The Make a Connection: “Connecting Communities to Illinois Business Opportunities” event is hosted by CMS in collaboration with several federal, state and local elected officials. This event is one in a series of ongoing events around the state. It will be held on Friday, March 20, 2015, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Malcolm X College, 1900 West Van Buren Street, Chicago, and it is open to the public at no cost.
“At the Make a Connection event, our goal is to increase the number of state certified vendors by providing small and diverse entrepreneurs with the knowledge and resources used to participate in state contracts,” CMS Acting Director Tom Tyrrell said. “This is an excellent networking opportunity for business owners and professionals from all industries to engage in building relationships and to lay the foundation for successful partnerships with the state of Illinois and other resources.”
Workshop presentation topics include the Illinois Business Enterprise Program, which promotes the economic development of businesses owned by minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its certification program; the Chief Procurement office on the process for contracting with the state; and the Procurement Technical Assistance Center for one-on-one guidance. Booth exhibitors of other state and local resources will also be on hand to share information about their programs.
CMS hosts community outreach events throughout the year to provide support to small and diverse businesses. Registration for all CMS events is recommended. For more information and to register, please visit www.CMS.Illinois.gov/Events.