CHICAGO – Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Chicago Supplier Development Program, formerly known as the EDGE: Supplier Development Program. Through this RFP, the City of Chicago will provide funding to one local community and economic development organization, such as a chamber of commerce, community development corporation, or a not-forprofit agency. The selected organization will work with the City to design, organize, and execute capacity building programs and provide community-based outreach to small businesses interested in contracting with the City. The program will also provide targeted support and resources to assist firms who are generally selected as subcontractors on how to become prime contractors on City funded projects.

"By fostering a more inclusive economy through the Chicago Supplier Development Program, we are enhancing the capabilities of our local businesses," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "So I urge all eligible organizations to participate in this pivotal initiative so that we can fortifying the foundation of our city's economy, and work together towards a more equitable Chicago."

“The Chicago Supplier Development Program serves as an essential component to help develop, strengthen, and advocate for Chicago's minority and women-owned business enterprise supplier community,” said BACP Commissioner Kenneth J. Meyer. “I encourage qualifying organizations to apply for the RFP to help cultivates a competitive and diverse economic environment that drives equitable access to public and private contracts and supports growth for success.”

The chosen organization will work with the City to design culturally relevant programming and will have strong relationships at the community level to connect individual small businesses with relevant opportunities. They will also play an integral part in assuring small businesses are informed and prepared for contracting opportunities. In all aspects of the program, the grantees will strengthen small business’ skills and knowledge within contracting, specifically as it relates to accessing capital, financial management, estimating and bidding, business planning, and more.

The RFP submissions must be completed by May 17, 2024. Those interested in learning more about this opportunity can register for the virtual pre-submittal conference taking place on April 25, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. CDT. The pre-submittal conference is optional but highly encouraged. For information about the RFP and virtual pre-submittal conference, please visit Chicago.gov/SupplierDevelopment. To view the RFP, visit the City’s eProcurement website and search by RFP #10188.

Through the Chicago Supplier Development Program, BACP supports and advocates on behalf of Chicago’s small business ecosystem by creating robust initiatives and programs that target businesses with limited or no experience contracting with the City of Chicago to increase their participation in economic development and government contracting.

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