Doing Business with the City of Chicago: Workshop Series
About this Event
Ready to grow your business through government contracting (procurement)? Join the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (IHCC) for a 5-part workshop series designed to help small businesses navigate City of Chicago contracting opportunities.
Learn from industry experts on how to become a City vendor, obtain certifications, access capital, prepare competitive bids, and connect with government buyers.
WORKSHOP SERIES
All sessions: 4:00–5:30 PM and hosted at the IHCC’S 180 N Michigan Office
- November 4: Introduction to Doing Business with the City of Chicago
- November 10: Certification & Compliance
- November 18: Bonding & Access to Capital
- December 2: Estimating, Competitive Bidding & Proposal Submission
- December 9: Marketing Your Business to Government Buyers
Please register for each session individually.
PROCUREMENT MATCHMAKING & NETWORKING EVENT
December 10 | 1:00–4:00 PM
Put your knowledge into action! Connect with procurement professionals, prime contractors, and potential partners. A seperate registration will be required for the matchmaking session.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This series is designed for existing and prospective MBE, WBE, DBE, and VBE businesses interested in City of Chicago contracting opportunities that...
- Have been operating for approximately 2+ years
- Generate approximately $100,000+ in annual revenue
- Offer an established product or service
- Have the capacity or potential to perform government contracts
Certification is not required to participate. Businesses interested in pursuing certification are encouraged to apply.
Those who complete all 5 sessions will be eligble for parking reimbursment for each session.
Agenda
🕑: 04:00 PM - 05:30 PM
November 4: Introduction to Doing Business with the City of Chicago
Info: Learn how the City's procurement process works, how to register as a vendor, navigate procurement portals, and identify upcoming contracting opportunities.
🕑: 04:00 PM - 05:30 PM
November 10: Certification & Compliance
Info: Explore MBE, WBE, DBE, and VBE certification requirements, application processes, and compliance responsibilities. Learn how to leverage your certifications to compete for government contracts and subcontracting opportunities.
🕑: 04:00 PM - 05:30 PM
November 18: Bonding & Access to Capital
Info: Learn the fundamentals of bonding, how to qualify, and strategies to increase your bonding capacity. Then, hear directly from a panel of lenders about financing options, working capital, and financial resources to help your business successfully perform on contracts.
🕑: 04:00 PM - 05:30 PM
December 2: Estimating, Bidding & Submitting a Proposal
Info: Learn how to evaluate scopes of work, accurately estimate project costs, and develop competitive pricing strategies. Gain practical insights into navigating solicitations, preparing responsive proposals, and avoiding common mistakes that could cost you a contract.
🕑: 04:00 PM - 05:30 PM
December 9: Marketing Your Business to Government Buyers
Info: Learn how to develop a compelling capability statement, communicate your competitive advantage, and identify the right procurement contacts. Discover strategies to market your business, build valuable relationships, and position yourself for future contracting opportunities.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
