At Facilities and Operations, we are committed to local hiring across all aspects of our work – including the businesses we contract with, the workforce of our construction contractors and vendors, and our own staff.
Office of Construction and Business Initiatives
If you are part of a firm that is located in the Columbia local catchment area and are interested in doing business with Columbia, contact our Office of Construction Business Initiatives at [email protected].
What Is Local?
The University principally defines its "local" catchment area as those communities located in 13 zip codes in Harlem, Washington Heights and Inwood (10025, 10026, 10027, 10029, 10030, 10031, 10032, 10033, 10034, 10035, 10037, 10039 and 10040) and four zip codes within the South Bronx (10451, 10454, 10455 and 10474).
Local Initiatives
The CU Grow: Vendor Development Program is a multi-dimensional coaching program developed to assist Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individual-owned firms (SEDI firms) by expanding their existing portfolio of business and contracts with large clients. The program is at no cost to vendors and runs annually from February to December.
Columbia University is committed to supporting local and small businesses through an exclusive pop-up retail opportunity. This initiative is designed for businesses specializing in the sale of upcycled clothing, newly constructed sustainable apparel, and locally crafted accessories or goods.
Local vendors, apply today.
Columbia community and neighbors, check for upcoming events.
Columbia provides space for local pop-up markets, and has also helped local vendors like Fauzia's Heavenly Delights expand their business.