CU Grow Program Launches its Seventh Cohort of Minority-, Women- and Locally Owned Businesses

The CU Grow: Vendor Development Program welcomed 21 new firms at its matching ceremony in February, launching the program's seventh year supporting minority-, women- and locally owned (MWL) businesses in strategizing their business growth. During the ceremony, the program manager, Scharlene de la Cruz, introduced executives from businesses specializing in carpentry, construction, window treatment, welding, and fencing to their expert coach, who will guide them through the 11-month program curriculum. 

The CU Grow Program, led by University Facilities and Operations, assists MWL firms in developing a growth strategy and expanding their business through opportunities with Columbia University and other key stakeholders. The program follows a structured curriculum designed by the Columbia University School of Professional Studies' Construction Management Program. Participants are paired with expert coaches who use their business development, procurement, project management, finance, and marketing knowledge to lead participants through the program and help them define their business policies and procedures. 

"I am excited to have been matched with someone with their own business and experience working with Columbia," said Monica Barnwell, Vice President of Beacon Interiors, a window treatment and interior finishing company.  

With her business in its third year, Monica sought opportunities to help take it to the next level. Monica was paired with the principal of Deb Romain Consulting, Deborah Romain, a three-time expert coach for CU Grow and a graduate of Columbia's Minority, Women and Local Business Enterprise (MWLBE) Construction Trades Mentorship Program, who will help Monica with her goals of creating a business growth plan, becoming a better marketer, and creating a network of direct buyers.  

The matching ceremony is one of many networking opportunities and program benefits for CU Grow participants. At procurement events, participants learn about current opportunities and network with purchasers at Columbia University and other large stakeholders. Through one-on-one sessions with various Experts in Residence with expertise in construction, marketing, and insurance, participants learn how to design growth strategies tailored to their businesses. Participants also have access to students from the Entrepreneurship and Community Development Clinic at Columbia Law School, who provide participants with information on contract interpretation and negotiation support. 

The program has graduated 98 firms in its previous six cohorts, awarded over $90M in contracts to alum firms, and approved 78 graduating firms to become Columbia University vendors. Vendors of the seventh cohort will graduate in December 2023.  

The expert coaches and vendors from the seventh cohort include: