# Event Details - **Event Name**: 2026 IMPACT Small Business Summit - **Event Start and End Date**: Thu, 24 Sep, 2026 at 08:00 am – Thu, 24 Sep, 2026 at 02:00 pm (-05:00) - **Event Description**: Join us for the 2026 IMPACT Small Business Summit, hosted by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD).About this EventAdvance registration is now closed, but walk-ins are welcome! Please join us on September 24. Scroll down for the complete agenda.-----Designed for small businesses, entrepreneurs, contractors, consultants, and suppliers, the IMPACT Small Business Summit brings together the people, resources, and opportunities that help businesses grow. Whether you are an existing MWRD vendor, pursuing your first government contract, or looking to expand your professional network, this event provides direct access to decision-makers, industry leaders, and business development resources.With more than 55 exhibitors, including assist agencies, sister agencies, prime contractors, and prime consultants, attendees will have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships, discover new opportunities, and gain valuable insight into public-sector and private-sector contracting.Please note: We are fully booked for exhibitors.What to ExpectThroughout the day, attendees will have opportunities to connect directly with:MWRD CommissionersMWRD Department RepresentativesPrime ContractorsPrime ConsultantsAssist AgenciesSister AgenciesFellow Small Business Owners and EntrepreneursThe event is intentionally designed to encourage conversation, collaboration, and relationship building through educational sessions, networking opportunities, exhibitor engagement, and interactive discussions.-----Auditorium Programming· 2027 Budget Forecast: Gain insight into upcoming projects, priorities, and opportunities that may impact future contracting and procurement activities.· Small Business Success Stories: Hear firsthand from successful business owners who have leveraged certifications, partnerships, and strategic growth initiatives to build thriving businesses.· Don't Blow Your Bid: Learn practical tips and common pitfalls to avoid when responding to solicitations and pursuing contracting opportunities.Interactive Classroom Sessions· Meet the Commissioners: Engage directly with MWRD Commissioners and learn more about the District's commitment to small business participation and economic inclusion.· Meet the Prime Contractors: Connect with leading prime contractors and learn what they look for in subcontracting partners, upcoming opportunities, and best practices for building successful business relationships.· Meet the Prime Consultants: Meet engineering, professional services, and consulting firms to learn about teaming opportunities, qualifications, and future project needs.-----Exhibitor ShowcaseExplore a diverse exhibitor hall featuring more than 55 organizations, including:Prime ContractorsPrime ConsultantsGovernment AgenciesAssist AgenciesBusiness Resource OrganizationsCertification and Technical Assistance ProvidersFinancial and Capital Access ResourcesThis is your opportunity to make connections, ask questions, exchange information, and learn about programs and services available to support your business.-----Closing Lunch Experience: Small Business Success Stories LiveThe summit will conclude with an interactive, audience-driven lunch experience featuring past participants from MWRD's Small Business Success Stories webinar series.Designed to be both inspiring and engaging, this session gives attendees the opportunity to hear directly from successful entrepreneurs who have navigated the challenges of business growth, government contracting, leadership, and resilience.Using live audience polling and Q&A through Slido, attendees will help shape the conversation in real time by submitting questions, voting on discussion topics, and sharing perspectives throughout the session.Discussion topics will include:· Doing Business with Government & Growth Opportunities· Business Operations & Capacity Building· Resilience, Leadership & Entrepreneurial MindsetThe session will conclude with an IMPACT Pledge, encouraging attendees to identify one action they will take following the summit and leave with a tangible next step for growing their business.-----Why Attend?Learn about upcoming opportunities and projects.Connect directly with decision-makers and procurement professionals.Meet prime contractors and consultants seeking qualified business partners.Expand your professional network.Discover technical assistance and business development resources.Gain practical knowledge to strengthen your competitive position.Leave with actionable next steps to support your business growth.Whether you're seeking new contracts, strategic partnerships, industry knowledge, or access to resources, the IMPACT Small Business Summit provides the connections and opportunities needed to help your business move forward.Agenda🕑: 08:00 AM - 09:00 AMREGISTRATION, CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST & NETWORKINGInfo: Check in, grab a complimentary continental breakfast, and start the morning by connecting with fellow small business owners, industry professionals, and other Summit participants.🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:30 AMOPENING PROGRAMInfo: Join us as we officially kick off the 2026 IMPACT Small Business Summit and welcome attendees to a day focused on creating connections and opportunities.🕑: 09:30 AM - 02:00 PMEXHIBITOR HALL OPENS & COMMISSIONERS MEET & GREETInfo: Explore our Exhibitor Hall and connect with 55+ exhibitors, including MWRD departments, government and sister agencies, Assist Agencies, prime contractors, prime consultants, and business resource organizations. Attendees will also have an opportunity to meet members of the MWRD Board of Commissioners.🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:30 AMDON’T BLOW YOUR BIDInfo: Get practical guidance on common bidding mistakes and what businesses should know when pursuing MWRD contracting opportunities.🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM2027 BUDGET FORECASTInfo: Get a look at what’s ahead and gain insight into MWRD’s upcoming priorities and potential contracting opportunities.🕑: 11:15 AM - 12:00 PMMEET THE PRIME CONTRACTORSInfo: Connect directly with prime contractors to learn about the work they perform, upcoming opportunities, subcontracting needs, and how your business can position itself for potential partnerships. Come prepared! Participants are encouraged to bring copies of their capability statement to share with prime contractors and help maximize their networking opportunities during the session. 🕑: 12:20 PM - 01:00 PMMEET THE PRIME CONSULTANTSInfo: Hear from prime consultants about upcoming professional services opportunities, the specialties they seek from subconsultants, and how small and diverse firms can introduce their capabilities and build relationships. Bring your capability statement! Having copies available to share with participating consultants will help you make the most of these introductions and conversations.🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PMSMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS STORIES LIVEInfo: We’re closing IMPACT with an interactive lunch session featuring alumni from MWRD’s Small Business Success Stories series. Hear directly from business owners about their experiences, lessons learned, and advice — and bring your own questions for our live audience Q&A.🕑: 02:00 PMPROGRAM ADJOURNS - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/chicago/2026-impact-small-business-summit/100001992071496471 - **Event Categories**: business, workshops, it, virtual, webinar - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 2 - **Event Highlights**: - Age Limit: 18+ - Door Time: 7:45 AM - Duration: 6 hours - Location: Malcolm X College - Languages: English ## Ticket Details - **Ticket Price Range**: min: 0, max: 0, currency: USD ## Event venue details - **city**: Chicago - **state**: IL - **country**: United States - **location**: Malcolm X College - **lat**: 41.877829 - **long**: -87.67458909999999 - **full address**: Malcolm X College, 1900 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, United States ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: 2026 IMPACT Small Business Summit - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events9/banners/0a40a4f68fc9f3bac05b4e75136475776b48ebeb5eb1811ad7e2aec0df2d73d2-rimg-w1200-h600-dc292d36-gmir.jpg?v=1782023590 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is 2026 IMPACT Small Business Summit being held? - **A:** 2026 IMPACT Small Business Summit takes place on Thu, 24 Sep, 2026 at 08:00 am to Thu, 24 Sep, 2026 at 02:00 pm at Malcolm X College, 1900 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, United States. - **Q**: Who is organizing 2026 IMPACT Small Business Summit? - **A:** 2026 IMPACT Small Business Summit is organized by Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** 2026 IMPACT Small Business Summit is ideal for art lovers, trade professionals, collectors, and exhibition enthusiasts exploring the latest in their field. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Chicago, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. 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