HELLO APRIL...
UPCOMING EVENTS
There's only a few more slots left for the 2024 Pathways to Cook County Summit...
The Summit is a special one-day, county-wide initiative designed to bring the County to residents, businesses and non-profits. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about the County and network with local, state and federal agencies. This year's keynote speakers will be Lou Sandoval, President and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, and Arielle Johnson, CEO of the Business Leadership Council (BLC).
Through interactive workshops, the Summit will present opportunities to learn about the County’s operations and available resources. Whether you are seeking guidance on obtaining certification with the County, accessing capital and grant opportunities or launching a career in public service – the Summit is your one-stop shop for partnering with Cook County.
Enjoy a complimentary breakfast beginning at 8:30 a.m. Summit workshops are scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and spaces are filling up fast! This is an event you won't want to miss. Please share this invitation with your personal and professional networks and be sure to REGISTER TODAY.
Doing Business with Cook County Government
Join our upcoming webinar on contract procurement, where we'll demystify the complexities of the procurement process- providing valuable insights into the types of procurements, navigating vendor enrollment, along with highlighting upcoming procurements. There’ll be an open Q&A and guide for next steps.
This webinar is for stakeholders interested in obtaining procurements with Cook County Government.
Scan the code below to register or click here.
PARTNER'S CORNER
 Starting or Growing a Veteran-Owned Business?
Boots to Business Reboot is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Business Administration (SBA). Veterans of all eras, Active Duty service members (including National Guard & reserve), and spouses are eligible to participate.
This hybrid session will take place both at The Conference Center at Prairie State College and online on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 from 9 – 3 pm.
Cosmopolitan Chamber of Commerce- Tools for the Trade Series
ARE YOU GETTING NOTIFICATIONS ABOUT UPCOMING PROCUREMENTS?
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That vendors must register to be added to the vendor procurement directory? Most vendors don't know and as a result aren't receiving announcements about upcoming or newly released RFPs within their scope of work. If you have not registered your business, it is recommended that you make it a priority to do so.
You can locate the registration portal by clicking here.
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Tips For Certified Minority and Women Business Enterprises (MWBEs)
Welcome to a world of endless possibilities and opportunities for your business! In this dynamic landscape, Capability and readiness requires more than just hard work; it demands strategic foresight, adaptability, and innovation. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur who has recently obtained certification or a seasoned business owner who has successfully subcontracted, these tips are designed to help you navigate the complexities of the contracting marketplace and unlock the full potential of your enterprise.
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
EDUCATION CONNECTION
 The Office of Contract Compliance is fully committed to the development of our vendor and small business community, in pursuit of improving contract readiness.
Beginning FY'24, our office will offer a number of educational development opportunities that you will be able to take advantage of, if you choose. These opportunities will be offered from a dual platform of virtual and in-person learning- all virtual learning opportunities will be recorded and placed on our OCC YouTube Channel for on-demand learning.
We encourage you to take full advantage of these opportunities as they are announced. If you have any questions, feel free to email our education team at complianceoutreach.info@cookcountyil.gov. (please allow up to 48 hours for a reply).
***APRIL CLASSES***
Doing Business w/ Cook County: April 16, 2024 (1:00-2:30pm)
Subcontracting 101 Series (Part 2): April 23, 2024 (2:00-2:30pm)
Doing Business w/ Cook County Health & Hospitals: April 24, 2024 (1:00-2:30pm)
Fireside Chats w/ Cook County Industry Related Department Heads: 2nd quarter chat- Date TBD
NEW Vendor Complaint Process!!!
The Office of Contract Compliance has instituted a new Vendor Complaint Process, within the B2Gnow Contract Compliance Monitoring system. If you currently have an active contract with Cook County Government and you have identified an issue of any kind directly affecting the performance of your interest within the contract, you may now access the Reviews tab, to file a vendor complaint.
The Reviews tab is available to both Prime vendors and Subcontractors who are listed on any active Cook County Contracts within the B2G now system. Please remember in order to file the complaint you must be listed as a vendor on the contract.
Strategic Growth Resources
The Office of Contract Compliance is committed to ensuring that our vendors and small business community and partners have access to resources that establish them as competent and prepared to respond to, support, and comply with County government contracts and can fully understand the purpose and processes of the OCC.
Contract Compliance Website
B2G Now Contract Compliance Monitoring System
Cook County 2023 Buying Plan
Office of the Chief Procurement Officer
Contract Compliance YouTube
The Small Business Source
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