For Distribution
May 27, 2025
Illinois Office of Tourism Announces New Class of Small Businesses Inducted into the Illinois Made Program
CHICAGO — The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Office of Tourism welcomes 20 new small businesses into the Illinois Made program. Each year, the office selects a group of locally owned businesses - known as Illinois Made Makers - whose authentic products and one-of-a-kind experiences reflect the best of Illinois’ craftsmanship and culture.
From U-pick lavender fields in Edwardsville, to handcrafted string instruments in Geneva, to a beloved Mexican café in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, this year’s class of entrepreneurs exemplifies the wide range of Makers across Illinois.
“Small businesses are the heartbeat of Illinois’ economy, and the Illinois Made program supports the local artisans who help define our state’s unique character,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “This year’s class of Illinois Makers reflects the creativity and craftsmanship found in every corner of our state, inviting travelers to discover the experiences that make Illinois a true destination.”
Launched in 2016, the Illinois Made program now includes 277 Makers. The new Makers include the following businesses by region:
Chicago & Beyond (Chicago & Surrounding Suburbs)
- Bee Coco Candle - Geneva*
- CrumbCrusherCupcakes - Oak Park*
- Fill My Jar LLC - Brookfield*
- Gerry’s Cafe - Arlington Heights*
- Go Brewing - Naperville*
- La Catedral Café & Restaurant - Chicago*
- Lyon & Healy Harps - Chicago
- New Moon Vegan - Batavia*
- Noon Whistle Brewing - Lombard, Naperville
- Primitives by Olde Lady Morgan - Bartlett*
- Rosewood Farm - Sugar Grove*
- Soapy Roads - Lombard*
- StringWorks Inc. - Geneva
Great Rivers Country (Northwest & Southwest Illinois)
- Leaf Livestock Wool Co. - Geneseo*
- Tenderloin Farms Lavender - Edwardsville*
- Tres Rojas Winery - Washington*
- Sarah Beth’s Homemade Dips LLC - Hanna City*
Land of Lincoln (Central Illinois)
- Ceramics Made by Rosie - Springfield*
- Whimsy Tea Company - Springfield*
Trails to Adventure (Southern Illinois)
- Pink Tiger Farm - Goreville*
* Woman-owned businesses, LGBTQIA+-owned businesses, and/or businesses owned by people of color
For more information about Illinois Made and the small businesses that make up the program or to view the criteria to nominate a business, click here. To download the Illinois Made logo, click here.
About the Illinois Office of Tourism
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Office of Tourism manages industry efforts that result in sustainable and significant economic and quality-of-life benefits for Illinois residents. We are committed to making Illinois a model of inclusivity and a celebration of diversity. To learn more, visit EnjoyIllinois.com.