CU Grow Embarks on Fourth Year Developing Minority-, Women- and Locally Owned Businesses
The CU Grow: Vendor Development Program launched its 2020 cohort on February 19 with a matching ceremony that introduced executives of 21 minority-, women-, and locally owned (MWL) firms to their dedicated coaches that they will work with over the next nine months of the program.
The Facilities and Operations initiative, which is now in its fourth year, helps MWL firms build capacity and expand their business through opportunities with Columbia University and other large clients.
Over the course of the program, participants will receive personalized coaching to create a three-year growth plan and inform their executive level decision making. The coaches follow a structured curriculum designed by the Columbia University School of Professional Studies to guide the MWL executives and support them in better defining their business policies and procedures. Participants are also invited to attend four procurement events to network and identify opportunities with purchasers from various Columbia University campuses and resources from other partners. Vendors who successfully complete the program will graduate in December 2020.
“I feel privileged and fortunate to be part of this year’s cohort of CU Grow,” said Rachel Frankel, principal of Rachel Frankel Architecture and member of the fourth cohort. “I am eager to learn from my intelligent and seasoned coach with whom I felt immediately comfortable and well matched.”
Since CU Grow began in 2017, 45 vendors have graduated from the program and have earned a combined $34.2 million with Columbia University.
The vendors and coaches from the fourth cohort include: