Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, is highlighting an initiative from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) asking Latinx business owners to participate in an online survey aimed at connecting businesses to resources.

“We are in an information gathering stage as we grapple with the economic effects of this pandemic,” Walker said. “As we work to identify solutions to help address the hardship too many are facing, it will take feedback from local business owners to point us in the right direction. I would encourage our local Latinx businesses to take the time to participate in this survey and ensure that their voice is heard.”

The online survey takes about 8-10 minutes to complete, and can be found in Spanish at https://bit.ly/EmpresasLatinasIL or in English at https://bit.ly/LatinxSurveyIL. Questions will be asked regarding the impact of COVID-19 on an individual’s business, business demographics, assistance needs and what programs they have applied to for financial assistance. DCEO’s Office of Minority Empowerment (OMEE) will look to evaluate all potentially available resources available for businesses that participate in the survey. The deadline to complete the survey is May 15, 2020.

“Beyond participating in the DCEO survey, I would encourage local business owners of every background to reach out to my office if they need assistance accessing state resources set up in response to this health crisis,” Walker said. “I want to make sure every local business receives access to every resource they deserve.”

For more information on Illinois’ ongoing response to COVID-19, please visit coronavirus.illinois.gov.