South Asian American Chamber of Commerce IL

A Very Asian Holiday: A Mini AAPI Market
2024-12-14 12:00 - 2024-12-28 17:00 UTC | Amber Agave (1310 North Milwaukee Avenue Chicago, IL 60622)
Celebrate the Season with “A Very Asian Holiday” Market!
Experience the rich tapestry of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) culture at this lively holiday market! Discover one-of-a-kind gifts, delicious treats, and specialty items from AAPI-owned businesses and creators. It’s more than a shopping experience—it’s a chance to connect with vibrant traditions, support local entrepreneurs, and enjoy the festive spirit of the season. Whether you’re finding the perfect gift or savoring the atmosphere, this event is a joyful celebration of community, culture, and creativity.
Dates: December 14th, 21st, and the 28th, 2024, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Amber Agave (1310 North Milwaukee Avenue Chicago, IL 60622)

Please visit HERE for more details.

Brown Noise - A Kinda Brown Comedy Show
2024-11-30 22:00 - 23:30 | 2040 North Milwaukee Avenue Chicago, IL 60647 United States
Get ready for a night of wild laughter with Brown Noise Comedy! 🎤 This lineup brings together South Asian, Arab, Persian, and other brown comedians who’ll have you in stitches with their hilarious takes on the quirks of growing up between cultures. From traditional parents to cultural mashups, these jokes hit home for anyone who’s ever felt caught between worlds. 🌍 It’s comedy that speaks your language, bringing all the chaos and fun of being first-gen to the stage. Don’t miss out on a night of pure, relatable fun! 😂
for more information on pricing and details, please visit the event link.

Let’s Talk about Heritage - Community Discussion
2024-11-23 14:00 - 14:30 | Heritage Museum of Asian Art (3500 South Morgan Street #3rd Fl Chicago, IL 60609)
Explore an inspiring conversation on heritage, legacy, and the path forward with our community’s art and culture leaders, hosted in partnership with the South Asia Institute, Asian Improv aRts Midwest, the Abrahamic Center for Cultural Education, Butoh Chicago, and more.
visit Chicago Asian Network‘s website for more information.

Grant Opportunities
2024-11-11 - 2024-12-04 | IL
Breakfast After the Bell Grant Program
This program supports the implementation of the Breakfast After the Bell service model in schools to make school breakfast more accessible to students.
Eligible applicants are education organizations or Illinois schools that operate a Breakfast After the Bell program under Section 16 of the Childhood Hunger Relief Act (105 ILCS 126).
The grant reward is subject to appropriations. The application deadline is November 11th, 2024, by 4:00 PM.
For more details, please contact Emily Durbin at 217-524-1819 or by email at edurbin@isbe.net.

Clean Energy Career Pathway Program
The program will provide funding directly to eligible recipients to support the planning and implementation of a Clean Energy Career Pathway. This will include coursework, field experiences, and work-based learning designed to prepare students for entrance into careers focusing on electric vehicles.
Eligible applicants and requirements for the funding will be listed in the notice of funding opportunity.
The program’s reward ranges from $100,000 – $500,000. The application deadline is November 12th, 2024, by 5:00 PM.
For more details, please contact John Barr at 312-805-9505 or through email at john.w.barr@illinois.gov.
The Reproductive Health Security Grant
This Grant provides funding to eligible reproductive health care facilities in Illinois that provide reproductive health care services, including abortion, and that are determined to be at a high risk of being targeted by unlawful activity (acts of violence, property damage, vandalism, harassment, etc.).
Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations, government organizations, education organizations, and for-profit organizations.
The grant award ranges up to $450,000. The application deadline is November 12th, 2024, by 5:00 PM (CST).
For more details, please contact Lisa Masinter at 312-814-1884 or through email at
Lisa.masinter@illinois.gov.

The Birth Equity Innovation Seed Grants
The grant is to support community-based organizations that are performing or planning
innovative and community-based work with the goal of reducing inequities in maternal and infant health care and outcomes.
It is also intended to provide funding to organizations with authentic ties to communities most impacted by these inequities to establish new programs or to maintain existing programs that implement programming and policies supporting equitable access to maternal care.
For eligible applicants, please visit the link provided and download the file for details: https://omb.illinois.gov/public/gata/csfa/Opportunity.aspx?nofo=2930.
The grant award ranges up to $1,000,000. The application deadline is November 12th, 2024, by 5:00 PM (CST).
For more details, please contact Lisa Masinter at 312-814-1884 or through email at Lisa.masinter@illinois.gov.

The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)
The TAP program provides a fund source for a variety of smaller- scale transportation projects such as: pedestrian and bicycle facilities, recreational trails, safe routes to school projects, community improvements such as historic preservation and vegetation management, and environmental mitigation related to stormwater and habitat connectivity.
Eligible applicants are government and nonprofit organizations. In addition, the program is
limited to metropolitan planning organizations with a +200,000 population.
The program award is subject to appropriations. The deadline for the program is November 18th, 2024, by 5:00 PM (CST).
For more details, please contact Lee Ann Prather at (217) 524-3509 or through email at
LeeAnn.Prather@illinois.gov.

Statewide Re-enrollment Strategy Grant
The Illinois Board Of Higher Education has announced the establishment of the
Statewide Re-enrollment Strategy Grant to support the re-enrollment of adult learners who
started college but never earned a degree or credential.
Eligible applicants are those organizations that can manage a state-wide coordinated strategy that includes but is not limited to, the following services: data analytics, multi-channel marketing, live professional coaching, and a platform-based user experience.
The Board of Higher Education anticipates awarding an organization up to $2,000,000. The application deadline is November 21st, 2024, by 12:00 PM (CST).
For more details, please contact John Barr at 312-805-9505 or through email at john.w.barr@illinois.gov.

The Illinois Grocery Initiative New Stores in Food Deserts Program

Aims to address the challenge of food deserts in areas that meet specific criteria related to: poverty standards, population density, and limited fresh food accessibility.
Eligible applicants are entities that must register in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal, https://grants.illinois.gov/portal.
The grant reward ranges from $150,000 to $2,400,000. The application deadline is December 2nd, 2024, by 5:00 PM.
For more details, please contact John O’Conner at 217-993-2275 or through email at
CEO.GroceryInitiative@illinois.gov.

Illinois Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program
This program seeks to identify a network of at least 13 Illinois Clean Jobs Program delivery hub sites (“Workforce Hubs”) throughout the State to recruit and provide clean energy and related workforce training to job seekers.
Eligible applicants are government organizations, education organizations, and nonprofit organizations.
The grant reward ranges from $100,000 to $4,000,000. The application deadline is December 2nd, 2024, by 5:00 PM.
For more details, please contact John O’Conner at 217-993-2275 or through email at
CEO.GroceryInitiative@illinois.gov.

The Community Development Block Grant Housing Rehabilitation Program
The program is intended to help housing projects which preserve single-families, owner
occupied housing, encourage neighborhood revitalization and emphasizes the dual goal of
serving low-to-moderate income households and improving the quality of housing in
Communities.
Eligible applicants are only units of general local government (i.e., cities, villages, townships and counties) may apply for funding.
For more details, please contact Wendy Bell at 217-558-4200 or through email
atceo.ocd@illinois.gov.
The program award ranges from $300,000 – $6,500,000. The application deadline is December 4th, 2024, by 5:00 PM (CST).

SAI Music And Movement Series: Faraway Ghost & Sunken Cages feat. Amirah Sackett
2024-11-08 19:00 - 21:00 | 1925 South Michigan AveChicago, IL 60616
Indian-born Ravish Momin (aka Sunken Cages) accompanies Iranian multi-instrumentalist Kamyar Arsani (aka Faraway Ghost)’s vocals and daf (frame-drum) with a masterful blend of electronic and acoustic percussion, including live-looping via his unique drum-loop performance system. The ensemble’s international tour coincides with a new release on the global-music label from France, Akuphone Records.
For their Chicago engagement and rounding out the SAI “Music and Movement” series, the duo will be joined by Muslim-American dancer Amirah Sackett with choreographed movements, drawing inspiration from hip-hop and Middle Eastern dance styles. As Muslim American composers, dancers and performers are largely underrepresented in experimental/global music in the US, we will include a Q & A session with the artists and audience following the performance.
For more information, please visit The South Asian Institute’s website.

2024 Finding Light Through the Darkness Diwali Fundraiser
2024-11-07 | Recess at City Hall (838 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60642)
On Thursday, November 7th, Brown Man Therapy (BMT) hosts its second annual Diwali fundraiser, Finding Light Through the Darkness, focused on advancing mental health awareness within the South Asian community. Following last year’s sold-out event, this year’s fundraiser will take place in a larger venue and feature an award ceremony recognizing mental health champions alongside a lineup of culture-inspired programming.
Proceeds from this evening will support BMT’s mission to create safe storytelling spaces, employ data-backed mental health practices, and foster a stronger, supportive South Asian community. Funds will also help sustain BMT’s programs, including workshops, panel discussions, and creating inclusive spaces for sharing personal journeys and exploring mental health in impactful ways.
About Brown Man Therapy (BMT):
BMT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health education, inclusivity, and community engagement, particularly for South Asian men. Recognizing that addressing men’s mental health strengthens all communities, BMT champions open discussions around mental wellness, encouraging South Asians everywhere to seek and share support.
Tickets for this meaningful night are available now—don’t miss an evening of celebration, connection, and positive impact!
for more information, visit Chicago Asian Network’s website.

Translating South Asia: An evening in Chicago
2024-10-29 18:00 - 20:00 | South Asia Institute (1925 South Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60616)
Join International Booker Prize winning translator Daisy Rockwell, JCB Prize winning Malayalam translator Jayasree Kalathil, and others read from their translations from Bangla, Hindi, Malayalam, Panjabi, Sinhala, Tamil, and more.
South Asian Literature in Translation (SALT) and the South Asia Institute (SAI) are thrilled to host this first-of-its-kind event in Chicago to celebrate the literary richness of South Asia.
October 29, 2024, 6 to 8 pm, including light bites
SAI, 1925 S Michigan Ave, Chicago 60616
Admission ($5) will be waived for students
visit Chicago Asian Network for more details on registration and list of presenters.

Garba/Dandiya
2024-10-18 18:00 - 21:00 | IL
Garba/Dandiya
This participatory performance brings people in the Devon Avenue community together through a celebratory dance performance with the Mandala Ensemble. This participatory event brings people in the Devon Avenue community together through a celebratory dance performance with the Mandala Ensemble. After simple lessons to learn the dance, Mandala invites participants to dance the night away. With its origins in the Indian state of Gujarat, this dance has become a global phenomenon.
Schedule:
6pm – 7pm: simple lessons to learn the dance
7pm – 9pm: dance to dj ed music
GET YOUR TICKETS
Visit Chicago Asian Network’s Website for more information.

The Ladder by Chicago Innovation
2024-10-16 | IL
Chicago Innovation is thrilled to announce that applications are now open for our 7th cohort of The Ladder, Chicago Innovation’s dynamic mentoring program designed to support Black and Latine professionals.
This next cohort will run from January to June 2025. Don’t miss your chance to be paired with an amazing mentor who will help you tackle today’s challenges, grow personally, and accelerate your career! art of pitching.
Please visit HERE for more information and registration details.
EOD For registration is on October 16, 2024.

Suitcase Stories: An Immigrant’s Journey of Losing One Home and Finding Two
2024-10-10 18:30 - 2024-10-24 18:30 | IL
Jitesh will perform his solo storytelling show, “Suitcase Stories: An Immigrant’s Journey of Losing One Home and Finding Two,” at The Second City (230 W. North Ave, Chicago, IL) on November 10th and November 24th at 6:30pm. Its premiere in 2023 was enthusiastically well-received by audiences at the Steppenwolf Theatre and is looking forward to another exciting run.

ABOUT THE SHOW:
Foraging the depths of a peanut butter jar one day, Jitesh realized with shock that he is now an Indian-American! Can home change? Can identity? Does love? Follow his journey as he leaves India for America in the pursuit of love and goes back to find that the hometown he missed is now missing. Will he be able to recreate it?
Suitcase Stories follows Jitesh’s journey as he battles visa authorities, culture shock, harsh weather and a nagging call to leave it all and return to safety. This hilarious and soul-stirring one-man show is a collection of stories that connects Jitesh with Americans of all stripes. It is a journey that asks: what does a home mean? And lets the audience answer for themselves.

www.secondcity.com/shows/chicago/suitcase-stories-an-immigrants-journey-of-losing-one-home-and-finding-two-chi

ABOUT THE PERFORMER:
Jitesh Jaggi is a four-time The Moth Story Slam winner and has taught storytelling workshops for the World Health Organization, the University of Chicago, and several other institutions. He was a keynote speaker at the 2022 NAFSA International Educators Conference, and the featured storyteller at the 2023 St. Louis Storytelling Festival. His stories have been played on National Public Radio as part of The Moth Radio Hour. He is also a 2024 grantee of the City of Chicago DCASE Individual Artists Program, awarded to support and elevate artists whose work adds to the cultural vitality of Chicago.
Check out Chicago Asian Network‘s Website for more information.

Elevate! Cohort 2024
2024-10-10 18:00 - 20:00 | IL
Childcare Business Program is designed to provide business insight to established childcare entrepreneurs for home and center-based businesses.
Elevate program participants will follow a process to grow their business, develop a marketing strategy, learn operational best practices, and sound methods for managing their childcare business financials.
During this cohort you will learn how to grow outside from your home to a center and how to be more profitable and efficient.
At the end of this cohort, you will leave with a 1 year growth plan.
Program Details
When?
Every Thursday | October 10 – November 14, 2024
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, CST
VISIT HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Chicago’s First South Asian Festival Showcase
2024-10-05 09:30 - 17:00 | 2936 N Southport Ave
Chicago’s 1st South Asian Festival Showcase is an event curated to represent the Chicagoland South Asian community across social justice, dance, fashion, film, and music. The Chicago South Asian Festival Showcase aims to bring together the South Asian community across the diaspora while inviting members of all communities and lived experiences to experience the stories and skill sets of all of our performers, panelists, and presenters. An innovative and collaborative way to kick off South Asian festival season for the first time in Chicago!

10:30AM-11:15AM: Social Justice Panel w/ Apna Ghar, SAAPRI, Hamdard Health Alliance, and UIC DHD
11:20AM-12:20PM Dance Section: Ameya Performing Arts, Movement of Desis, Shakti Queen Beats, and Asha Rowland
12:20PM-12:35PM: INTERMISSION
12:35PM-1:05PM: South Asian Short Film Screening
1:10PM-1:20PM: Comedy by Najah Bhatty
1:20PM-2:00PM: South Asian Fashion Walk
2:00PM-2:10PM: INTERMISSION
2:15PM-2:55PM: Music Section: Kavin Lavari, Butter Chicken Brass Band, Vivek Agrawal, and Brown Sugar A Capella
3:00PM-3:05PM South Asians Supporting South Asians by Priya Shah
3:05PM-3:10PM Closing Remarks and Performer Walk Out
Invite Only Cocktail Hour to Follow

Half day passes allow access for either option: You may either attend the Social Justice Panel all the way to the Film Section OR You may attend the comedy performance all the way to the Musical section

Photography by RGBTV and Decor by Periwinkle Decor
Pan Asian Marketplace by Local Chicago Brands and Businesses throughout the day

Exhibition Tour with Tulika Ladsariya, Zafar Malik, and Shaurya Kumar
2024-09-21 14:00 - 16:00 | 1925 South Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, 60616, 1925 South Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, 60616, Chicago, Illinois, IL, 60616, United States
Join artists Tulika Ladsariya, Zafar Malik, and Shaurya Kumar as they lead a special tour of the exhibition “What is Seen and Unseen: Mapping South Asian American Art” on Saturday, September 21 from 2-4 pm. Come hear them talk about their work, their artistic explorations, and their own stories of working as artists in Chicago.
What is Seen and Unseen is part of the Terra Foundation’s Art Design Chicago 2024, a citywide collaboration that highlights Chicago’s artistic heritage and creative communities
please visit The South Asian Institute event website for tickets and inquiries.

Ragamala: An All Night Celebration of South Asian Classical Music
2024-09-20 18:00 - 2024-09-21 08:00 | Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago Cultural Center, Preston Bradley Hall, 78 E. Washington Street, 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60602
Ragamala Chicago, the 12th annual, all-night concert featuring eight performing ensembles and featured artists starting at 6PM until 8AM under the world’s largest Tiffany Dome at the Chicago Cultural Center’s Preston Bradley Hall. A rare opportunity to experience South Asian classical ragas which are meant for specific times throughout the day and night. Ragamala showcases and celebrates some of the world’s finest performers of Hindustani and Carnatic classical music. Presented by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events as part of the city’s annual World Music Festival. Presented in collaboration with South Asia Institute, People of Rhythm Productions and South Asian Classical Music Society of Chicago.

Chicago South Asian Film Festival Opening Night
2024-09-20 18:00 - 23:30 | AMC River East 21 322 East Illinois StreetChicago, IL, 60611United States, AMC River East 21 322 East Illinois StreetChicago, IL, 60611United States (map), Chicago, IL, 60611, United States
The Chicago South Asian Film Festival is one of the largest multicultural events in the heartland of America held annually in downtown Chicago, celebrating diversity through the art of cinema.
The 15th Annual Chicago South Asian Film Festival is set to commence with an exciting opening night. Attendees can look forward to a glamorous red carpet event, where the artists and filmmakers will grace the scene. Following the red carpet, the evening will feature the short film Namak directed by Abhiruchi Chand and starring Divya Dutta, Vijay Maurya and Anup Soni. This will be succeeded by the highly anticipated world premiere of The Mehta Boys. After the screening, attendees can look forward to an engaging Q&A session featuring the celebrated actor, director and producer, Boman Irani, along with actors Avinash Tiwary and Shreya Chaudhry, as well as producers Danesh Irani and Vikesh Bhutani. This promises to be an enriching experience, providing insights into the creative process and inspiration behind the film.
Please visit the Chicago South Asian Film Festival website for more details on tickets and pricing, as well as film and event information. Click Here
You can also add the event to your Google Calendar.
(credits: https://www.csaff.org/)

Ruhani Raag: Ustad Naseeruddin Saami Live At South Asia Institute
2024-09-13 19:00 | 1925 South Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, 60616, 1925 South Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, 60616, Chicago, Illinois, IL, 60616, United States
The South Asia Institute is excited to announce a special live concert featuring the renowned Ustad Naseeruddin Saami on Friday, September 13, at 7:00 pm. This extraordinary event will highlight a distinctive performance of Khayal-influenced Qawwali, led by Ustad Saami, a celebrated maestro of classical music. Joining him on stage will be the Saami Brothers, members of his family, who carry on the family’s esteemed musical heritage.
Get ready for a captivating experience that blends tradition with innovation, offering a mesmerizing and unforgettable musical journey.
EVENT DETAILS:
WHEN: Friday, September 13 (7:00 pm)
WHERE: 1925 South Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, 60616 (South Asia Institute)
TICKETS: $50 GENERAL; $75 VIP (PRESALES) | $60 GENERAL; $85 (DAY OF THE EVENT)
Complimentary tea and snacks provided at the concert. For sponsorship opportunities, please email info@saichicago.org
head on to The South Asia Institute event website for more information.

Community Directory: Call for Entries
2024-08-31 | IL
BE PART OF OUR COMMUNITY DIRECTORY!

Elevate Your Business: Apply Now for Inclusion in the SAACCIL Directory!

Greetings, entrepreneurs, innovators, and visionaries! The South Asian American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAACCIL) is thrilled to announce that applications are now open for inclusion in our esteemed SAACCIL Directory.
If you’re passionate about business excellence, networking, and community empowerment, seize this opportunity to showcase your enterprise to a wider audience.
Ready to take your business to the next level? Applying for inclusion in the SAACCIL Directory is quick and easy.
join here: https://forms.gle/j2dHXsfjyaMx3aDH9

Taste of Asia
2024-08-18 15:00 - 20:00 | BRIDGE 410 (410 N PAULINA ST. CHICAGO IL 60622), 410 N PAULINA ST. CHICAGO IL 60622, Chicago, IL, 60622, United States
Waban Impact welcomes everyone to their Taste of Asia Event this August 18 at Bridge 410, N Paulina St. Chicago, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM!
Please confirm your participation as an attendee here:

Attendee Registration Form: https://forms.gle/65gm3uH9A81m5VSy8

Embrace AAPI roots and celebrate the vibrant flavors, melodies, and traditions of AAPI heritage, by joining us in this festive occasion ????????????✨
for more information, message us, or contact emailsusanpatel@gmail.com
See you there!
If you would like to take part as a vendor, attendee, or volunteer, please fill up this form:

Vendor Registration Form: https://forms.gle/dSC5ZazkdNzhTmNM9
Volunteer Registration Form: https://forms.gle/7mZX3adSXadc5rvK7

Online with OMEE – Overview of Financial Resources for Small Businesses
2024-06-05 10:00 - 11:00 | IL
Online with OMEE – Overview of Financial Resources for Small Businesses
Wednesday | June 5, 2024 | 10:00 – 11:00 AM | Register here
Is access to financial capital important for your business?
The Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) Business Development Managers invite you to an online conversation that’s open to all minorities ((racial/ethnic), women, persons with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQIA+) and any other marginalized groups-owned businesses. Team OMEE will provide you with the latest updates on financial resources like federal and state programs, information about other opportunities, and answer any questions you may have about your business. We’ll take questions in English and Spanish.

Celebrate & Connect: AAPI Heritage Month Closeout Small Business Symposium & Networking
2024-05-29 17:00 - 20:00 | IL
Celebrate & Connect: AAPI Heritage Month Closeout Small Business Symposium & Networking
Wednesday, May 29, 2024 | 5:00 – 8:00 PM | In-Person | Register
North Park University, Hamming Hall, 3225 W Foster Ave. Chicago, IL 60625
In collaboration with the North River Commission/Albany Park Chamber of Commerce, Fifth Third Bank, and Chicago Asian Network, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) invites you to celebrate the end of AAPI Heritage Month with a panel discussion by distinguished AAPI food entrepreneurs, essential business resources from government agencies, and networking opportunities! All communities are welcome. Also, there will be a special announcement about a grant opportunity for AAPI-owned restaurants! Free parking is available in the Visitor Lot at Kedzie and Foster Avenues. Complimentary Amber Agave boba drinks for guests! More information in our registration page.
Would love to see you there as well if you’re available!

SUMMER FESTIVAL CERTIFICATION
2024-05-29 - 2024-08-23 | IL
The Illinois Restaurant Association, in partnership with the Chicago Department of Health, is excited to present the Summer Festival Sanitation Certification Class. This detailed and informative 2.5-hour course is mandatory for all summer festival food service vendors and encompasses all aspects of outdoor food handling and effective festival sanitation practices.
The IRA also offers Private Classes at your location in English and Spanish for groups of 10 or more. Call at 312-787-4000 to arrange for a private class.
Class Tuition:
IRA Member- $40.00
Non-Member- $45.00
Virtual Zoom Class Time:
Class Time: 10:00am – 12:30 pm
Summer Festival Vendor Sanitation Certification Training classes are held in a virtual format through Zoom in the following dates:

MAY
Wednesday, May 29
JUNE
Wednesday, June 5
Wednesday, June 14
Thursday, June 20
Thursday, June 27
JULY
Wednesday, July 3
Wednesday, July 10
Friday, July 19
Friday, July 26
AUGUST
Friday, August 2
Friday, August 9
Friday, August 16
Friday, August 23
If you wish to join, please be advised that there is a minimum of 3 weeks for the turnaround on festival certificates.
For more information, please see the 2024 Special Event Festival Training Presentation.

Chamber's Inaugural Kickoff Event
2022-04-16 14:00 - 17:00 | Holiday Inn, North Shore, 5300 Touhy Ave, Skokie, 60077
