Small Business Owners Invited to Seminar Focused on Government Bidding and Procurement

A free seminar for small business owners to learn about state, county, and municipal bidding opportunities will be held from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM on March 6, 2025 at the Joliet Junior College’s City Center Campus. The “Bidding and Procurement Seminar for Small Business Owners” is the result of a collaboration between the Joliet Junior College Entrepreneur and Business Center (EBC), the Will County Center for Economic Development (CED), the Will County Executive Office, and the State of Illinois.

“This event offers valuable information to small business owners to learn about the government procurement and bidding process directly from state and local experts,” said County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant. “Knowing about local contracting opportunities and programs available to support small business owners throughout the process can make a significant difference in growing a business.”

The goal of the seminar is to increase awareness of bidding opportunities for government contracts from local small businesses. The seminar will feature experts on purchasing and procurement at the state, county, and local level. Registration in advance is required to attend.

"The JJC EBC recognized the need to provide business owners with a pathway to understanding the bidding process for government jobs,” said EBC Manager Brian Kincaid. “Growing a small business requires owners to approach growth from every possible angle, and some of their best opportunities are ones they don't know about. Our hope is to make these opportunities more accessible through this seminar and the connections that are made as a result."

The State of Illinois Central Management Service will present on the state buying plan, how to apply for state bids, and bidding on private sector projects. The State of Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion will present on the benefits of the Illinois Business Enterprise Program (BEP), which is managed by the state and works to empower businesses owned by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities with opportunities to bid for government contracts. The seminar will provide an overview of the program, including vendor eligibility requirements, benefits of certification, and the process to apply and become certified.

A panel discussion will also be held on local contracting opportunities, featuring representatives from Joliet Junior College, Will County, and Plainfield School District 202.

"The Will County Center for Economic Development is proud to collaborate with our partners to support our small business community, providing valuable information and resources in a collaborative setting where in-depth discussions can lead to tangible, real-world results for entrepreneurs," said Will County CED President and CEO Doug Pryor.

Business owners must register in advance for the program and are encouraged to add their name to the waitlist for future events once registration is closed. Registration can be completed by visiting www.jjc.edu/BEP-Seminar.