Supplier Diversity and Other Business Programs

The State of Illinois has additional programs to promote small business, minority, woman, person with disabilities owned business, veteran, or service disabled veteran owned business.

To find certified vendors to partner with, search the Registered Vendor Directory.

Illinois Business Enterprise Program (BEP)

The Business Enterprise Program promotes the economic development of small businesses owned by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. State universities have a goal to buy at least 30% of goods and services from BEP-certified businesses.

Do I qualify?

At least 51% owned and controlled by a minority, woman, or person with disabilities
Must be a United States citizen or resident alien
Annual gross sales of less than $150 million

Visit or contact the Commission on Equity and Inclusion (CEI) to learn more about registering for the Business Enterprise Program.

State of Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion
Business Enterprise Program
100 W. Randolph, Suite 4-100
Chicago, IL 60601-3218
Phone: (312) 814-4190 or (800) 356-9206
Email: CEI.BEP@illinois.gov

BEP Reports

Each year the Illinois public universities report to the Business Enterprise Counsel on their utilization of businesses owned by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities, in accordance with the Illinois Procurement Code (30 ILCS 500/15-25 (c-5).

See this year's BEP reports as well as historical reports.

Veteran Business Program (VBP)

Through the Veterans Business Program (VBP), State universities are encouraged to spend at least 3% of their procurement budgets with certified veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses.

Do I qualify?

At least 51% owned by veterans or service-disabled veterans living in Illinois
Have a valid DD214
Home office in Illinois
Annual gross sales under $150 million

Visit or contact the Commission on Equity and Inclusion (CEI) to learn more about registering for the Veteran Business Program.

State of Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion
Veteran Business Program (VBP)
100 W. Randolph, Suite 4-100
Chicago, IL 60601-3218
Phone: (312) 814-4190 or (800) 356-9206
Email: CEI.BEP@illinois.gov

Small Businesses

State universities have a goal to purchase no less than 10% of state contracts from Illinois small businesses.

Do I qualify?

Illinois business
Annual gross sales:
- Wholesale - $13,000,000 or less
- Retail or Services - $8,000,000 or less
- Construction - $14,000,000 or less
Manufacturing - 250 employees or less

To register as a certified small business, go to the Illinois Procurement Gateway (IPG) vendor registration site and sign up as part of your IPG registration.

State Use Program

The State Use Program provides long-term employment opportunities for people working in qualified not-for-profit agencies by encouraging all State of Illinois agencies to purchase products and services produced and provided by persons with significant disabilities.

Do I qualify?

Complies with Illinois laws governing private not-for-profit organizations
Is certified as a sheltered workshop by the Wage and Hour Division of the United States Department of Labor or is an accredited vocational program that provides transition services to youth between the ages of 14 1/2 and 22 in accordance with individualized education plans under Section 14-8.03 of the School Code and that provides residential services at a child care institution, as defined under Section 2.06 of the Child Care Act of 1969, or at a group home, as defined under Section 2.16 of the Child Care Act of 1969
Meets the applicable Illinois Department of Human Services just standards

Visit or contact Central Management Services to learn more about registering for the State Use Program.

Central Management Services
State Use Program
300 W. Jefferson Street, 3rd Floor
Springfield, IL 62702
Phone: (217) 782-6143
Fax: (217) 782-5187
Email: CMS.BOSS.StateUse@illinois.gov