The CU Grow Vendor Development program hosted its third procurement event of 2020 on October 7, 2020. The event brought together the current CU Grow cohort, as well as alumni of the program, to meet with Columbia University project managers, procurement representatives, and partner organizations to discuss potential contracting opportunities and MWBE resources. This year, all procurement events have been held virtually, providing minority-, women- and locally owned (MWL) businesses and representatives from Columbia University Facilities & Operations (CUFO) leadership to network and discuss potential business opportunities with the University.
CUFO Project Managers from Planning and Capital Project Management presented upcoming renovation and improvement projects available for bidding opportunities, coupled with a presentation from Capital Finance and Procurement with information and resources on how to become a University vendor.
The CUFO presenters were also joined by Ophelia Gabrino, Executive Director, Capacity Building & Corporate Partnerships of NYC Small Business Services, who discussed city programs and services available for M/WBEs and small businesses.
The event concluded with breakout sessions, allowing participants to network virtually with each presenter and ask questions better to align their business capabilities for available contracting opportunities.
The CU Grow Program is currently recruiting for Cohort 5, which will begin in February 2021. To learn more about the program offerings and how to apply, complete the interest form, and visit cufo.columbia.edu/cu-grow.