DuPage County elected officials value the diverse makeup of our communities and recognize our greatest asset is our dedicated, talented, and diverse workforce. We will embrace and prepare for further demographic changes and promote programs that help disabled adults gain independence.
For DuPage County to deliver the most cost-effective and efficient public services requires the contributions of all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation. By prioritizing diversity and inclusion, we will build upon existing efforts to ensure the County's workforce, procurement processes, and community outreach programs embrace both cultural diversity and the inclusion of all individuals.
DuPage County Diversity and Inclusion Efforts
In 2019, DuPage County amended its strategic plan, identifying diversity and inclusion as one of its six primary imperatives due to its importance for operational areas in procurement, recruitment, workforce development, and appointments to County agencies.
DuPage County is building on existing efforts to attract, retain, and support a diverse vendor pool. The County contracted with a national expert to review current procurement practices and policies, outreach initiatives, contract data, and current vendor reporting. Based on this review, DuPage County has worked to develop a program consistent with state and federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) reporting requirements.
Since 2021, DuPage County has allocated federal funds to conduct a disparity study analyzing contracts issued to DBEs, implement a vendor tracking software, develop an outreach program for DBEs, and hire a diversity compliance officer.
DuPage County and Choose DuPage partnered to create Connect DuPage, an initiative designed to build meaningful collaboration among a diverse range of DuPage County businesses. By sparking new connections, promoting diversity and offering valuable data and insights, Connect DuPage aims to strengthen the regional supply chain and help all DuPage businesses achieve their goals.
City of Chicago (WBE, MBE, BEPD)
In order to sell to the City of Chicago, this certification is required. (Fee required.)
Cook County (WBE, MBE, BVE)
In order to sell to Cook County, this certification is required. (Fee required.)
Women Business Development Center (WBE)
To sell to large corporations under their supplier diversity programs. (Fee required.)
Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (MBE)
To sell to large corporations under their supplier diversity programs. (Fee required.)
State Commission on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (WBE, MBE, PBE, VBE)
In order to sell to the State of Illinois, this certification is required. (Free)
Metra, Pace, CTA, IDOT, and City of Chicago Transportation (DBE)
These five agencies can certify for DBE and must use DBE-certified companies to make purchases. (Free)
Programs below are funded through federal and state grant funding. College of DuPage, as host of the programs, also contributes to the funding. All services and training are free.
Small Business Development Center – College of DuPage
WBE – Woman Business Enterprise
MBE – Minority Business Enterprise
PBE – Physically Disabled Business Enterprise
BEPD – Business Enterprise Physically Disabled
VBE – Veteran Business Enterprise
DBE – Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (transportation agencies only)
SBE – Small Business Enterprise (transportation only: Metra, Pace, CTA)
WOSB – Woman-Owned Small Business (federal government)
8(a) – Business Development Program (federal government)
VOSB – Veteran-Owned Small Business (federal government)
SDVOSB – Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (federal government)
