On August 7, 2023, the Equity and Engagement Department introduced the Designated Procurement Initiative to interested small business owners. The Designated Procurement Initiative is a program in which the City of Champaign will set aside contracts for small, local, and low-income business owners. DPI was designed to increase the capacity of local economically disadvantaged contractors doing work for the City. Business owners were able to learn how to register their business on the Champaign Diversity Advancement Program list, the requirements for becoming DPI certified, and information related to next steps in the process. Contractors were also able to register their interest in the program. Attendees included City partners, City of Urbana, and Business Elevator, as well as local small business owners.