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

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...

04/01/2026

The City of South Bend Office of Diversity, Compliance & Inclusion invites you to attend an Information & Placement Session for the Small Business Assistance Suite (SBAS).

This session is for business owners who are ready to grow, strengthen their operations, and take the next step.

📅 April 11, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM
📍 Technology Resource Center
1165 Franklin St, South Bend, IN 46601

During this session, you will:
• Learn about SBAS
• Review eligibility requirements
• Complete an application
• Participate in a placement interview

To prepare, please complete the application in advance:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=5fjdxfV5706GYYHhhsUku1SLHT9uzhlJkJINdSV-RyFUOEtJQVRRRUUyTkwwUEYyRVFMUFlXTllVOCQlQCN0PWcu

Please arrive on time and ready to participate. This session is structured to assess program fit.

03/27/2026

It is our pleasure to support local entrepreneurs and to partner with such an amazing entrepreneurial support organization.

Thank you, City of South Bend - Municipal Government, for a generous donation to register 20 new LLCs for our entrepreneurs! We are grateful for a city that invests in small business owners and believes in the power of local entrepreneurship.

Formalizing a business represents a powerful milestone for entrepreneurs, opening doors to new opportunities, resources, and the ability to grow and hire within our local economy.

02/02/2026

In honor of Black History Month, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion takes time to recognize and thank the Black American men and women whose contributions have helped shape this country and our communities.

Black history is not separate from American history. It is foundational to it.

From building infrastructure and neighborhoods, to launching businesses, advancing labor, and serving in public leadership, Black Americans have helped shape the economic, cultural, and civic life of our city.

At the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, our work honors those who came before us by focusing on expanding access, removing barriers, and strengthening participation in the local economy. Black History Month provides an opportunity to reflect on this history and reaffirm our commitment to inclusive practices that serve all residents.

01/22/2026

Now accepting applications for the Small Business Assistance Suite (SBAS).

SBAS is a cohort-based business development program offered by the City of South Bend to support service providers, suppliers, and trades-based businesses that offer goods or services the City can procure.

The program is designed to help businesses strengthen their back-office systems, improve operational readiness, and prepare for growth, funding opportunities, and public-sector contracting. Participation is at no cost to accepted businesses.

🗓 Next cohort begins February 1

Eligible businesses must:
• Be a service, supplier, or trades-based business
• Offer goods or services eligible for City procurement
• Be based in South Bend
• Commit to an 8-week cohort experience
• Have completed a local incubator or accelerator program
— Skilled trades–based businesses are exempt from this requirement

Apply here:
https://forms.office.com/r/SG0WqDB6CT

Applications are open year-round and reviewed on a rolling basis.

01/21/2026

If you have been in business for at least 1 year, have filed business taxes, and qualify as a minority-, women-, or veteran-owned business, you may be eligible to become a certified business.

The City is offering a FREE MBE, WBE, and IVOSB Certification Workshop to help small business owners complete the certification process.

This workshop is 4 weeks long and will walk participants step-by-step through the process, including:
• Documentation gathering
• System navigation
• Registration support
• Application submission

📅 Every Wednesday in February 2026
🕠 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
✅Registration is required (details shared after registration)

Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/JMp2BT5c2Z

01/09/2026

The City of South Bend’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion is hosting Supplier Access: Public Works Project Prep, a monthly virtual information session for businesses interested in City-funded Public Works opportunities.

Hosted virtually from 10:00 am - 11:00 am on the 2nd Monday of every month.

One-Time Intake Form:
https://forms.office.com/r/td0XhKhPWz

These sessions are open to contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and service providers looking to better understand how to prepare for and pursue Public Works projects with the City.

To streamline participation, businesses complete a one-time intake form. Once completed, you will receive access to the standing meeting link and a calendar invitation for future sessions. You will not need to re-register each month.

11/13/2025

Celebrate the holidays by shopping local! 🎁

Join us for Be Your Own Santa and enjoy live music, food, and local vendors showcasing products and services from SBEAP entrepreneurs. Click this link to read more: https://mckennacenter.nd.edu/news-events/news/shop-celebrate-and-support-local-at-be-your-own-santa/

📅 Saturday, Dec. 6 | 11–2 p.m.
📍 Ignition Park – 1165 Franklin Street

South Bend Entrepreneurship and Adversity Program - SBEAP
Keough School of Global Affairs, University of Notre Dame