Columbia University Celebrates Ascend NYC Program’s Third Cohort Graduation

Columbia University Facilities and Operations (CUFO) recently celebrated the graduation of Ascend NYC ’s third cohort, continuing its role as a Market Access Partner supporting the business development of diverse entrepreneurs across New York City. A collaboration with the Business Outreach Center Network, the Ascend NYC program provides minority- and women-owned businesses (MWBEs) with essential training and mentoring to grow their business.

Columbia’s partnership with Ascend NYC is championed by CUFO’s Construction Business Initiatives team, helping MWBEs establish relationships with key stakeholders across industries to connect them with valuable contract opportunities, while also growing the University’s network of diverse, qualified suppliers.

The third cohort consisted of 21 total graduates, which include Costrak Consulting, Custom Design Innovations, LLC, Energy Fencing Inc., J.W.P Corp., KCM Contracting Inc., Meridian Design Architects, P.C., and Valcourt Consulting and Design, Inc., all of which are approved vendors with Columbia University. See below for the full list of graduates.