CHICAGO — The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity is sponsoring its first Women Business Owners Symposium, which consists of a full-day program that offers business owners access to a variety of experts, programs and opportunities to help them grow their businesses.

Registration is required for the free event at the UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Road. To do so, go online or call Carol Bell, director of state's Women's Business Development, at 312-814-8764.