In the News
Small Business Workshop with Woodforest Bank
The Lewis Simmons Foundation proudly hosted a dynamic three-part Small Business Workshop Series in partnership with Woodforest Bank, a trusted local financial institution with branches conveniently located in Walmart on Kirk Road and surrounding communities. This initiative was designed to empower underserved individuals and minority entrepreneurs who are considering launching their own businesses. Our inaugural session saw an incredible turnout, with 40 aspiring business owners from across Illinois eager to...
3 C’s Luncheon
On April 3rd, we had the privilege of attending the 3 C’s Luncheon, a powerful networking experience dedicated to fostering connections and support within our community. This event provided an invaluable opportunity to meet and engage with incredible women who could benefit from our services as they navigate the challenging process of leaving difficult domestic situations. Beyond that, we were able to build meaningful relationships with other organizations that share...
Men’s Warehouse Dress to Impress Job Training Event
On March 27th, we hosted, Men’s Wearhouse Dress to impress event in partnership with Talented Tenth Services, where we had virtual and in person attendees, with the in-person portion hosted at the FEC building. This event was filled with information about how to dress appropriately for a job, job interview training, as well as how to do it within your means. This was very beneficial for our clients as they are...
Pamper Party in Honor of Women’s History Month
On Saturday, March 23rd, we had the honor of hosting a transformative event in partnership with Talented Tenth Services—a Pamper Party dedicated to celebrating and uplifting women in recognition of Women’s History Month. This special gathering provided a much-needed opportunity for women to relax, unwind, and prioritize their well-being in a supportive and rejuvenating environment. Attendees enjoyed moments of self-care and reflection, reinforcing the importance of taking time for themselves...
ARCC Women’s Event
On March 22nd Lewis Simmons Foundation participated as a speaker in the ARCC 2024 Wonder Woman Event. Our founder, Terrie Simmons shared her expertise and spoke to attendees about the services that are provided by LSF, as well as the opportunity to connect with future partners. Transform your revenue-generating, social responsibility, and procurement efforts into a powerful force for social change. Support our efforts to give more underserved individuals and...
Black Business Owner Tamara Turner to host Grand Opening of Silver Spoon Desserts in Chicago
Black Aurora business woman, Tamara Turner will be hosting a Grand Opening on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 for Silver Spoon Desserts. The Grand Opening will be at 10:00 am at 3501 W. 48th Place #2W. In May 2021, after working with a catering company providing food service for American Airlines, Turner then was asked to have her desserts served on the airlines’ domestic flights. Turner recently moved her business to...
Minority Business Development Agency Awards $13.9 Million in Grants
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is awarding $13.9 million in federal funding to 35 grant recipients as part of its MBDA Business Center Program. The program is designed to help minority-owned firms create jobs, compete in the global economy and grow their businesses. "The Biden Administration is firmly committed to helping minority-owned businesses of all sizes grow, prosper, and compete in the global economy,” said...
Aurora-based Organization Granted the Minority Business Development Agency Grant to establish the Minority Business Development Agency Business Center in Illinois
WHAT: Strategic Exceptions Professional Consulting Inc. was awarded the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Grant to establish the Illinois Minority Business Development Agency (IL MBDA) Business Center. The MBDA Business Center Program provides technical assistance and business development services to minority business enterprises, also known as MBEs. The MBDA provides Federal assistance in support of innovative projects that promote and seek to resolve the challenges faced by MBEs. The MBDA...
Duckworth, Durbin, Foster Announce New Minority Business Development Agency Business Center in Illinois
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Bill Foster (D-IL-11), today announced $400,000 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) to the Aurora-based and Black woman-founded Strategic Exceptions Professional Consulting for the operation of a MBDA Business Center in Illinois. The Center will help Illinoisans bring greater economic opportunities to their communities by providing entrepreneurs...
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