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 events can be found below.
April 16, 2025 (2 p.m. - 3 p.m.) The MEPs of Certification: Maintaining, Expanding & Prepping
Congratulations on your certification! Now, join the Center for Business Enterprise Development under the Office of the 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 this opportunity to gain knowledge in converting an approved certification into successful contract opportunities. REGISTER HERE
May 8, 2025 (11 a.m. - 12 p.m.) Fireside Chat: Alexandria M. Wilson, JD, CPPB - Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion, Executive Director
Join us for an engaging Fireside Chat on the synergy between Cook County’s initiatives, the Commission on Equity and Inclusion (CEI), and their Business Enterprise Program (BEP), Veterans Business Program (VBP), and Mentor Protégé Program. Learn how leveraging certification can drive inclusion and business growth, with insights from Alexandria Wilson, Executive Director of CEI. Discover how these programs benefit businesses, open public and private sector doors, and support long-term success. Hear inspiring success stories, understand the resources available to certified companies, and explore the future direction of the Commission. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and access resources that can help propel your business forward. REGISTER HERE
- May 15, 2025 (2 p.m - 3 p.m.) Grow Your Business: Building Strong Networks and Effective Teams
Join Ian Quan, Director of the Illinois APEX Accelerator, for an engaging 60-minute webinar focused on two essential pillars of small business growth: networking and team building. Discover how cultivating meaningful connections can open doors to new opportunities and resources, and learn proven strategies for building high-performing teams that support sustainable growth and long-term success. REGISTER HERE May 21, 2025 (2 p.m. - 3 p.m.) 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
- May 28, 2025 (2 p.m - 3 p.m.) Grow Your Business: Identifying Key Resources for Growth
In this informative session, Ian Quan, Director of the Illinois APEX Accelerator, will guide participants through the critical resources available to help small businesses thrive. Explore financial, human, and technological assets, and gain practical insights on leveraging these tools to strengthen your operations, grow your market presence, and position your business for lasting success. REGISTER HERE