MWRD connects business community with contracting opportunities at 2026 IMPACT Small Business Summit

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Nearly 500 business owners, water professionals, government officials and small business experts gathered at Chicago's Malcolm X College on Sept. 24, to make connections and learn about contracting opportunities at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago's (MWRD) 2026 IMPACT Small Business Summit.

Hosted annually by MWRD's Diversity Section, the all-day summit brought together small and diverse businesses, contractors, consultants, government agencies and industry leaders for a day of education, networking and relationship building.

The IMPACT Small Business Summit is a premier outreach event designed to educate businesses about participating in MWRD contracts and connect them with MWRD departments and leadership and other local resources. The summit provides opportunities for small businesses to build relationships with prime contractors, prime consultants, other business resource organizations and local government agencies that serve as sister agencies to MWRD.

"The IMPACT Small Business Summit reflects MWRD's commitment to creating pathways for small and diverse businesses to participate in the important work we do throughout the region," MWRD President Kari K. Steele said. "By bringing businesses together with MWRD leadership, our contracting partners and resource organizations, we can help strengthen relationships, expand access to information and prepare more firms to compete for future opportunities."

More than 55 exhibitors participated in this year's summit, representing the wide range of work MWRD performs to treat wastewater, manage stormwater and protect public health and the region's water environment. The exhibitor showcase provided attendees with opportunities to make connections, ask questions, exchange information and learn about programs and services available to support their businesses.

"The MWRD is committed to connecting with small businesses that drive our communities and contribute to economic development," MWRD Commissioner Yumeka Brown said. "Creating opportunities for these businesses to connect with MWRD and our contracting partners can help build relationships that lead to lasting opportunities and growth."

This year's summit was built around the IMPACT Framework, which served as the foundation for the event's programming, networking opportunities and overall attendee experience. The framework focused on six key areas: Inclusion, Market Access, Preparation, Access to Resources, Connections and Transformation.

The framework was highlighted throughout the day as attendees learned how to navigate certifications, compliance requirements and procurement processes; connected with potential contracting partners and government agencies; explored business development and technical assistance resources; and gained information designed to help them compete for future opportunities.

"Government contracting can be difficult to navigate, particularly for businesses that are new to the process," MWRD Commissioner Eira Corral Sepúlveda said. "The IMPACT Small Business Summit helps break down those barriers by putting business owners directly in contact with MWRD, prime contractors, consultants and resource organizations. Those connections can provide the information and relationships businesses need to pursue new opportunities."

MWRD's commitment to expanding opportunities for small and diverse businesses dates back nearly five decades through its Affirmative Action program. MWRD has hosted multiple business summits over the past decade as part of its ongoing efforts to engage businesses and expand participation in MWRD contracting opportunities.

The IMPACT Small Business Summit also supports the direction established through MWRD's new strategic plan, approved earlier this month, which emphasizes effective community engagement through infrastructure planning and building trust with the communities MWRD serves.

The summit featured a variety of educational and interactive sessions and panels, including "2027 Budget Forecast," "Small Business Success Stories" and "Don't Blow Your Bid." Panelists shared their experiences pursuing contracting opportunities, navigating challenges, building relationships and growing their businesses through partnerships with MWRD.

"These are opportunities to meet and get to know a vast number of potential partners and subcontractors. This IMPACT Summit is a great way for us to meet a lot of people in a short period of time," Jacobs Engineering Vice President Doug Yerkes said.

Businesses interested in becoming an MWRD vendor can apply at mwrd.org/form/vendor-application-form.