CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Small businesses are getting a helping hand in landing state contracts.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity joined Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton at the Greater Southwest Development Corporation and community members to announce the opening of two new Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) and ongoing support for another seven centers across Illinois.
The centers are supported by a $2 million state and federal investment, and, state officials said, will help more small businesses compete for contracts with local, state and/or federal government agencies where they can sell goods or services and in turn grow their business.
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PTACs play a critical role in providing businesses with support needed to enter the world of government contracting. Last year alone, PTACs helped Illinois small businesses secure nearly 800 government contracts valued at over $1.1 billion, state officials said.
"This is an exciting time for small businesses that create jobs and provide valuable services to the community," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, in a statement. "Now these new centers will put tech support within these same communities, heightening visibility and business growth for entrepreneurs. Governor Pritzker and I continue to be committed to providing resources to small businesses that are the backbone of the Illinois economy."
Two new PTAC locations will launch in August: Greater Southwest Development Corporation and Far South Community Development Corporation.
Both of the newest PTACs are located in underserved areas and assist businesses owned by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities understand the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) certification process. They also assist with applying for BEP certification, gaining access to State of Illinois contract opportunities and identifying BEP contracting opportunities.
Existing Illinois PTACs include locations at: Bradley University; College of DuPage; Women’s Business Development Center; Joseph Business School; Western Illinois University; Southern Illinois University, Carbondale; and the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.