This week marks National Small Business Week, and Susana Mendoza is highlighting programs aimed at helping small businesses grow across Illinois.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois is home to about 1-point-4 million small businesses, employing roughly 2-point-4 million people statewide.
Mendoza says small businesses are essential to both the economy and local communities, and her office is working to support entrepreneurs through its SMART Business program.
The program helps business owners register to bid on state contracts, opening the door to new opportunities and increased sales. It also provides guidance on the state’s certification and procurement process, along with counseling, resources, and alerts about available contracts.
Officials say the goal is to expand the state’s contractor network while creating more opportunities for small and minority-owned businesses.
Staff with the Illinois Office of Comptroller also assist business owners in registering for the Small Business Set-Aside program, which reserves certain state contracts specifically for small businesses. That includes help with required paperwork, navigating the state’s BidBuy procurement system, and identifying potential contract opportunities.
Mendoza adds her office works one-on-one with business owners to help them get registered and compete for those contracts, noting that small businesses play a vital role as job creators and community partners.
In addition, the office can guide business owners through certification as minority-, women-, veteran-, or disabled-owned businesses through the Business Enterprise Program, and connect them with other certification resources and potential grant opportunities.
Business owners interested in getting started are encouraged to contact the Illinois Office of Comptroller and register for the SMART Business program.
The office also offers presentations on the program, either in person or virtually. For more information or to schedule a presentation, you can contact Julie Ayres at 312-814-0034.
