More than 150 minority businesses were represented at the "Minority Enterprise Luncheon." Chicago Housing Authority CEO, Lewis Jordan gave the keynote address.He spoke about personal experiences growing up in public housing. He also encouraged up and coming business leaders to create strong partnerships with other professionals.

"Partnerships are critically important to develop business, no matter what size business you own, you know we didn't just wake up one day as CEO or Vice President's, we had people help us along the way," says Jordan.

 Forsman, the CEO of the Rockford Area Chamber of Commerce says, "there are a lot of incentives, both statewide and federally for minority owned businesses to partner up with larger employees, so it's important that we as a chamber recognize that and get those connections made for those businesses."

Forsman says opportunities for minority business growth are readily available.