(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The lieutenant governor is hoping to raise financial literacy and opportunities for women in Illinois.
As part of the state’s pandemic response, deputy director of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Rebecca Estrada said Illinois has provided more than $186.4 million in grants to women-owned businesses since 2020.
But Lieutenant Governor Julianna Stratton points to a recent discussion with experienced leaders as proof many still don’t know about different types of financial aid.
"When I asked them at the table, how many of you are aware of these types of grants and low-interest loans that are available to business owners like you, out of a whole group, only two raised their hand."
So she’s planning a series of conversations next year across the state to share information about how women can negotiate higher pay, plan for retirement and make other financial decisions.
Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram