The business world is constantly evolving.
Globalization has made our planet more connected and advanced than ever before. From market conditions and consumer behaviors to supply chain management strategies and beyond—everything is changing quickly. It’s as exciting as it is challenging.
A key part of unlocking success in this dynamic era lies in embracing diversity—a fundamental element that distinguishes today’s adaptable and robust economies from their rigid, siloed predecessors.
Companies of all different sizes, industries and specialties each have something to bring to the table when it comes to building prosperous communities like DuPage County. By continuing to foster a diverse local economy, we’re better preparing ourselves to thrive both now and in the future.
Our new initiative, Connect DuPage, is helping to make this a reality—created with the intent of fostering meaningful collaborations among diverse businesses in DuPage County. Keep reading to learn more about the program and its goals, how it works, and how to get involved.
PROGRAM GOALS
The Connect DuPage initiative revolves around three key objectives:
- Promote Commercial Collaboration: We bring together companies of all sizes and industries in our region, providing resources and tools that connect local buyers with local DuPage supply chain businesses.
- Address Current Supply Chain Challenges: Through data-driven collaboration and ongoing communication, Connect DuPage helps area businesses speed up their timelines and simply their supply chain operations while boosting our local economy.
- Raise Awareness and Opportunity for DuPage County Businesses: A key part of our vision is our commitment to promoting supplier diversity and inclusion in DuPage County—providing equal opportunities to all businesses, including minority-, women-, disabled- and veteran-owned companies.
HOW IT WORKS: CONNECTING YOU TO RESOURCES & OPPORTUNITIES
Taking advantage of Connect DuPage’s comprehensive range of services gives your business access to the insights, resources and opportunities necessary for sustainable, value-driven growth.
CUSTOM INDUSTRY-SECTOR REPORTS
Connect DuPage offers customized reports to help your business gain a deeper understanding of your industry and supply chain. Tailored to your field, these reports give you a detailed look at essential employment and workforce data, providing insights into the wide range of workforce opportunities available within DuPage County.
They also include regional economic forecasts and supply chain mapping, assisting businesses interested in promoting diversity by identifying potential partners and suppliers.
SUPPLIER DIVERSITY PROGRAM & DATABASE
Upon registering as a woman-, minority-, veteran-, or disabled-owned business with Choose DuPage, your company will be added to our diverse supplier database and featured in Connect DuPage’s industry-sector reports—connecting other businesses directly with you.
This increased exposure not only fosters networking but also opens doors to potential clientele, helping your business grow and thrive in a meaningful way.
CERTIFICATION RESOURCES
Connect DuPage strives to support businesses seeking certification as women-, minority-, veteran-, or disabled-owned enterprises. We put together a comprehensive list of resources and certifying agencies to help simplify the process and make registering as a diverse supplier with Choose DuPage as seamless as possible.
NETWORKING & EDUCATIONAL EVENTS
Another way Connect DuPage helps foster a strong and supportive business community is by hosting professional events aimed at fostering collaboration, supporting diverse enterprises, and enlightening business leaders about crucial developments in the supply chain industry.
Some of these programs are designed for the entire DuPage business community, while others focus on working directly with disadvantaged businesses.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CONNECT DUPAGE
For entrepreneurs considering a business relocation to the Chicago area or seeking industrial properties, DuPage County serves as an optimal location—offering a myriad of exciting business opportunities, ample commercial real estate and a high quality of life.
Whether you represent an established company seeking expansion or a budding startup keen on exploring new opportunities, Connect DuPage invites you to join our dynamic, forward-thinking business community.
By embracing diversity and fostering collaboration and networking in DuPage County, together, we can create an environment that’s right for today and ready for tomorrow.
Contact us for more information about Connect DuPage and how to get involved.