The City of Chicago is committed to increasing economic opportunities for the disability community through a number of employment-related initiatives. One such initiative is the Business Enterprises Owned by People with Disabilities (BEPD) Program.

About the Program

The Business Enterprises Owned by People with Disabilities (BEPD) Program is a certification aimed at stimulating the utilization of small businesses owned and operated by persons with disabilities. Certification enables you to pursue bid opportunities to do business with the City.

Benefits of Becoming Certified with the City of Chicago

Certification opens up new opportunities for your business. A new bid incentive program has been put in place to create more contracting opportunities for BEPDs. City certification lends credibility to your business or organization.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility criteria for individuals and businesses interested in participating in the program is as follows:

A for-profit corporation that is 51% or more owned or operated by one or more persons with disabilities and is certified as a BEPD with the City of Chicago.      A non-profit that employs people with disabilities, pays at least minimum wage and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more persons with disabilities and they directly or indirectly serve persons with disabilitiesA person with a disability who is contracting with the City as a sole proprietorship or individually.

In order to qualify as a BEPD, the business must be located in one of the following Illinois counties: Cook, DuPage, Kane, Will, Lake or McHenry.

The Certification Process

Companies interested in applying for certification as a BEPD must first show proof of disability by completing the Schedule G Affidavit and accompanying physician’s statement and submit it to :

If you have questions regarding the certification process, please contact our Certification and Compliance Division at:

Department of Procurement Services

Certification and Compliance Division

121 North LaSalle Street   Room 806

Chicago, IL 60602

312.744.4900

312.744.2949 (TTY)