Monday, September 13, 2021 |
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SEPTEMBER ROLL OUT OF SMALL BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT FUND (SBIF) |
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The Department of Planning and Development (DPD)'s SBIF Program provides grant funding for permanent building improvements and repairs across the city. Tenants and owners of industrial and commercial properties may be eligible for grants are funded by Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenues in designated TIF districts citywide. Program participants can receive grants to cover between 30 percent and 90 percent of the cost of remodeling work, with a maximum grant of $150,000 for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties. The grant, which is administered by SomerCor on the City’s behalf, does not have to be repaid. For information about eligibility, click here.
SBIF applications are submitted during monthly rollout periods for individual TIF districts. Upcoming dates are listed below.
CLOSES: 5:00 p.m. Thursday, September 30, 2021
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NEIGHBORHOOD OPPORTUNITY FUND GRANTS AVAILABLE |
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Neighborhood Opportunity Fund: Grants of up to $250,000 are available for retail businesses, nonprofits, and cultural projects across the South, West, and Southwest sides. The Neighborhood Opportunity Fund finances commercial and cultural projects in neighborhoods that lack private investment, using revenue generated from downtown development.
Applications Open: Monday, August 16, 2021
Application Due Date: Friday, September 24, 2021
Apply now at www.chicago.gov/nof
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LEAD SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM |
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The City of Chicago has a new program that will replace lead service lines completely free for homeowners who qualify. You may be eligible for the Equity Lead Service Line Replacement Program if you:
- Live in a two-flat or house that you own.
- Have a household income of $74,550 or less for a family of four.
- Have children 18 or under living with you OR have elevated lead levels in your drinking water as determined by testing done by the Chicago Department of Water Management.
If you have questions about the program or would like to apply, call 312.742.2406 or visit www.LeadSafeChicago.org.
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CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENT: 2022 COMMISSION ON ACCREDITATION FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT (CALEA) |
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The Chicago Police Department is honored to announce that it has been selected to host the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement (CALEA) Conference, July 18, 2022 through July 23, 2022.
CALEA is an accrediting authority whose primary mission is to enhance the delivery of public safety services, primarily by maintaining a body of gold standards in operational and administrative procedures. The accreditation process provides law enforcement, public safety training, public communications, and campus security the pathway to professional excellence and effective best practices.
The CALEA conference brings together thousands of professionals in law enforcement, public safety management, and government officials from throughout the nation and other countries. It provides a platform for the latest technology and training in public safety. In addition, it is an opportunity to network amongst professionals with similar interest.
As the host agency of this conference, the Chicago Police Department will display the great city of Chicago and welcome the CALEA commissioners, law enforcement leaders, and all attendees by providing them with the finest hospitality the city has to offer.
If interested in participating in the CALEA Conference as an exhibitor/sponsor, contact: Maya Mitchell at 703-468-4594.
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VIRTUAL OUTREACH AND EVENTS |
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DPS participates in many outreach events around the Chicagoland area. Check out the upcoming events happening soon. For a full calendar of events, please visit www.chicago.gov/dpsevents
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WBDC 2021 Midwest Annual Business Event
September 14, 2021 | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
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Join the WBDC 2021 Midwest Annual Business Event: Navigating the Next Normal. How have you–and your company–responded to the ever-changing business landscape? Are you surviving? Thriving? Ready to gain some inspiration and information to navigate the next normal? You’ll be in the right place to do just that if you register for the WBDC’s upcoming annual event! |
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South Chicago INVEST South/West: Meet the Developers
September 14, 2021 | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
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Join the City of Chicago and 548 Development for a series of events on the proposed Galleria 89 project. Input received at these community meetings will help refine the proposal prior to a more formal review and approval process. |
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September Mix & Mingle
September 14, 2021 | 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
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For the September 2021 FLEX, the LGBT Chamber of Commerce will come together to discuss personal & professional branding, and its impact for both entrepreneurs and working professionals. Listen in on a short Q&A as others share examples of their own personal branding, and then will engage in an interactive activity. |
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CTA Compliance Do’s Don’ts and Must!
September 15, 2021 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
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Join CTA Diversity programs and gain helpful tools and resources to drive your business down the road to successful CTA contracting! |
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Black Affinity Network: Access to Capital
September 16, 2021 | 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
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Join the LGBTCC and our Black Affinity Network as we continue to come together for networking and empowerment. The Black Affinity Network comes together quarterly to support Black LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and allies in their business goals and professional development.
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IN-PERSON info and networking
September 22, 2021 | 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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The meeting will focus on opportunities for Veteran Owned and practical tips on doing business with these large government and commercial organizations. Guest speakers will also provide updates on Veteran- and diverse business-focused programs, and legal developments that affect diverse businesses. Representatives from other commercial and government organizations will also be coming as special guests to participate in the meeting, and members will have the opportunity to deliver capabilities presentations. |
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CTA Compliance Do’s Don’ts and Must!
September 28, 2021 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
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September 2021 has marked two years since construction began on Red Purple Modernization (RPM) Phase One project, the largest capital improvement project in CTA’s history. In anticipation of upcoming bidding opportunities, the Walsh-Fluor Design Team (WFDBT) is hosting a DBE & Workforce information session. Interested parties will meet WFDBT staff and WFDBT’s prime electrical subcontractors to learn about upcoming lower-tier subcontracting opportunities.
Attendees will also be able to network with union representatives and job assistance agencies and learn how to become eligible and equipped to work on construction projects throughout Chicago like RPM. Pre-registration is strongly recommended.
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HOW TO BECOME CERTIFIED
September 15, 2021 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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DPS is the certifying agency for the following certifications: Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE), Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), Veteran-Owned Business (VBE), Business Enterprise for People with Disabilities (BEPD), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concessions. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE).This workshop will provide detailed information on who is qualified to be a Chicago certified firm. Learn out what documents are needed when submitting an application and how to avoid the most common mistakes in the certification process. Subject matter experts will be on-hand to answer all your questions about common certification topics. |
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PROCUREMENT FUNDAMENTALS: DOING BUSINESS WITH THE CITY
September 16, 2021 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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Do you have questions about how to become a successful bidder on City contracting opportunities? Unsure where to begin? This informational workshop highlights the role and responsibility of DPS in the City’s purchasing process. Come learn about different procurement methods and the laws which govern the procurement process. Once completed, you will better understand what it takes before you start the bidding process and your responsibilities after you have won a contract with the City of Chicago. |
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PROFESSIONAL DECLARATION OF ELIGIBILITY (PDE)
September 22, 2021 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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Recommended for Attorneys and Accountants: The Professional Declaration of Eligibility is an innovative way of allowing qualified attorneys and CPAs to review, verify and attest that an applicant meets the requirements to become certified with the City of Chicago for one of the following certification programs: Minority Owned Business Enterprise (MBE) or Women Owned Business Enterprise (WBE). This workshop will outline who qualifies to use the PDE program, and who is qualified to submit a PDE application. |
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INTRODUCTION TO ePROCUREMENT 101
September 23, 2021 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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DPS is continuing on the next phase of start-to-finish purchasing modernization via the implementation of a comprehensive eProcurement system. eProcurement applies digital technology to the acquisition of goods and services. It will allow DPS to collaborate with City Departments to create solicitations and contracts online, greatly reducing the time it takes to complete procurements. Come watch a demonstration and learn about iSupplier registration, how vendors will submit bids and proposals online, and how to view contracts and payments. |
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WEEKLY BID OPPORTUNITY LIST |
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Bid Opportunity List for the Week of September 13, 2021 |
The weekly Bid Opportunity List (BOL) is the resource to find currently advertised contracting opportunities with the City of Chicago. The information on the BOL is subject to change.
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Please be advised that all contracts awarded on March 10, 2021 and beyond will include Terms related to compliance with Executive Order 2021-2. These terms include quarterly reporting requirements for the projected and actual utilization of M/WBE firms. |
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RESOURCES FOR THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY |
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Resource Navigators
The City of Chicago has established Small Business Resource Navigators to provide 1:1 assistance to small businesses looking for support. For more information, click here.
Information on Chicago Reopening Guidelines
Mayor Lightfoot recently released industry-specific guidelines for businesses, employees, and customers to follow as the city prepares to begin safely reopening. Industry-specific guidelines include details such as how businesses can engage in healthy interactions between workers and customers, how to maintain safe working spaces and conditions, and how to design and monitor workplace operations to create flexibility and maintain safety for employees and customers. Guidelines can be found at www.chicago.gov/reopening.
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DPS believes that everyone should have a chance to participate in the business of government. This includes participation by way of bidding on a contract, being a supplier, becoming a certified vendor, or even learning about how to do business with the City.
Our DPS website provides information to keep our vendor community informed of procurement news, outreach, initiative and programs. Visit www.chicago.gov/dps to learn about the following:
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DEPARTMENT OF PROCUREMENT SERVICES | www.chicago.gov/dps |
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