Connect The Dots Consulting, LLC

🔇 Some people may not be ready to hear your message yet, and that is okay. What matters is that you continue to show up with consistency, clarity, and care; you never know when something will finally click for someone.

🌱 That is the power of planting a seed. It could be a conversation that sparks a new idea, a resource saved for the future, or a reminder that helps someone keep going.

🗣️ Please keep teaching, encouraging, and sharing. Growth may not always be immediate, but the impact is real.

🗣️ Illinois Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)

💼 They offer no-cost, confidential guidance, training, and resources for both startups and existing small businesses.

If you need support with any of the following, the Illinois SBDC network is an excellent resource:

💡 Business planning and strategy
💲Financial projections and funding readiness
🗣️ Marketing and growth planning
⏩ Operations and next steps

You can find a center near you here: 👇🏽https://dceo.illinois.gov/smallbizassistance/beginhere/sbdc.html

📣 32nd annual JUNETEENTH celebration!

Check out all the activities happening in Springfield, IL! 👇🏽

📣 Local Fashion Show

📍Springfield, IL

We hope you will join us in supporting our friends at Women Entrepreneurs of Central Illinois: WE-CI at their Local Focal Fashion show on June 11th at Venue 1929.

Doors open to the public at 5:00 PM, with runway shows beginning at 5:30 PM.

Enjoy an evening of local fashion, creativity, and community, featuring appetizers and a cash bar with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available.

Participating retailers will showcase their collections on the runway and may also offer on-site displays for viewing and purchasing throughout the evening.

🎟️ Entry is $30 per person.

Our Vision

At the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce, our vision is clear:
To cultivate a thriving ecosystem of sustainable, high growth Black owned businesses in Illinois that are empowered to compete effectively in local, state, federal, and commercial markets.

We envision a future where Black entrepreneurs lead innovation, drive economic growth, and create generational wealth building a more equitable and prosperous Illinois for all.
This is more than a dream. This is our mission. This is our commitment.
Together, we rise. Together, we build.
Ready to be part of this vision?
Join us: ilbcc.org/membership

Tag a Black business owner who belongs in this future

Summer is here, school is out, and sidewalks are busier than ever!

When parking, please don’t block the sidewalk. Not only is it illegal in Illinois, but keeping sidewalks clear is the right thing to do for people walking, biking, or rolling. For someone with a disability, that space can make a big difference. Let’s keep our sidewalks safe and accessible for everyone. Learn more: https://idot.click/h28

💰 Grant Opportunity 💰

💼 Membership requirement 👇🏽

Local First is excited to open up the applications for our Small Business Grant. Head over to https://localfirstspringfield.com/grant to apply. You must be a current Local First Springfield member to apply. Deadline to apply is July 31st.

Not a member? You can join here: https://localfirstspringfield.com/join

💻 No cost marketing webinar.

Registration required.👇🏽

Digital ads can help your business stand out — when done right. Learn how to build smarter campaigns and connect with your ideal audience during this no-cost webinar.

📅 Tuesday, June 16, 2026
⏰ 12–1 PM
💻 Live Online Webinar

Register today!
https://buff.ly/7U60dqy