Business Enterprise Development - Strategic Initiatives
Strategic Initiatives is a division within Business Enterprise Development whose primary responsibility is to develop and execute initiatives that strategically engage the vendor and small business community for development.
What We Do
- Provide an educational pathway and body of knowledge that vendors, resource partners, joint agency leaders, and other pertinent people of interest can fully understand the purpose and processes of the contract compliance agency.
- Establish vendors (prime and sub) as competent and positioned to bid on or support, and comply with county government contracts.
- Development of a centralized learning platform that provides on-demand education content for vendors
- Development of a strategic engagement plan that encourages the participation of existing vendors and attracts qualified new vendors for opportunities
- Provide opportunities for vendor and small business development through community outreach and agency collaboration
Youtube Channel
Did you know that we have a Youtube channel where we post helpful videos related to contract compliance and doing business with the County? Please feel free to visit our page for more information and videos.
Upcoming Trainings
We have numerous exciting opportunities to learn more from our our office please search below for upcoming events or visit our newly created events page here.
Upcoming trainings are added quarterly. Links to register for our 1st quarter events can be found below.
TBA - Getting Certified with Cook County
Join the Center for Business Enterprise Development under the Office of Chief Procurement Officer for a 45-minute informational session explaining the certification application and review process. We understand that applying for certification is in-depth and involves several documents. This informational workshop is geared to go over the details, get your questions answered and meet a member of the team. You don’t want to miss this valuable opportunity to gain confidence in your application submission!
TBA - Selecting my NAICS codes
Join the Center for Business Enterprise Development under the Office of Chief Procurement Officer for a 45-minute informational session to learn how to select the right NAICS codes for your business. Whether you're applying for certification for the first time or expanding your certification codes, this session will provide key insights and practical guidance to help you navigate the NAICS code selection process with confidence.
January 30, 2025 - Subcontractor 101
Join us for Subcontractor 101, featuring Fershawnda Green, the Founder and President of Poppin Plates. In this session, Fershawnda will share her entrepreneurial journey, from the challenges of starting a business to navigating the world of subcontracting. She’ll offer valuable insights and practical tips for small business owners and vendors looking to understand the ins and outs of subcontracting. Whether you're new to the industry or looking to enhance your subcontracting strategy, this event is packed with useful takeaways! REGISTER HERE
February 19, 2025 - I’m Certified, What Now?
Congratulations on your certification! Now, join the Center for Business Enterprise Development under the Office of Chief Procurement Officer for a 45-minute info session to learn the next steps. We’ll guide you through steps to maximize your certification, including tips on leveraging new opportunities, navigating the procurement process, and growing your business. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to gain knowledge in converting an approved certification into successful contract opportunities. REGISTER HERE
March 19, 2025 - Getting Certified with Cook County
Join the Center for Business Enterprise Development under the Office of Chief Procurement Officer for a 45-minute informational session explaining the certification application and review process. We understand that applying for certification is in-depth and involves several documents. This informational workshop is geared to go over the details, get your questions answered and meet a member of the team. You don’t want to miss this valuable opportunity to gain confidence in your application submission! REGISTER HERE