A major accomplishment for small and minority enterprises, State Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) saw her legislation opening up greater opportunity for minority women and their businesses pass the General Assembly.

“Why should we deny minority women the ability to classify their business as a woman-owned and a minority-owned business if both these titles define them?” Hunter said. “I maintain that if a business is owned by someone who is a racial minority and female, how that enterprise is classified and marketed should be allowed to reflect that.” 

Senate Bill 2320 allows minority women entrepreneurs to elect to participate as both a minority-owned and woman-owned business in Central Management Services’ Business Enterprise Program.

Current Illinois law requires that minority women Business Enterprise Program applicants and participants choose to be identified as either minority or female-certified businesses.

CMS’ Business Enterprise Program serves businesses owned by minorities, women and persons with disabilities, and is committed to fostering an inclusive and competitive business environment that will help qualifying businesses increase their capacity, grow revenue and enhance credentials.

“I am more than proud my colleagues decided to approve this legislation and look forward to the expanded opportunities for minority women businesses this will generate,” Hunter said.

SB 2320 was approved by the Senate and House and, having passed both chambers of the General Assembly, moves to Gov. Quinn for consideration.