Construction Business Development Center

The Illinois Tollway Department of Diversity and Strategic Development is a driving force for increasing economic opportunities in the diverse communities we serve.

Program Goal
The Illinois Tollway Technical Assistance Program is designed to prepare established transportation-related construction firms including disadvantaged, minority- and women-owned business enterprise (D/M/WBE) firms, service-disabled,veteranowned small businesses (SDVOSB) and veteran-owned small businesses (VOSB) as well as small businesses to participate on highway and vertical construction contracts. 

Program Overview
Participants will receive comprehensive, customized business development assistance to build financial understanding and business plans for increased stability and growth in the transportation-related construction industry. Services are customized to the assessed strengths, challenges and needs of participating firms. This includes education, guidance and feedback on general business and construction-specific operations, including strategic planning and assistance with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) pre-qualification application. Programs are either self-paced (you determine how quickly you complete a program) or cohortbased. Cohort programs offer a group setting that invites a collaborative learning environment.

Anyone with questions can contact Paul Murtagh at pmurtagh@prairiestate.edu, 708-709-3692 or Erin Violette at eviolette@prairiestate.edu, 708-709-3791.