Chicago Airports Host Annual Small Business Summit and Job Fair

The fifth annual event connects local entrepreneurs and job seekers with opportunities at O'Hare and Midway Airports.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:06pm

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A stylized, isometric 3D digital illustration depicting the bustling interior of an airport terminal, with small figures of passengers, staff, and business owners navigating the space. The scene features clean, modern architecture and bold colors to capture the energy and potential of the airport environment.Chicago's airports serve as vital economic engines, and the city's annual Small Business Summit and Job Fair aims to connect local entrepreneurs and job seekers with the diverse opportunities these hubs provide.Chicago Today

The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) is hosting its fifth annual Airport Small Business Summit and Job Fair on May 12 in University Village. The event will feature two sessions - a morning Small Business Summit for entrepreneurs to learn about upcoming opportunities and network, and an afternoon Job Fair to connect attendees with hiring businesses and skill-building workshops.

Why it matters

O'Hare and Midway Airports are major economic drivers for the Chicago region, and this annual event aims to ensure that local residents and small businesses can benefit from the growth and transformation happening at the airports, including upcoming projects like ORDNext.

The details

The Small Business Summit from 8am-12pm will cover topics like navigating the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) programs, a Concessions 101 presentation, and an overview of an upcoming request for proposals. The Job Fair from 12pm-4pm will connect attendees with hiring businesses and feature workshops on resume writing, interviewing skills, and the CDA's Aviation Career Pathways Program.

  • The event will take place on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
  • The Small Business Summit runs from 8am to 12pm.
  • The Job Fair runs from 12pm to 4pm.

The players

Mayor Brandon Johnson

The mayor of Chicago, who emphasized the city's commitment to ensuring the success of the airports benefits all communities.

Michael McMurray

The Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation, who said the event connects Chicagoans with opportunities at the world-class O'Hare and Midway Airports.

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What they’re saying

“As Chicago prepares for another busy summer travel season, there is no better time for residents and small businesses to step into opportunities at O'Hare and Midway Airports. Our airports continue to grow and transform, and Chicagoans must be part of that progress.”

— Mayor Brandon Johnson

“O'Hare and Midway International Airports are major drivers of our region's economy, and events like the Airport Small Business Summit and Job Fair connect Chicagoans from all of our city's communities with the opportunities available at our world-class airports.”

— Michael McMurray, Commissioner, Chicago Department of Aviation

What’s next

Registration for the event is now open at flychicago.com/summitandjobfair.

The takeaway

This annual event demonstrates Chicago's commitment to ensuring the growth and transformation of its major airports benefits local residents and small businesses across the city's diverse communities.