UPCOMING EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

Veteran Business Bootcamp

The Veteran Business Bootcamp will be held on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. both days at the Security Innovation Hub, located at 1308 S. Kilbourn Avenue, Chicago, IL 60623.

This two-day training experience is designed to help participants evaluate business ideas, better understand their market, identify customers and industry opportunities, select the correct legal structure, explore financing options, and develop a stronger business plan. 

The bootcamp will be led by Keith S. Murphy, Veterans Business Outreach Center Director for Illinois and Minnesota. A special session will also be held following Saturday’s training, where the Illinois Commission on Equity & Inclusion will review the State of Illinois Veteran Business Program and recent program updates. 

Attendance on both days is required to receive the SBA/VBOC Certificate of Completion.

Date: Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14, 2026
Location:
1308 S. Kilbourn Avenue, Chicago, IL 60623
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Cost to Attend: Free

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PAST EVENTS

PAST EVENTS

Veteran Business Advocacy Day

Illinois state capitol building

Illinois Veteran Business Advocacy Day will bring together Veteran-Owned Business leaders from across the state to engage directly with legislators and policymakers at the State Capitol in Springfield. Participants will address critical issues including procurement access, workforce development, access to capital, and regulatory reform impacting Veteran entrepreneurs. The event will create a platform for Veterans to share real-world business perspectives and advocate for policies that strengthen Illinois’ economic competitiveness. By uniting business leadership with civic engagement, Advocacy Day will ensure those who served continue to have a voice in shaping the state’s economic future.

Date: Wednesday April 15, 2026
Initial Meeting Location:
Springfield, Illinois
Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Cost to Attend: N/A

Building America’s Future – Veterans, Infrastructure, and the Next Mission
Open Report Here

March 2, 2026 | Union League Club of Chicago

The Veterans Chamber of Commerce was proud to sponsor Building America’s Future: Veterans, Infrastructure, and the Next Mission, a public infrastructure and workforce discussion hosted by the Union League Club of Chicago’s Military and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee and American Legion Post 758.

The event brought together agency leaders, infrastructure professionals, Veteran-owned businesses, workforce partners, and civic leaders to discuss how Veterans and Veteran-owned businesses can help meet the region’s infrastructure needs.

Panelists shared insights on major public infrastructure projects, agency registration and certification pathways, workforce and hiring opportunities, Veteran business participation, prompt-payment concerns, cash-flow readiness, and how small businesses can better prepare to work with public agencies and prime contractors.

A public reference guide was developed from the event summary, notes, video review, and transcript review to preserve the key takeaways and provide a practical resource for Veteran-owned businesses, agencies, prime contractors, workforce partners, and Veterans seeking infrastructure careers.

Veteran Business Bootcamp

APEX_Government_Contracting_Support_Report
Open Report Here
CEI State Contracting Opportunities Report
Open Report Here

APEX Government Contracting Support Report

The Veterans Chamber of Commerce NFP is proud to share the APEX Government Contracting Support Report, prepared following our Veteran Business Bootcamp session hosted by Industrial Fence and presented by Ian Quan, Illinois APEX Director at CMAA, in collaboration with the Veteran Business Outreach Center.

The report provides practical guidance for Veteran-Owned and small businesses looking to enter or grow in government contracting. Topics include micro-purchases, capability statements, procurement readiness, market research, certifications, subcontracting, buyer relationships, BPAs, IDIQs, and GSA schedules.

A key takeaway is that businesses do not have to wait for a large contract to get started. Smaller, relationship-driven opportunities can help build credibility, improve cash flow, and create a path toward larger public-sector work.

The report also includes an attendee accountability checklist with action steps for the next 7, 30, 60, and 90 days.

CEI State Contracting Opportunities Report

The Veterans Chamber of Commerce NFP is proud to share the CEI State Contracting Opportunities Report, prepared following our Veteran Business Bootcamp session hosted by Industrial Fence and presented by Ennedy D. Rivera of the Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion, in collaboration with the Veteran Business Outreach Center.

This report provides practical guidance for Veteran-Owned, service-disabled Veteran-Owned, and small businesses seeking to grow in the State of Illinois procurement ecosystem.

Topics include BEP/VBP certification, procurement bulletins, required documentation, reciprocity, commodity codes, certification maintenance, and the new VBP Utilization Plan and Waiver Forms.

A key takeaway: certification is only the starting point. Businesses must also stay registered, compliant, prepared, and actively engaged with opportunities.

The report also includes a 7, 30, 60, and 90-day action checklist to help businesses move from interest to procurement readiness.