Illinois Tollway event in Elgin draws owners of small and diverse businesses pursuing state contracts
A workshop hosted by the Illinois Tollway in Elgin connected representatives from more than 160 small, diverse and veteran-owned firms with resources and training that will increase their opportunities to provide goods and services to the Tollway and other government agencies.
The Contracting with Government event on May 13 shared annual agency buying plans and offered workshops to help businesses better understand how to navigate the procurement process and certification requirements required to bid on goods and services contracts, including those for information technology.
“The Tollway is dedicated to expanding our pool of small, diverse and veteran-owned contractors and the resources we provided at this event will help increase the opportunities those firms have to do business not only with the Tollway, but with other state agencies,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. “Business owners were able to speak directly with experts from the Tollway and other agencies about the actions they can take and the programs available that will enable them to compete more effectively for state contracts. The Tollway is always striving to ensure our contractors are as diverse as the communities we serve and events like this one are another tool we use to help us achieve that goal.”
The Tollway partnered with other agencies to offer workshops and presentations on contracting procedures and outline their upcoming anticipated procurements related to information technology and other needed services and goods.
Among the sessions business owners attend are a Learning Lab that will assist them in registering to obtain information about upcoming state contracting opportunities. A Quick Connect workshop will enable entrepreneurs to talk individually with firms already doing business with state agencies to ask questions and obtain additional guidance about obtaining state contracts.
“Small, diverse, and veteran-owned businesses are the building blocks of our economy, and my administration is proud to provide the assistance they need to do business with the State,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I want to thank all the participating agencies for their support.”
"Small businesses are the backbone of Illinois, and the Pritzker-Stratton administration is committed to doing everything we can to foster strong relationships between the government and entrepreneurs across our state." said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "This workshop provided by the Illinois Tollway will help ensure companies owned by underrepresented groups and veterans have the opportunity to do business with the State of Illinois. I hope all business owners attend to learn about the resources available to help them thrive."
The agencies and businesses that participated included the Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion, the Illinois Chief Procurement Office for General Services, Illinois Secretary of State, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Elgin Chamber of Commerce, and Apex Accelerator.
Participants attended a series of workshops offered by the Tollway and other state agencies outlining different aspects of their procurement and contracting practices, and provided information on how businesses can register to participate in the state’s Business Enterprise Program (BEP) or the Small Business Set-Aside Program.
Firm also received training in using the state’s BidBuy system, which allows agencies to advertise and receive bids for the goods and services they require.
The Illinois Tollway provided information on expected procurements needed for the agency, including information technology, business systems, roadway and facilities departments.
Additionally, business representatives had access to the Tollway’s Technical Assistance Program providers, who offered businesses development assistance.