• Commission on Equity and Inclusion

    Join the Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion (CEI), Senator Ram Villivalam, and Representative Kevin Olickal for an in‑person Certification Kickstart Workshop designed to help vendors complete their Business Enterprise Program (BEP) or Veterans Business Program (VBP) certification applications. Participants will receive hands‑on guidance from certification experts, walk through each step of the application process, and receive support with profile creation, document submission, and affidavit requirements. This workshop is ideal for small, diverse, and veteran-owned businesses seeking to access State procurement opportunities.

  • Date: September 23, 2026

    Time: 11:00AM - 1:00PM

    Location: Oakton College 7701 Lincoln Ave. Skokie, IL 60077
                    Room P232

    Agenda
    • Welcome and Opening Remarks
    • Overview of BEP and VBP Certification
    • Step‑by‑Step Application Demonstration
    • Creating a Certification Profile
    • Selecting the Correct Application Type
    • Document Upload and Affidavit Notarization Guidance
    • Completing and Submitting the Certification Application

    How to Prepare
    • Bring a valid state photo ID or driver’s license for affidavit notarization
    • Review the full BEP/VBP Application Checklist before attending.
    • Bring all required documents for your BEP or VBP application—either in hard‑copy form, stored in the cloud, on a flash drive, or accessible via email.


    Please scan the QR code for the full BEP/VBP application document checklist.

    CEI Full BEP Checklist

  • Preferred prefix*
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • What type of business entity structure is your business is registered as with the Illinois Secretary of State?*
  • I will need the following accommodations in order to participate:*
  • How did you learn about this workshop:*

  • Pre-Workshop Required Documents Q&A Webinar

    If you need additional support, all registered participants are invited to join our optional virtual Pre‑Workshop Certification Documents Q&A Session. This session will help you understand how to gather your required documents, answer any questions you may have, and ensure you’re fully prepared for the Certification Kickstart Workshop.

    Date: September 16, 2026

    Time: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm

     Register for Q&A Session

     

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