Cook County to Host 4th Annual “Pathways to Cook County” Summit to Advance Procurement Opportunities and Engage Small Businesses
COOK COUNTY, IL— Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has announced the 4th annual Pathways to Cook County Summit, a dynamic and collaborative event that fosters inclusivity and transparency in doing business with the County. The event will take place on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the UIC Dorin Forum, located at 725 W. Roosevelt Road in Chicago.
This year’s Summit anticipates record attendance with over 1,000 participants registered.
Hosted by the Cook County Office of the Chief Procurement Officer in partnership with nearly 90 departments and agencies, the Summit will feature a wide array of vendors, workshops and interactive sessions designed to provide participants with tools and knowledge to build stronger professional networks, grow ideas and explore strategies for greater impact in their businesses and communities.
“Pathways to Cook County is a valuable resource to facilitate professional growth, meaningful collaboration and a comprehensive exploration of opportunities available within Cook County,” said President Preckwinkle. “Whether you’re a small business owner, already a county vendor, a non-profit leader or a well-established firm, this event seeks to provide you with the knowledge, know-how and relationships that can help you take the next step forward.”
“Now in its fourth year, Pathways to Cook County is about opening doors and creating meaningful opportunities for businesses of all sizes to engage with Cook County,” said Raffi Sarrafian, Cook County Chief Procurement Officer. “As we welcome more than 1,000 participants this year, we are focused on making sure businesses have the information, connections and resources they need to compete for contracting opportunities and build lasting partnerships with Cook County. This Summit is an important part of our commitment to a procurement process that is transparent, inclusive and accessible to the diverse business community we serve.”
Attendees will have the chance to engage directly with multiple Cook County departments, learn best practices and access valuable resources through hands-on learning and dialogue. The event reflects the County’s ongoing commitment to inclusive governance and equitable development.
Featured keynote speakers are Jim Kirk, Group President and Executive Editor of Crain’s Chicago Business, and Erica Kuhlmann, President and CEO of the Women’s Business Development Center.
Registration is open for the Pathways to Cook County Summit. All residents, business owners, community leaders, professionals and aspiring public servants are encouraged to attend. On-site registration will also be available. To register and learn more, use the following link: 2026 PATHWAYS TO COOK COUNTY SUMMIT.
Event Details
What: Pathways to Cook County Summit
When: Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: UIC Dorin Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60607