Chicago Department Of Aviation Announces Fifth Annual Airport Small Business Summit And Job Fair

Chicago Department Of Aviation Announces Fifth Annual Airport Small Business Summit And Job Fair

The event will connect small business owners to contracting opportunities and job seekers to openings at O'Hare and Midway International Airports.

CHICAGO - The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) today announced its fifth annual Airport Small Business Summit and Job Fair, which will be held Tuesday, May 12 in University Village.

"As Chicago prepares for another busy summer travel season, there is no better time for residents and small businesses to step into opportunities at O'Hare and Midway Airports," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "Our airports continue to grow and transform, and Chicagoans must be part of that progress. This fifth annual fair represents the City's ongoing commitment to ensuring that the success of our airports benefit residents and communities across the city."

"O'Hare and Midway International Airports are major drivers of our region's economy, and events like the Airport Small Business Summit and Job Fair connect Chicagoans from all of our city's communities with the opportunities available at our world-class airports," CDA Commissioner Michael McMurray said. "As we work to build the future of our airports with transformational projects like ORDNext, we are committed to using that success to invest in the neighborhoods and people of our great city."

The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the UIC Forum, located on the corner of West Roosevelt Road and South Halsted Street. The day will be divided into two sessions to better tailor programming to the small business and job seeker audiences, respectively.

From 8 a.m. to noon, the Small Business Summit will welcome small business owners to learn about upcoming business opportunities, understand the current state of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) programs, and network with fellow vendors.

Workshops during the Small Business Summit will focus on navigating the DBE and ACDBE Programs, a Concessions 101 presentation and an overview of an upcoming request for proposals (RFP) for Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer.

From noon to 4 p.m., the Job Fair will connect attendees directly with hiring businesses and organizations, alongside skill-building sessions focused on helping candidates secure their next role.

Workshops will focus on resume writing, job interview skills, tips for job seekers and an abbreviated version of the CDA's Aviation Career Pathways Program, which will earn participants a certificate upon completion.

In addition to the workshops, the event will feature and exhibit hall floor where entrepreneurs and job seekers can engage directly with City Departments, airport concessionaires, airlines, cargo operators, airport contractors, professional services providers and construction managers at risk (CMARs).​

Registration is now open at flychicago.com/summitandjobfair.​