Diversity Programs

About Diversity Programs at the CTA

The mission of Diversity Programs is to serve the Authority by catalyzing equitable economic growth for businesses working with the agency. From connecting businesses of all sizes and stages to each other and opportunities to robust workforce development and outreach, we advocate, invest and advance business interests in our service area.

Diversity Programs will achieve its mission 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, assess attainable workforce goals to create opportunities for low-income workers, apprentices, and residents of economically disadvantaged areas, connecting interested individuals with job opportunities on CTA contracts, sharing data relative to our goals, attainment, and programming, and advocating for policies that reduce barriers for both DBEs/SBEs and job seekers on our contracts.

Vendor registration & Certification applicationRegister to receive emails when opportunities match your selected business expertise, and certify as a DBE or SBE to qualify for opportunities set aside for those categories. Contract opportunitiesSee all current opportunities and register to respond. DBE Interim Final Rule Question and Answer (PDF) IL-UCP Townhall Video (YouTube)

Small business events

For small business owners to learn about upcoming opportunities on CTA projects and to network with prime contractors seeking subcontractors

Aug

19

Wednesday

Driving Small Businesses the Distance: CTA DBE and SBE Certification Process

August 19, 2026
10am

Register
Aug

26

Wednesday

CTA Small Business Summer Connections: Linking Small Businesses to Big Opportunities!

August 26, 2026
10am – 12pm
Doors open at 9:45 am. Presentation starts at 10:15 am.

Harry S Truman College
1145 West Wilson Ave.
Chicago, IL 60640

Join us to learn about upcoming projects and contracting opportunities at the Chicago Transit Authority and discover how your small business can get involved. This event will highlight partnership opportunities, provide insights on how to compete for contracts, and connect you with key resources, all while exploring professional service opportunities in the technology services and opportunities through our General Engineering Consultant (GEC) program to help keep Chicago moving.

Register
Sep

23

Wednesday

Driving Small Businesses the Distance: Building and Managing Your Business Credit

September 23, 2026
10am

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, become DBE certified, secure insurance and bonding, understand how to submit a bid, and more.

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

CTA Headquarters
567 W Lake St,
Chicago IL, 60661 2nd FL Bid Room

Every Tuesday
September 22 - November 17
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

September 22 – Introduction & Mentor Protégé Networking
September 29 – Insurance & Bonding
October 6 – How to Submit a Bid
October 13 – How to Submit a Bid Part 2
October 20 – Marketing your Business
October 27 – Conflict Management for Professional Services Contracts
November 3 – On Schedule On Budget
November 10 – AI-Tools Every
Professional Service Firm Should Know
November 17 – Graduation

Apply

Workforce events

For tradespeople seeking work on CTA projects with CTA contractors

Aug

5

Wednesday

CTA Workforce Outreach Event

August 5, 2026
10am – 12pm

Shine Bright Community Center
8560 S. Cottage Grove Ave. Chicago, IL 60619

CTA invites you to join this in-person event to hear updates on major CTA construction projects and connect with workforce partners, trade unions, construction firms, and training providers. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about career pathways, training resources, and job opportunities connected to CTA projects. The event will include a brief presentation followed by networking opportunities. Journey-level workers, apprentices, craft workers, pre-apprenticeship students, community organizations, and local residents are all encouraged to attend.

Register