The next time you need a service, check out the small businesses in your community. You’d be surprised to learn that there are minority and woman owned businesses nearby that can do whatever you need!

Consulting Associates Negotiating Diversity Opportunities (CANDO) was founded in 2012 by LaVerne Hall. Our mission is simple — promoting the success of local and disadvantaged firms by providing technical assistance and services that enhance the firm’s ability to perform.

We are currently providing assistance to MBE, WBE, and DBE contractors, preparing them to become bid ready for Illinois Tollway construction projects. CANDO provides supplier diversity workshops for primary vendors supplying services at McCormick Place to help identify opportunities to expand their supply chain and achieve higher levels of inclusion of local businesses.

A Small Business Community Network

This website was created to extend bid opportunities by providing a directory of Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Women Business Enterprises (WBE), and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) in the City of Chicago. Our site is free, and allows you to search by industry, company name, or zip code.

Employment Opportunities

Small businesses can also be a great generator for local jobs. In addition to our public database, we also connect job seekers to potential employment opportunities through the Leaping Hurdles online intake form.

Leaping Hurdles creates sustainable economics for Woodlawn residents by promoting equitable contracting practices with a neighborhood-hiring focus. We function as an interface where contractors, developers, and business owners can post local employment opportunities and hire from a pool of vetted, qualified candidates.