Senator MunozSPRINGFIELD – Minority and women-owned businesses will be accepted for participation in the state’s Business Enterprise Program if they have already been certified by Chicago or Cook County’s program thanks to a measure sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) that was signed into law today.

The Business Enterprise Program was developed to ensure that businesses owned by minorities, women and people with disabilities are awarded at least 20% of the total dollar amount of state contracts.

“Minority-owned businesses are often at a disadvantage compared to other businesses in the state,” Munoz said. “These businesses will now have a better chance to compete for state contracts.”

The new law requires the Business Enterprise Program to recognize and accept the certifications of businesses certified as minority-owned businesses or women-owned businesses by the city of Chicago, Cook County, or other entities approved by the Business Enterprise Program Council for purposes of participating in the program.

“Illinois is a very diverse state,” Munoz said. “It’s important that the contracts we award reflect that diversity. That’s one more way we can remove the barriers minorities face in the economy.”

The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2022.

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