Laying a policy foundation to expand inclusive employment

Chicago is known as the City of Broad Shoulders — a place where you stand on the shoulders of those who came before you, boosting you up so you can reach new heights. This spirit is part of what makes this state so committed to an inclusive economy, and what makes Illinoisans so passionate about the power of employment social enterprise.

Now, we’re focused on passing state legislation that would not only codify what an ESE is but also center ESEs as critical community and commercial assets. In doing this, we’re aiming to unlock preferred vendor opportunities and partnerships, so that ESEs and inclusive employers can scale and sustain their impact.

Policy Progress

In August 2026, HB3751 was officially signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker.

This important bill recognizes employment social enterprises (ESEs) in Illinois state law — affirming the value of this business model as a pathway to support inclusive employment, and unlocking opportunities to support scale and sustainability for ESEs across the state.

IL State Bill

HB3751: A bipartisan proposal to codify ESEs in state law

Introduced in IL House of Representatives: February 7, 2025

Status: SIGNED!

House Sponsors

Rep. Jawaharial Williams, Camille Y. Lilly, Michael Crawford, Mary Beth Canty, Yolonda Morris, La Shawn K. Ford, Lisa Davis, Robyn Gabel, Hoan Huynh, and Anne Stava

Senate Sponsors

Sen. Celina Villanueva, Mattie Hunter, Lakesia Collins, Javier L. Cervantes, Mike Simmons, Robert Peters, Mike Porfirio, Adriane Johnson, Laura Fine, and Kimberly A. Lightford

Active IL Programs

IL RESET

Illinois Resourcing Employment Social Enterprises Together (IL RESET) is a coalition advocating for capital, resources, and policy change to support the over 33 employment social enterprises (ESEs) in Illinois.

2026 Community Retreat

Our Community Retreat is the largest gathering of employment-focused social enterprises in the United States. In June 2026, we convened leaders from employment-focused social enterprises, along with government, philanthropic, and workforce partners from across the country, in downtown Chicago.

Core Partners

Leading Inclusive Employers in Illinois

IL RESET Members

A Safe Haven Foundation

Aspiritech

Autonomy Works

Cannabis Equity Illinois Coalition

Cara

Chicago CRED

Chicago Jobs Council

Chicago Women in Trades

Chicagoland Workforce Funder Alliance

Curt’s Café

Defy Ventures Illinois

Genesys Works

Growing Home Inc.

HHPLift

Inner City Weightlifting

Inspiration Corporation/Inspiration Kitchens

LiftUp Enterprise

North Lawndale Employment Network

Per Scholas

Redefine Alliance

Responsible Business Initiative for Justice Revolution Institute

Revolution Workshop

scaleLIT

The Chicago Community Trust

YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago

ESEs are a unique kind of business. Because they’re not defined in law, we run into problems around things like procurement opportunities. We’re asking to be defined in the [state] code, so that these organizations can take advantage of the resources that already exist. Those [resources] will help these businesses to grow, which should help them to serve more individuals.