Chase Bank Presents: Windows of Opportunity
Windows of Opportunity: Unlocking Supplier Diversity & Certification Pathways
Windows of Opportunity is designed for business owners ready to expand into new markets by positioning their business for supplier diversity opportunities. This workshop demystifies certification, government contracting, and corporate supplier diversity programs—helping participants understand how these pathways work, who they are for, and how to prepare strategically rather than reactively.
Grounded in the Windows of Opportunity workbook, this session focuses on readiness: ensuring your business has the structure, documentation, and operational maturity required to pursue certification and compete for contracts. Participants will learn how supplier diversity functions as a long-term growth strategy—opening doors to larger markets, new revenue streams, and sustained business relationships when approached intentionally.
What You’ll Walk Away With
A clear understanding of what supplier diversity is and how it functions across government and corporate environments
Insight into how to navigate government contracting, including eligibility requirements and small business qualifications
An overview of government and corporate supplier diversity programs and how businesses access them
Clarity on working toward certification, including preparation, timelines, and common readiness gaps
Practical guidance on how to make the most of certification once achieved—beyond simply holding the credential
A stronger sense of whether certification is the right next step for your business and how to prepare responsibly
Who This Is For
Women-owned and diverse-owned businesses exploring certification opportunities
Entrepreneurs interested in government or corporate contracting
Small business owners preparing for growth into larger markets
Founders seeking structured, repeatable revenue opportunities
Businesses evaluating whether supplier diversity aligns with their long-term strategy
What You Need to Participate
An existing business or active venture
Willingness to assess your business honestly for readiness and capacity
The Windows of Opportunity workbook (provided)
A notebook or digital notes tool
No prior certification or contracting experience required
About the Facilitators
LaTrese Steplight
LaTrese Steplight is a Vice President and Senior Business Consultant with JPMorgan Chase, bringing over 29 years of experience supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners. She leads Chase’s Coaching for Impact Program for Cleveland and surrounding areas, providing one-on-one coaching, access to financial and credit solutions, community resources, and year-round business education.
With firsthand experience as a business owner, LaTrese brings a practical, grounded perspective on preparing businesses for sustainable growth, capital readiness, and supplier diversity pathways. Her work is rooted in helping entrepreneurs build strong foundations that can support expansion into new markets.
Teresa Morales-Bargar
Teresa Morales-Bargar is a Vice President and Community Manager for Community & Business Development at JPMorgan Chase, where she serves as a trusted local ambassador supporting entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and community leaders. With more than 18 years of experience across Retail, Consumer, and Business Banking, Teresa specializes in connecting businesses to resources that enable long-term stability and opportunity.
Through workshops, nonprofit partnerships, and community programming, Teresa helps expand access to supplier diversity pathways by equipping business owners with the knowledge, preparation, and networks needed to compete effectively.