Airport Small Business Summit And Job Fair
The Chicago Department of Aviation will host its fifth annual fair on May 12 at the UIC Forum, 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 am 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 - 4 pm, 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 during the Job Fair 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 an 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 open!
Date and Time
Tuesday May 12, 2026
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM CDT
Location
UIC Forum 1213 S. Halsted St. Chicago, IL 60607
Fees/Admission
Free
Contact Information
Allie Kuopus
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