MWRD’s Small Business Summit creates new business pathways

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago energized the local business community with its 2025 Small Business Summit held on September 9 at Malcolm X College in Chicago. The event provided small and emerging firms with direct access to upcoming contracts, insider knowledge of the procurement process, and one-on-one connections with industry leaders.

The full-day summit brought together procurement professionals, prime contractors, consultants, and representatives from local government agencies. Attendees engaged in networking sessions, visited an exhibitor showcase, joined educational panels, and took part in matchmaking sessions with department heads, prime contractors, consultants, and sister agencies.

Throughout the day, participants gained insight from panels covering the MWRD's 2026 project forecast, the bid preparation process, organized labor considerations, and the integration of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. In addition to the panel discussions, one-on-one matchmaking sessions allowed businesses to connect directly with key decision-makers across MWRD departments and partner organizations. The program also featured dedicated networking opportunities for all attendees to build relationships and expand their reach.

"The Small Business Summit empowers local firms by opening direct lines of communication with the experts guiding our projects," said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. "Small businesses drive our economy, strengthen our communities, and bring innovation to the table. The MWRD is committed to working with small businesses to ensure they have a seat at the table and are represented in our essential work and contract opportunities."

The Summit reaffirms the MWRD's commitment to access, innovation, and partnership. By creating structured, supportive opportunities for small businesses to engage with public-sector procurement, the MWRD continued advancing its mission to protect the region's water environment while strengthening community economic resilience.

"The Summit was created to offer a platform where underrepresented vendors could learn, connect, and position themselves for future success with the MWRD," said Commissioner Yumeka Brown. "We are committed not only to protecting our water environment, but also to creating pathways for businesses to grow and thrive."

The MWRD's Affirmative Action program has been in place since 1977- nearly five decades of commitment to opening doors for small and diverse businesses. The MWRD has hosted multiple business summit over the past decade.

"The MWRD Business Summit was an excellent showcase of leadership, transparency, and opportunity," said Jaemie L. Neely, Executive Director, Federation of Women Contractors. "We truly appreciate the chance to partner with MWRD and the commitment shown to supporting the small business community."

Juan F. Calahorrano, Executive Director, Chicago UNIDOS in Construction, shared similar sentiments. "Chicago UNIDOs in Construction was proud to attend the MWRD Small Business Summit at Malcolm X College," he said. "This event spotlighted real opportunities for small, diverse businesses to engage in public procurement and infrastructure development. Grateful to Richard Martinez, Diversity Administrator, and MWRD President Kari Steele for leading a powerful conversation on equity, access, and inclusive growth."

Participant Feedback:

"Chicago UNIDOs in Construction was proud to attend the MWRD Small Business Summit at Malcolm X College on September 8th. This event spotlighted real opportunities for small, diverse businesses to engage in public procurement and infrastructure development. Grateful to Richard Martinez, Diversity Administrator, and MWRD President Kari Steele for leading a powerful conversation on equity, access, and inclusive growth." - Juan F. Calahorrano, Executive Director, Chicago UNIDOS in Construction

"Several veteran-owned businesses told me the MWRD Small Business Summit was outstanding for navigating government contracting and expanding networks. As an exhibitor and ambassador, I saw firsthand how well the event connected diverse businesses with real opportunities." - Frank Gutierrez, Board President, Veterans Chamber of Commerce

"The National Association of Minority Contractors celebrates the 2025 MWRD Small Business Summit as a critical platform for advancing opportunity in public contracting. Events like this not only provide minority and small business contractors with vital insights into procurement, capacity building, and networking. The presence of President Kari Steele and the opportunity to connect with other Commissioners also affirm the commitment to inclusive growth across our communities. We are proud to support initiatives that open doors and build stronger, more diverse partnerships in construction and infrastructure. Congrats to Richard Martinez and his team for a wonderful meaningful Summit." - Curtis L. Thompson, President, National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) Chicago

"The MWRD Business Summit was an excellent showcase of leadership, transparency, and opportunity. We truly appreciate the chance to partner with MWRD and the commitment shown to supporting the small business community." - Jamie L. Neely, Federation of Women Contractors