Illinois Reports Record $1.62 Billion in Diverse Vendor Spending for FY2025 (Springfield, IL) – The Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion (CEI) has released its Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Expenditure Report for the state’s Business Enterprise Program (BEP), highlighting record-setting spending and continued efforts to expand contracting opportunities for diverse businesses.
According to the report, Illinois awarded approximately $1.62 billion in contracts to businesses owned by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities in FY2025 — the highest total in the program’s history and an increase over the previous three years.
The BEP program is designed to promote supplier diversity in state procurement by ensuring equitable access to contracting opportunities. The report evaluates participation across state agencies, boards, commissions, and public universities subject to the BEP Act.
When measured against Dollars Subject to the Goal (DSG), state entities achieved 14% participation for non-construction contracts and 8% for construction contracts with BEP-certified vendors. While still below the state’s aspirational goals of 30% and 20%, respectively, officials say the figures represent continued progress.
“CEI’s mission is to maximize supplier diversity, equity, and inclusion by ensuring access to contracting opportunities,” said Executive Director Alexandria Wilson. “We are committed to building a procurement environment that is inclusive, fair, and drives economic growth.”
Under the BEP Act, participating agencies and public higher education institutions are required to submit annual reports detailing their use of certified vendors. The FY2025 report compiles that data, including expenditures recorded during the fiscal year’s lapse period.
Officials say the findings underscore ongoing efforts to strengthen equity in state contracting while identifying areas for improvement in meeting long-term participation targets.
The full report and additional information are available through the Commission on Equity and Inclusion’s website.
Illinois Reports Record $1.62 Billion in Diverse Vendor Spending for FY2025
