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Business Enterprise Program

Featured Articles

  1. Article number 1 - Business Enterprise Program 2021 Pledge
  2. Article number 2 - Grow business revenue, Increase business capacity, Enhance your credentials
  3. Article number 3 - Events
  4. Article number 4 - BEP Council
  5. Article number 5 - Advantage Illinois
  • CMS | Business Enterprise Program 2021 Pledge

    Business Enterprise Program 2021 Pledge

    As the New Year approaches, the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) Team encourages you to commit and grow with us in 2021. We created the following statements to assist you with your commitment to better business this new year.

  • Benefits

    Grow business revenue, Increase business capacity, Enhance your credentials

    Do you qualify for the BEP Program?

    • At least 51 percent owned and controlled by persons who are minority, women or designated as disabled
    • Must be a United States citizen or resident alien
    • Annual gross sales of less than $75 million
  • Events

    Events

    Learn more about the Business Enterprise Program at these upcoming events.  Our staff will be available to answer your questions and provide valuable information.

  • BEP Council

    The Business Enterprise Program (BEP) Council was established to help implement, monitor and enforce the goals of the Business Enterprise for Minorities, Females and Persons with Disabilities Act. BEP is committed to fostering an inclusive and competitive business environment that will help business enterprises increase their capacity, grow revenue and enhance credentials. The BEP Council members meet once a month. These meetings are open to the public. Stakeholders and community members are encouraged to participate. Click on “Events Calendar” for information on scheduled meetings.
  • Advantage Illinois

    Advantage Illinois

    Advantage Illinois accelerates investments and eases the credit crunch for small businesses, thanks to more than $78 million from the federal State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. Advantage Illinois consists of three programs to spur institutional lending to small businesses and one program to leverage private venture capital in start-ups and high-growth businesses.

The Business Enterprise Program for businesses owned by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities is committed to fostering an inclusive and competitive business environment that will help business enterprises increase their capacity, grow revenue, and enhance credentials.

Get BEP Certified in 7 days or less with one affidavit
through the FastTrack certification process.

If your business is currently certified by the City of Chicago or Cook County you are eligible for FastTrack Certification.

image of the Seal of Chicago, the Seal of Cook County and the Seal of the State of Illinois

The FastTrack certification process allows reciprocity with City of Chicago and Cook County to provide a pathway to BEP certification in 7 days or less.

Visit the BEP Vendor Registration portal to get started.