Morgan station under construction

Diversity Programs

About Diversity Programs at the CTA

The mission of Diversity Programs is to create an environment of diversity, equity, and inclusion by promoting dialogue with the contracting community and other stakeholders that will improve the CTA’s ability to level the playing field and establish diversity as a critical component of the CTA’s contracting practices.

Diversity Programs will achieve these goals 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, connecting interested individuals with job opportunities on CTA contracts, and advocating for policies that reduce barriers for both DBEs/SBEs and job seekers on our contracts.

Schedule a one-on-one consultation with us by emailing diversity@transitchicago.com or a manager directly.

Events

  • Oct
    5
    Thursday

    Diversity Programs Q4 Outreach Event

    October 5, 2023
    10am–12pm
    Completed

    Gately Park, 10201 S Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60628
    Free parking available in lot

    Learn About Upcoming Contracting Opportunities with CTA!

    Join us as we share information about projects to upgrade the Chicago Transit Authority’s infrastructure. Learn how your firm can partner on these projects to keep Chicago moving as you meet with potential prime contractors.

    Doors open at 9:45 am. Presentation starts at 10:15 am.

    PDF DocumentDownload the presentation

  • Oct
    10
    Tuesday

    CTA Workforce Outreach Event

    October 10, 2023
    10am–1pm
    Completed

    Gately Park
    (Dr. Conrad Worrill Track & Field Center)
    10201 S Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60628
    Free parking available in lot

    As workforce needs continue to grow in the construction industry, CTA invites you to join us at our upcoming workforce outreach event at Gately Park. Here you can learn more about the resources for career seekers and opportunities with contractors and subcontractors working on projects throughout the region, including CTA contracts. You can also engage with workforce agencies and representatives from various building trade unions.

    PDF DocumentDownload the presentation

  • Oct
    18
    Wednesday

    Driving Small Businesses the Distance: Accounting & Taxes

    October 18, 2023
    10am
    Completed

    Zoom

  • Oct
    26
    Thursday

    Certification Workshop with the CTA

    October 26, 2023
    3:00–4:30pm

    Completed

    HACIA
    650 W Lake Street
    Suite 230
    Chicago, IL 60661

    The CTA's Building Small Businesses (BSB) Program is an immersive financial capacity building program tailored for small business accelerations. BSB is free and open to diverse and small firms.

    What you'll learn:

    • Eligibility criteria for DBE certification.
    • Required documents for DBE certification.
    • Steps to becoming certified.
    • What happens after you receive your DBE certification.
  • Nov
    9
    Thursday

    Building Small Businesses Program

    November 9, 2023
    5:00–7:00pm
    Completed

    HACIA U Training Room
    650 W. Lake St., Suite 230
    Chicago, IL 60661

    Join CTA’s Building Small Businesses orientation on November 9, 2023, 5:00 pm-7:00 pm for assistance in gaining access to capital sourcing, technical assistance, and procurement connections for your small business. The event will be held at HACIA, located at 650 W. Lake St., Chicago, IL. Please register to attend.

  • Nov
    15
    Wednesday

    Driving Small Businesses the Distance: Market Research (Buying Plan & Bonfire Portal)

    November 15, 2023
    10am
    Completed

    Zoom

  • Nov
    16
    Thursday

    Doing Business With Government Agencies

    November 16, 2023
    10:00am–12:00pm
    Completed

    CTA Headquarters
    567 W. Lake St.
    Chicago, IL 60661

    Are you interested in doing business with government agencies? Attend the CTA’s panel discussion where you can hear from government agencies about the various certifications required to do business. Learn the differences in the certifications and ask questions specific to your small business. Hear about the many upcoming opportunities to partner with government agencies as you network with prime contractors and interact with various agencies ready to assist your small business in expanding capability.

  • Dec
    7
    Thursday

    Building Small Businesses Program

    December 7, 2023
    5:30-7:30pm

    Virtual meeting (connection details provided at registration)

    Is your small business in need of access to capital? Do you need technical assistance and back office support with your small business? If so, please join us online for the Chicago Transit Authority’s Building Small Businesses Program orientation.

    Register 

  • Dec
    13
    Wednesday

    Driving Small Businesses the Distance: Cyber Security

    December 13, 2023
    10am

    Zoom

    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, managing project budgets, cyber security & data protection, understanding CTA`s procurement & contracting processes I and understanding CTA`s procurement & contracting processes II.

Secure your attendance by completing our registration application. Once application is approved further details will be provided.

Forward questions to diversity@transitchicago.com

CTA Headquarters
567 W Lake St,
Chicago IL, 60661 2nd FL
Conference rooms A,B,C

Every Tuesday
October 3, 2023 - October 24, 2023
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Application Deadline:
September 4, 2023

Registration Application 

U.S. Department of Transportation Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

The United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) is advancing its commitment to equity and access to contracting opportunities for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) and Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE). In doing so, U.S. DOT has recently announced the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would strengthen these programs’ regulations. This recent rulemaking allows DBEs and ACDBEs to have the ability to find resources to new program features, in addition to updating standards when certifiers are assessing eligibility. Read the press release 

Mentor-Protégé Program

Through hands-on and classroom training experience, the Mentor-Protégé Program strives to develop working relationships between DBE firms and prime contracting firms that have successfully participated in and/or completed CTA contracts.

Program description and application (PDF)