Empowering Small Businesses. Building Connections. Driving Growth.

Join us for the 2026 IMPACT Small Business Summit, hosted by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD).

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.

The IMPACT Framework

This year's summit is built around the IMPACT Framework, which serves as the foundation for the event's programming, networking opportunities, and overall attendee experience.

I – Inclusion
Expanding access to contracting opportunities and creating pathways for diverse businesses to participate in the marketplace.
M – Market Access
Connecting vendors with prime contractors, consultants, government agencies, and contracting opportunities.
P – Preparation
Providing businesses with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate certifications, compliance requirements, and procurement processes.
A – Access to Resources
Connecting attendees with assist agencies, business development organizations, technical assistance providers, training opportunities, and capital resources.
C – Connections
Creating intentional opportunities for relationship-building between small businesses, government agencies, primes, consultants, and industry partners.
T – Transformation
Empowering businesses to achieve measurable growth through new partnerships, expanded networks, and increased access to opportunities.

What to Expect

Throughout the day, attendees will have opportunities to connect directly with:

• MWRD Commissioners
• MWRD Department Representatives
• Prime Contractors
• Prime Consultants
• Assist Agencies
• Sister Agencies
• Fellow Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs

The 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 Showcase

Explore a diverse exhibitor hall featuring more than 55 organizations, including:

• Prime Contractors
• Prime Consultants
• Government Agencies
• Assist Agencies
• Business Resource Organizations
• Certification and Technical Assistance Providers
• Financial and Capital Access Resources

This 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 Live

The 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 Mindset

The 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.

Register today and join us for a day dedicated to Inclusion, Market Access, Preparation, Access to Resources, Connections, and Transformation.

Register