City of South Bend Office of Diversity, Compliance, and Inclusion

09/11/2026

Ready to take the stage?

The City of South Bend’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion is looking for local entrepreneurs ready to share their vision, showcase their businesses, and compete for a $3,000 Supplier Access Grant at the 2026 Supplier Access Summit.

Selected entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to present their businesses before a panel of local industry leaders.

This is your chance to:

• Tell your business story
• Highlight the problem your business solves
• Share your plans for growth
• Compete for funding to help move your business forward

If you have built something you believe in, we want to hear your pitch.

Apply for the Supplier Access Summit Pitch Competition today:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/vRMijV4EZ3

The Pitch Competition will take place during the Supplier Access Summit on Thursday, October 22, 2026.

09/11/2026

Who inspires you through their leadership, innovation, and commitment to building a stronger local business community?

The City of South Bend’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion is accepting nominations for the 2026 Supplier Access Summit Entrepreneurial Leadership Award.

This award recognizes a local entrepreneur or business leader who demonstrates exceptional leadership, creates opportunities for others, and makes a meaningful impact on South Bend’s small business community.

Help us recognize someone whose work deserves to be celebrated!

Nominations must be submitted by Friday, September 25, 2026.

Submit your nomination today:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/5ZcLsEK37w

Award recipients will be recognized during the Supplier Access Awards Luncheon on Thursday, October 22, 2026.

09/01/2026

Registration is officially open for the 2026 Supplier Access Summit!

Join us for a full day designed to connect small businesses and entrepreneurs with the information, resources, and relationships that can help their businesses grow.

Your $25 registration includes:

• Educational sessions
• Breakfast and awards luncheon
• Supplier Access Exhibitor Hour
• Connections with financial institutions, prime contractors, and business support organizations
• Networking and business resources
• A full day of opportunity

Thursday, October 22, 2026
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
St. Joseph County Public Library, Main Branch Community Learning Center
Registration: $25

One day. One room. A lot of opportunity.

Register today: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/RwGbhbA1hX

Space is limited.

08/17/2026

South Bend and Surrounding Region Small Businesses:

Join us for the 2nd annual Supplier Access Summit on Thursday, October 22, 2026, for a full day of education, connection, and growth.

Whether you're just getting started, preparing to pursue contracts, looking for access to capital, or ready to take your business to the next level, the Supplier Access Summit is designed to connect you with the people, information, and resources that can help you move forward.

Throughout the day, attendees can expect:

• Educational sessions with industry experts
• Connections with organizational buyers
• Financial institutions and business resource organizations
• Government agencies and procurement resources
• Supplier Access Awards Luncheon
• Keynote experience
• Networking and meaningful connections

This year will also feature our annual Pitch Competition, where 1 local business has the opportunity to win the Access Grant.

Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026
Time: 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Location: St. Joseph County Public Library, Main Branch, Community Learning Center
Registration Fee: $25

We’re bringing the small business ecosystem together in one place, and we want you in the room.

Come ready to learn. Come ready to connect. Come ready to grow.

Space is limited. Register today to secure your spot!

REGISTER FOR THE SUMMIT
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=5fjdxfV5706GYYHhhsUku9QNJSwFvtNAjt9SeXlOsHtUNjZXMUE4NlpTTVlFMUFYM01STjJQRVAwMi4u

APPLY TO PITCH
Think your business is ready for the stage? Apply for an opportunity to participate in the Supplier Access Summit Pitch Competition.
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/vRMijV4EZ3

07/31/2026

We are hiring! Looking for fall interns to join our team. Apply today.

07/09/2026

EDIT: Important Update

Due to recent changes affecting the State of Indiana's MBE/WBE Program, we are currently unable to access the state's certification portal.

As a result, the City of South Bend's MBE/WBE Certification Workshop has been postponed until further notice.

Our Office of Diversity and Inclusion is actively working to identify alternative ways to continue supporting businesses and expanding opportunities to participate in public contracting.

While this workshop is currently unavailable, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion offers other programs and resources to help businesses prepare for and pursue public contracting opportunities. We encourage you to stay connected as we continue to share upcoming workshops, technical assistance, networking opportunities, and other resources designed to support your business.

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this transition. Please continue to follow our page and visit southbendin.gov for future updates and programming announcements.

06/05/2026

🚧 Calling All Contractors, Subcontractors, Suppliers, and Small Businesses! 🚧

Are you interested in learning about upcoming Public Works contracting opportunities with the City of South Bend?

Join us on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM for a virtual Public Works Project Preparation Meeting where we'll discuss upcoming projects, pre-bid opportunities, and resources available to help businesses prepare for success.

We'll also welcome Denola Burton, who will provide an overview of ProcuraFind®, a supplier readiness platform that helps businesses:

✅ Become contract-ready
✅ Connect with government and corporate buyers
✅ Access supplier development resources
✅ Participate in networking and matchmaking opportunities
✅ Position their business for growth

Whether you're new to government contracting or looking to expand your opportunities, this session is designed to help you take the next step.

📅 Date: Monday, June 8, 2026
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM

📋 Register Here:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/51ebDHi85c

Please share with your networks and any businesses that may benefit from this opportunity!

04/20/2026

Its that time again!!

If your business has been operating for at least 1 year, has filed business taxes, and qualifies as a minority-owned, women-owned, or veteran-owned business, you may be eligible for certification.

The City of South Bend is offering a FREE MBE, WBE, and IVOSB Certification Workshop to help small business owners successfully complete the application process.

This 4-week workshop provides step-by-step guidance through every stage, including:

• Required document preparation
• System and portal navigation
• Bidder registration support
• Application completion and submission

📅 Every Wednesday in May 2026
🕠 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Registration is required. Additional location details will be shared after registration.

Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/JMp2BT5c2ZI

04/16/2026

We’re hiring Summer Interns with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion!

Support outreach, small business initiatives, and programs that expand access to city opportunities.

Apply here:
https://www.appone.com/MainInfoReq.asp?R_ID=7122813&B_ID=91&fid=12&Adid=&SearchScreenID=2301&sst=newtab2-white&ServerVar=cityofsouthbend.appone.com

Tag someone who should apply 👇🏾

SALARY: $17.00 per hour SURATION: Approximately May - August 2026 SCHEDULE: 15-20 hoiurs per week - varies based on department needs POSITION SUMMARY: The Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) is seeking a Summer Intern to assist with business engagement, supplier access, outreach, and program sup...