Diversity Programs

About Diversity Programs at the CTA

The mission of Diversity Programs is to serve the Authority by catalyzing equitable economic growth for businesses working with the agency. From connecting businesses of all sizes and stages to each other and opportunities to robust workforce development and outreach, we advocate, invest and advance business interests in our service area.

Diversity Programs will achieve its mission by certifying eligible firms as Disadvantaged and/or Small Business Enterprises (DBE/SBE), assessing attainable DBE & SBE contracting goals, creating opportunities for DBEs & SBEs to network with large contractors, establishing programs for DBEs & SBEs to grow in capacity & capability, assess attainable workforce goals to create opportunities for low-income workers, apprentices, and residents of economically disadvantaged areas, connecting interested individuals with job opportunities on CTA contracts, sharing data relative to our goals, attainment, and programming, and advocating for policies that reduce barriers for both DBEs/SBEs and job seekers on our contracts.

Vendor registration & Certification applicationRegister to receive emails when opportunities match your selected business expertise, and certify as a DBE or SBE to qualify for opportunities set aside for those categories. Contract opportunitiesSee all current opportunities and register to respond. DBE Interim Final Rule Question and Answer (PDF) IL-UCP Townhall Video (YouTube)

Small business events

For small business owners to learn about upcoming opportunities on CTA projects and to network with prime contractors seeking subcontractors

Sep

23

Wednesday

Driving Small Businesses the Distance: Building and Managing Your Business Credit

September 23, 2026
10am

Register

CTA Small Business Educational Series for Professional Services

Elevate your business status by joining CTA Diversity Programs Small Business Educational Series for Professional Services.

Industry professionals will teach participants how to procure CTA business opportunities, become DBE certified, secure insurance and bonding, understand how to submit a bid, and more.

Secure your attendance by completing our registration application. Once application is approved further details will be provided.

CTA Headquarters
567 W Lake St,
Chicago IL, 60661 2nd FL Bid Room

Every Tuesday
September 22 - November 17
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

September 22 – Introduction & Mentor Protégé Networking
September 29 – Insurance & Bonding
October 6 – How to Submit a Bid
October 13 – How to Submit a Bid Part 2
October 20 – Marketing your Business
October 27 – Conflict Management for Professional Services Contracts
November 3 – On Schedule On Budget
November 10 – AI-Tools Every
Professional Service Firm Should Know
November 17 – Graduation

Apply

Workforce events

For tradespeople seeking work on CTA projects with CTA contractors

Sep

30

Wednesday

Citywide Career Fair

September 30, 2026
10am – 2pm

Kennedy King College U-Building
740 W. 63rd Street Chicago, IL 60621

Join us for the 2026 Fall Citywide Career Fair featuring employers with opportunities across a variety of in-demand industries. Connect with hiring employers and discover your next career opportunity!

Get ready today! Prepare with free résumé and interview assistance at your local American Job Center. Find yours at LevelUpAJC.org.

Pre-register and see participating employers