This month the Chicago Anchors for a Strong Economy (CASE) Program, part of World Business Chicago’s Neighborhood Strategic Initiative (NSI), launched a proprietary business assessment software called SCALE. The digital portal facilitates a business assessment for local companies, allowing them to be matched to large contracting opportunities with CASE anchor institutions such as Rush University Medical Center, The University of Chicago, Northwestern Memorial Hospital and BMO Harris, to name a few. These major institutions and corporations require a strong base of goods and service suppliers, from simple office supplies to professional services including technology needs.

When asked why World Business Chicago decided to commit to this project, CASE Program Director, Raven DeVaughn said, “We saw a hole in the market. By creating a strong business-to-business supplier network locally, it not only supports the success of these institutions, but it also strengthens our local economy, making Chicago an even more attractive thrive in business.”

The software will allow small-to medium-sized businesses interested in doing business with large anchor institutions to securely submit their information to complete a readiness assessment, thereby identifying strengths, areas of opportunity, and ultimately gauging if the business is ready to contract with large, complex organizations.

“We saw a hole in the market. By creating a strong business-to-business supplier network locally, it not only supports the success of these institutions, but it also strengthens our local economy, making Chicago an even more attractive thrive in business.”

-Raven DeVaughn, Director of CASE

With expanded capabilities for anchors, anchor institutions can now submit upcoming contracting opportunities and the CASE team will then match anchor opportunities with businesses who can fulfill the contract.  SCALE does it all.

“The investment and completion of this software marks a new era in the CASE program, helping to move the small business community in-line with the changing ways procurement is implemented in large organizations,” said Bernita Johnson-Gabriel, Executive Vice President of NSI.

Supporting local, small/mid-businesses is a commitment of World Business Chicago. Focusing on the high volume of business-to-business transactions at major institutions will only help strengthen these local companies, increase community and neighborhood vitality, generate jobs, and grow the regional economy.  This is exactly what inclusive economic growth is all about.

To find out more please visit www.chicagoanchors.com