Step into a world of opportunity at the 2024 Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago’s (MWRD’s) Diverse Business Summit on Friday, September 6, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Malcolm X College,1900 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago

This free summit is designed for entrepreneurs and professionals eager to engage with the MWRD with a special focus on minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, disabled-owned, and LGBTQ-owned businesses.  Attendees can look forward to a transformative experience filled with invaluable networking opportunities and insights poised to drive growth and innovation in their business ventures. The summit will feature:

• Opportunities for potential vendors to gain insight into the District, its contracts, projects, and the benefits of certification.
• Matchmaking sessions – These small-group sessions will allow sub-contractors to meet with prime consultants, prime contractors, sister agencies, and MWRD Department heads to discuss opportunities for collaboration. Three separate matchmaking sessions will be held throughout the day, allowing attendees to maximize their potential connections. 
• Workshops led by industry experts, designed to provide practical insights and strategies for navigating the MWRD purchasing landscape. Workshops include:
  • Diversity Vendor 101: How To Do Business with the MWRD
  • Don't Blow your Bid: A Guide for Contractors’ Proper Bid Submission
  • Navigating Opportunities: MWRD 2025 Departmental Budget Forecast
• Engaging panel discussions featuring prime construction contractors, consultants, sister agencies, and veteran groups sharing their insights and experiences working with the MWRD. This panel of industry decision-makers brings extensive knowledge and expertise. Enhancing this experience further will be the opportunity to participate in Q and A sessions.
• Round tables: 
  • Veteran’s Round table – a place where veterans can obtain guidance, information on resources, network, and discover ways to overcome systemic barriers
  • Strategic alliances - Meet with representatives from bonding and insurance, local unions, and veterans’ groups to learn more about the services and resources they offer. 

Bring plenty of business cards and R.S.V.P. as soon as possible to secure your spot.