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.
February 11, 2026 (2 PM - 3 PM) The MEPs of Certification: Maintaining, Expanding, & Prepping
Join the Center for Business Enterprise Development under the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer for a 60-minute informational 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
February 13, 2026 (12 PM - 1:PM) Navigating County Contracts: Preparing Your Business for County Contracts
This session will provide a practical legal foundation for businesses seeking to contract with the County, focusing on how to maintain a business that is in good standing and to prepare to bid on county contracts. The discussion will include an overview of common entity types, when and why a “doing business as” name may be required, and best practices for maintaining corporate records and formalities. This session will also address registration with the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer and how to strategically evaluate bid opportunities to ensure the business has the capacity and resources to successfully fulfill the contract. Attendees will receive a high-level overview of the County’s procurement process to help them navigate public sector contracting effectively and the session will conclude with an overview of the process for obtaining women, minority, and veteran-owned certifications. Register Here
February 25, 2026 (12 PM - 1 PM) Meet the Bureaus: A Conversation with the Bureau of Asset Management
Get ahead of the curve and position your business for success in the new year! Join Cook County’s Chief Procurement Officer and the Director of Capital Planning and Policy for an exclusive, virtual procurement chat focused on County contracting.
During this discussion, the County’s leadership will be sharing valuable information on the upcoming fiscal year, where you will gain:
- A first look at the FY2026 procurement landscape
- An overview of major capital initiatives and their timing
- Practical guidance on what the County looks for in winning submissions
March 11, 2026 (2 PM - 3 PM) Getting Certified with Cook County
Join the Center for Business Enterprise Development under the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer for a 60-minute informational session on the certification application and review process. This session will cover required documentation, key steps, and common questions. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with a member of the team and gain confidence in submitting a complete and accurate application. Register Here
April 8, 2026 (2 PM - 3 PM) The MEPs of Certification: Maintaining, Expanding, & Prepping
Join the Center for Business Enterprise Development under the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer for a 60-minute informational 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 13, 2026 (2 PM - 3 PM) Getting Certified with Cook County
Join the Center for Business Enterprise Development under the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer for a 60-minute informational session on the certification application and review process. This session will cover required documentation, key steps, and common questions. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with a member of the team and gain confidence in submitting a complete and accurate application. Register Here
June 10, 2026 (2 PM - 3 PM) The MEPs of Certification: Maintaining, Expanding, & Prepping
Join the Center for Business Enterprise Development under the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer for a 60-minute informational 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
July 8, 2026 (2 PM - 3 PM) Getting Certified with Cook County
Join the Center for Business Enterprise Development under the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer for a 60-minute informational session on the certification application and review process. This session will cover required documentation, key steps, and common questions. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with a member of the team and gain confidence in submitting a complete and accurate application. Register Here
August 12, 2026 (2 PM - 3 PM) The MEPs of Certification: Maintaining, Expanding, & Prepping
Join the Center for Business Enterprise Development under the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer for a 60-minute informational 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
September 9, 2026 (2 PM - 3 PM) Getting Certified with Cook County
Join the Center for Business Enterprise Development under the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer for a 60-minute informational session on the certification application and review process. This session will cover required documentation, key steps, and common questions. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with a member of the team and gain confidence in submitting a complete and accurate application. Register Here
October 14, 2026 (2 PM - 3 PM) The MEPs of Certification: Maintaining, Expanding, & Prepping
Join the Center for Business Enterprise Development under the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer for a 60-minute informational 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
November 18, 2026 (2 PM - 3 PM) Getting Certified with Cook County
Join the Center for Business Enterprise Development under the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer for a 60-minute informational session on the certification application and review process. This session will cover required documentation, key steps, and common questions. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with a member of the team and gain confidence in submitting a complete and accurate application. Register Here