Irma Lopez is currently a consultant with the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council as the Program Coordinator for the Illinois Coronavirus Response & Relief Business Center (ICRR).   The ICRR assists minority owned businesses in underserved communities with understanding and taking advantage of resources and services made available by government and corporate organizations. Prior to working with the ICRR, Irma served as the Outreach Manager for the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) and the Veteran Business Program (VBP), within the Illinois Department of Central Management Services agency.   Before working with the BEP program Irma worked for over16 years at the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO). At DCEO, Irma managed the Eliminate the Digital Divide Grant Program that awarded funds to qualifying organizations in underserved communities, to provide internet services and basic computer skills to its participants.  Also while at DCEO, she worked in the Office of Trade & Investment, with headquarters in Chicago and 7 foreign offices around the world, dedicated to helping small and medium sized businesses expand their global reach and export abroad. Irma continues to assist small businesses. Her knowledge of governmental and corporate programs and resources support her efforts. She is bilingual, fluent in English and Spanish.

Statement:

I am committed to providing guidance and assistance to small, diverse owned businesses in their efforts to take advantage of available resources to facilitate growth. Certification as well as government and corporate procurement opportunities are among the best tools to develop and scale a small business.