Illinois Tollway to host June 3 event for small, diverse and veteran businesses
The Illinois Tollway announced on June 1 that it will host a Contracting with Government event on June 3 at Governors State University in University Park. The event is designed to connect small, diverse, and veteran-owned businesses with resources, training, and networking opportunities focused on pursuing contract opportunities with the Tollway and other public agencies.
This marks the fourth such event since its launch in 2024, following previous sessions held in Chicago, Elgin, and Naperville. Governor JB Pritzker said, “Small, diverse and veteran-owned businesses are the backbone of communities across Illinois, creating jobs, strengthening local economies and bringing new ideas, technologies and expertise to every region of our state. By connecting entrepreneurs directly with state agencies and procurement resources, we’re creating opportunities for firms to compete, grow and contribute their expertise to vital projects across the public sector.”
The June 3 event will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring on-site registration beginning at 9 a.m. Interested participants can register in advance through the Illinois Tollway’s website. The agenda includes workshops led by participating state agencies such as the Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion and the Illinois Chief Procurement Office for General Services. These workshops will cover contracting procedures as well as anticipated procurements related to information technology (IT) and other goods or services.
Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse said, “The Illinois Tollway is focused on expanding access to contracting opportunities and building stronger relationships with small, diverse and veteran-owned businesses. This event creates direct connections between firms – particularly those in IT and related industries – and the agencies, resources and industry partners that support long-term growth and success.”
Additional features include an IT Quick Connect workshop where entrepreneurs can speak individually with firms already working with state agencies for guidance about pursuing contracts. University Park Mayor Joseph E. Roudez III said, “Strong local businesses create stronger communities. Providing firms with access to public-sector opportunities can generate lasting benefits.”
Other participating organizations include Illinois APEX Accelerator; Forest Preserves of Cook County; Cook County; City of Chicago Department of Procurement Services; Chicago Transit Authority; as well as more than a dozen IT companies such as CDW, Cisco, Dell, ServiceNow, and SAP.