Unlock City Contracts: Bidding Basics Workshop Series
Build your business. Build your community. Build your legacy.
Every thriving business needs pathways to growth—and for emerging contractors and entrepreneurs in Fort Wayne, city contracts are among the most powerful opportunities available. Yet too often, these doors remain closed simply because the process feels unclear or inaccessible.
That’s about to change.
The Black Chamber Fort Wayne, in partnership with the Mayor’s Opportunity Advisory Council (MOAC) and the City of Fort Wayne, is proud to present a transformative 4-part workshop series designed specifically for emerging business owners ready to compete—and win—in municipal procurement.
Whether you’re curious about city contracts or ready to take the next step in your business journey, this series will equip you with the knowledge, connections, and confidence to navigate the bidding process successfully. Because when our businesses grow, our entire community prospers.
Worshop Details
📋 WHAT: City of Fort Wayne: Bidding Basics Workshop Series (4 Sessions)
🗓️ DATES: January 20 • February 3 • February 17 • March 3
🕗 TIME: 7:30AM – 8:30AM EST
📍 LOCATION: Citizens Square – Omni Room, 200 East Berry Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
💵 COST: FREE, Continental breakfast provided
🎟️ REGISTRATION: Register Now
Why This Workshop Series Matters
Fort Wayne has positioned itself as 5th in the nation for Black-owned business growth—and we’re just getting started. The City of Fort Wayne’s procurement process includes a 10% participation goal for Emerging Business Enterprises (EBE) on construction contracts. This means real opportunities are waiting for qualified, prepared businesses.
But here’s the truth: opportunity only becomes reality when you have the roadmap to access it.
This workshop series removes the guesswork. Over four Tuesday morning sessions, you’ll learn directly from city officials, industry experts, and successful business owners who understand both the process and the purpose behind creating more inclusive procurement practices.
What You’ll Gain
✅ Insider Knowledge — Learn the city’s procurement process directly from the City Purchasing Department
✅ Insurance & Bonding Clarity — Understand minimum requirements from Gallagher Insurance experts
✅ 2026 Project Pipeline — Hear directly from Department Heads about upcoming city projects
✅ Certification Guidance — Master the EBE registration process with the City Vendor Compliance Officer
✅ Real Success Stories — Learn from MV General Construction Services’ journey from startup to thriving company
✅ Resource Connections — Discover grants, loans, mentoring, and support through SEED, Brightpoint, Fortitude Fund, and more
Workshop Series Schedule
Session 1: Jan 20 – Online Bidding 101 Intro to Insurance & Bonding
Online Bidding 101
Presented by: City of Fort Wayne Purchasing Department
Your journey begins with understanding how to find and pursue city opportunities. The City Purchasing Department will provide a comprehensive overview of Fort Wayne’s purchasing procedures and guide you through a hands-on tutorial on Quest, the city’s online bidding platform. You’ll leave this session knowing exactly where to find active bid opportunities and how to navigate the system with confidence.
Introduction to Insurance & Bonding
Presented by: Gallagher Insurance
Insurance and bonding requirements can feel like barriers—but they don’t have to be. Gallagher Insurance will demystify these requirements, providing a clear introduction to bonding and explaining the City’s minimum insurance requirements. Understanding these essentials now positions you for success when you’re ready to submit your first bid.
🗓️ DATES: January 20, 2026
🕗 TIME: Tuesday, 7:30AM – 8:30AM EST
📍 LOCATION: Citizens Square – Omni Room, 200 East Berry Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Session 2: Feb 3 – 2026 City Projects & Department-Specific Bidding Procedures
Presented by: City of Fort Wayne Department Heads
This is where opportunity meets preparation. Department Heads from multiple city departments will share their upcoming 2026 projects and provide brief overviews of their specific bidding procedures. This insider access gives you a preview of the contract landscape for the coming year—so you can plan strategically and position your business for the opportunities that align with your capabilities.
🗓️ DATES: Tuesday, February 3, 2026
🕗 TIME: 7:30AM – 8:30AM EST
📍 LOCATION: Citizens Square – Omni Room, 200 East Berry Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Session 3: Feb 17 – Emerging Business Enterprise Program Overview & Start-Up Testimonial
Emerging Business Enterprise Program Overview
Presented by: City Vendor Compliance Officer
The EBE certification is your key to accessing the city’s 10% participation goal on construction contracts. The City Vendor Compliance Officer will provide a comprehensive overview of Fort Wayne’s Emerging Business Enterprise Program, including eligibility requirements, benefits, and a step-by-step guide to becoming registered as an EBE. This session transforms certification from a mystery into an actionable plan.
Start-Up Testimonial: MV General Construction Services
Presented by: Owners of MV General Construction Services
Every successful business has a story—and the owners of MV General Construction Services are here to share theirs. Hear their inspiring journey of how they grew their business into a thriving construction company, the challenges they overcame, and the lessons they learned along the way. Their story isn’t just motivational—it’s a roadmap that can help you navigate your own path to success.
🗓️ DATES: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
🕗 TIME: 7:30AM – 8:30AM EST
📍 LOCATION: Citizens Square – Omni Room, 200 East Berry Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Session 4: March 3 – Discover Local Small Business Resources
Featuring: Fortitude Fund, Small Business Development Corp, Brightpoint & SEED-Build Institute
Your business doesn’t grow in isolation—it grows with support. This closing session connects you with the ecosystem of resources available to emerging businesses in Fort Wayne. Representatives from Fortitude Fund, Small Business Development Corporation, Brightpoint, and SEED-Build Institute will share information about entrepreneurial promotion programs, loans, grants, mentoring opportunities, networking events, business plan development assistance, financial education, advising services, and more. You’ll leave with a toolkit of resources ready to support your continued growth.
🗓️ DATES: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
🕗 TIME: 7:30AM – 8:30AM EST
📍 LOCATION: Citizens Square – Omni Room, 200 East Berry Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Who Should Attend
This workshop series is designed for:
- Contractors looking to expand into municipal work
- Business owners curious about city procurement opportunities
- Entrepreneurs building their foundation for long-term growth
- Subcontractors seeking to connect with prime contractors on city projects
- Service providers exploring government contracting pathways
- Start-ups ready to understand what’s possible
Whether you’re just starting your entrepreneurial journey or you’re ready to take your established business to the next level, this series provides the roadmap to success in city procurement.
Register Now
Cost: FREE
This workshop series is offered at no cost as part of the Mayor’s Opportunity Advisory Council’s commitment to creating pathways for emerging businesses in Fort Wayne. Seats are limited. Secure your spot today.
Select the sessions you plan to attend when you register. You’re welcome to attend all four workshops or choose the sessions most relevant to your business needs.
📞 Questions? Contact the Black Chamber Fort Wayne at (260) 366-6333 or email Talk2us@myfwbcc.org
📧 Can’t attend after registering? Please notify MOAC at rsvp_moac@cityoffortwayne.org
About the Organizer
Black Chamber Fort Wayne
The Black Chamber Fort Wayne, led by Board President Ramadan Abdul-Azeez, is dedicated to fostering the growth and success of Black-owned businesses in the Fort Wayne community. Through networking events, advocacy, and educational opportunities, the Chamber helps entrepreneurs and professionals build valuable connections and access essential resources.
Our mission: To support member businesses, grow businesses, and attract and retain top talent to the region.
Your Future in City Contracting Starts Here
Every successful business begins with someone who dared to step through a new door. This workshop series is that door—opening pathways to city contracts, meaningful connections, and sustainable business growth.
When our businesses thrive, our families thrive. When our families thrive, our community thrives. And when our community thrives, we build generational wealth that transforms Fort Wayne for decades to come.
We’re in this together. Join us.
The Fort Wayne Black Chamber of Commerce
200 E Main St, Suite 800 | Fort Wayne, IN 46802
📞 (260) 366-6333 | 📧 Talk2us@myfwbcc.org
© Black Chamber Fort Wayne, 2026. All rights reserved.
