ChiBizHub Participates in Supplier Diversity Summit

ChiBizHub Connects with Small Businesses at Local LGBTBE Event

Our ChiBizHub team recently participated in a roundtable discussion at the Supplier Diversity Summit sponsored by Baker & McKenzie.

The summit titled, “What’s in it for an LGBTBE?” featured discussions on LGBTBE certification. LGBTBE (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Business Enterprise) certification is for small businesses that are majority owned, managed, operated, and controlled by LGBT individuals. At the summit, the event featured three sessions, including:

1. Understanding Business with Corporate: Through the Lens of the Supplier Teams
2. Getting to the Contract: The Making of a Supplier/Buyer Relationship
3. Match-Making Session: Meet with Industry Experts & Supplier Diversity Pros

The ChiBizHub team shared information and resources for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to start, grow and accelerate their business in Chicago.

The summit was moderated by Scott Hoesman, CEO & Founder of inQuest Consulting – LGBTBE and featured Shannon Andrews, Chief Procurement Officer at the City of Chicago Department of Procurement Services as well as Eric Foster, Director of Strategic Sourcing & Business Diversity at the Obama Foundation. The event also featured a networking and live pitch competition, where five LGBTBE’s competed for a chance to win $500.