On January 15, 2020, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the City Council passed a resolution acknowledging LGBT-Owned Business Enterprises (LGBTBEs) and their contributions to Chicago’s economy and residents. The resolution aims to identify business development opportunities for LGBTBEs as well as promote opportunities within the City’s procurement process. Download the Press Release (PDF).

The resolution identifies a series of actions that that will be undertaken by the Department of Procurement Services (DPS) to encourage the participation of LGBTBEs in City procurement opportunities. These include developing methods to conduct or facilitate technical assistance or training programs to increase the potential for successful bidding on City projects, as well as maintaining a clearinghouse of information on programs and services that are available. In addition, DPS will maintain relationships with LGBT-focused Assistance Agencies, partnering with them to further the goal of increasing LGBT participation in City procurement. The LGBT Chamber of Commerce (LGBTCC) is a registered City of Chicago Assist Agency and has collaborated with DPS for years on a number of initiatives to build awareness about LGBT businesses, as well as sharing information with their members about opportunities and resources at the City.

• City of Chicago Consolidated Buying Plan
• Events & Outreach Calendar
• City of Chicago Assist Agencies List
• National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)
• LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois (LGBTCC)
• LGBTCC Events Calendar
• Department of Procurement Services (DPS) Resource Guide