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

Nov

18

Wednesday

Driving Small Businesses the Distance: Building a Capability Statement That Gets You Noticed

November 18, 2026
10am

Register
Nov

20

Friday

CTA Small Business Fall Connections

November 20, 2026
10am – 12pm
Doors open at 9:45am; presentation starts at 10:15am

Wintrust Sports Complex at Bedford Park
5499 W. 65th St.
Bedford Park, IL 60638

Join us to learn about upcoming projects and contracting opportunities at the Chicago Transit Authority and discover how your small business can get involved. This event will highlight partnership opportunities, provide insights on how to compete for contracts, and connect you with key resources.

Register
Dec

16

Wednesday

Driving Small Businesses the Distance: CTA Compliance: Do’s, Don’ts, and Musts

December 16, 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