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From everyday essentials like paper towels to specialized services like grant writing, the goods and services provided by the vendor community play a vital role in keeping Cook County running. This April, we’re highlighting how Cook County Government partners with businesses through procurement, which is the process of acquiring the goods and services needed to support our communities.

Explore the 2025 Procurement Resource Guide, mark your calendar for upcoming events, and get the insights you need to be procurement-ready in the year ahead.

Now available: 2025 Pathways to Cook County Procurement Resource Guide

The Cook County Office of the Chief Procurement Officer (OCPO) has released the 2025 Procurement Resource Guide - a must-have for any business seeking contractual opportunities and resources with Cook County.

It is available in English and, for the first time, in Spanish.

“The 2025 Procurement Resource Guide is an important resource for anyone interested in learning about the procurement process and anticipated County contract opportunities in 2025,” said Chief Procurement Officer Raffi Sarrafian. “The Resource Guide also provides important information about the content made available at the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer's homepage, how to use it, where to find other contract opportunities made available by the villages and municipalities in suburban Cook County, and more.”

Interested in receiving announcements about new or upcoming Requests for Proposals (RFPs)  from Cook County? Register your business within the County’s vendor procurement directory today!

April Webinar Wednesday:

Getting Certified with Cook County

This month, The Source has partnered with OCPO’s Center for Business Enterprise Development to bring you the April Webinar Wednesday: Getting Certified with Cook County.

Join for an exciting session explaining the certification application and review process. We understand that applying for certification is an in-depth process. This workshop is geared to go over the details, get your questions answered, and introduce you to the OCPO team. Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to gain confidence in your application!

Wednesday, April 30

10 - 11 AM 

Leverage Cook County certification support!

Interested in pursuing M/WBE certifications to help leverage government contracts? 

The Cook County Center of Business Enterprise Development team is dedicated to supporting small businesses as they prepare to obtain M/WBE certification. Check out the department’s YouTube channel for on-demand learning opportunities and visit the Business Enterprise Development website to learn more about certifying your business.

Save the date! 2025 Pathways to Cook County Summit 

Join Cook County in August for the third annual Pathways to Cook County Summit, a one-day county-wide initiative designed to inform the public of current opportunities and resources available within the County.

Attend a variety of workshops ranging from small business support with The Source to guidance in obtaining certification with the County, plus much more!

Upcoming events

Funding opportunities

Applications now open: Artisan Entrepreneurs Academy

The Artisan Entrepreneurs Academy is a six-week virtual program designed to support creative entrepreneurs with capital, coaching and connections to help grow their businesses.

Led by Allies for Community Business (a Source BSO partner) and funded by Etsy’s Uplift Fund, the program will select 100 participants. Each will receive:

• Weekly interactive webinars led by experienced business coaches
• Small group discussions with fellow creative entrepreneurs
• One-on-one coaching tailored to individual business needs
• A $5,000 grant upon successful program completion

Apply by April 25, 2025, at 5:00 PM CT.