Business Enterprise Development Events

We are expanding our outreach efforts and providing numerous helpful opportunities to engage with our office. Please check here regularly for updates and events that may be of interest to you and your business. 

Upcoming Trainings

Upcoming trainings are added quarterly. Links to register for events can be found below.

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

May 15, 2026 (12 PM - 1 PM) Navigating County Contracts: Managing the Prime and Subcontractor Relationship

This session will focus on the legal and practical considerations governing the prime contractor and subcontractor relationship. The discussion will begin with the common pitfall of misclassifying employees as independent contractors and provide guidance on how to avoid making such mistakes. Attendees will learn why written subcontractor agreements are essential and the importance of complying with contractual terms throughout the duration of the project.The session will emphasize the need for subcontractor agreements to incorporate required provisions from the County’s prime contract, including confidentiality and data protection obligations, ownership of intellectual property, indemnification, insurance, and compliance with applicable laws and County policies. The session will conclude with practical guidance on addressing and resolving subcontractor breaches 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

August 14, 2026 (12 PM - 1 PM) Navigating County Contracts: Mitigating Risk in County Contracting

This session will focus on strategies businesses can use to mitigate legal and operational risks when contracting with the County. We will begin by emphasizing the importance of protecting confidential information, including the County’s. Attendees will learn about the different types of intellectual property rights and best practices for safeguarding them, including maintaining ownership of their intellectual property and using work made for hire provisions to secure rights to intellectual property created by subcontractors. This session will also cover key risk management measures such as carrying adequate insurance, maintaining proper licenses and permits, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and County regulations. Finally, we will discuss contractual tools to protect the business, including non-solicitation clauses to prevent the loss of employees or clients and strategies to reduce exposure if there is a dispute. 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 (12 PM - 1 PM) Navigating County Contracts: Building Success for Veteran Entrepreneurs

This session will focus on the legal and practical considerations governing the prime contractor and subcontractor relationship. The discussion will begin with the common pitfall of misclassifying employees as independent contractors and provide guidance on how to avoid making such mistakes. Attendees will learn why written subcontractor agreements are essential and the importance of complying with contractual terms throughout the duration of the project. The session will emphasize the need for subcontractor agreements to incorporate required provisions from the County’s prime contract, including confidentiality and data protection obligations, ownership of intellectual property, indemnification, insurance, and compliance with applicable laws and County policies. The session will conclude with practical guidance on addressing and resolving subcontractor breaches. 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