CU Grow Program Launches its Sixth 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 sixth year supporting minority-, women- and locally owned (MWL) businesses in strategizing their business growth. During the ceremony, executives from businesses specializing in engineering, painting, environmental consulting, marketing and communications, commercial equipment repair, and more, were introduced to their expert coach that will support them through the program curriculum.   

A University Facilities and Operations-led initiative, the CU Grow Program helps participating MWL firms build capacity and expand their business through opportunities with Columbia University and other large clients. The program follows a structured curriculum designed by the Columbia University School of Professional Studies, Construction Management Program, and using their knowledge in business development, procurement, project management, finance, and marketing, the expert coaches guide participants through the program by helping them define their business policies and procedures. 

Through program procurement events, participants learn more about current opportunities within Columbia University and network with other large stakeholders including purchasers from various Columbia University campuses. Participants also receive one-on-one strategy sessions with a Marketing Expert in Residence who educates participants on strategies for social media, web marketing, and other digital outlets, as well as with a Construction Expert in Residence who provides high-level construction expertise in partnership with the School of Professional Studies' Construction Administration Master's Program. Adding two new components to the program’s curriculum, CU Grow has partnered with Columbia Law School's Entrepreneur Clinic to provide services for contract interpretation and negotiation support, and also with Columbia Print Services to support current participants and alumni with preferential pricing for design services on marketing their business. 

"Receiving my acceptance letter made me feel like an undergraduate kid getting accepted into Columbia!" said Nayana Mehta, President of N-M Strand Consulting and member of the sixth cohort. “I am very excited to join the team, work with my coach to gain new knowledge, and level up my business.” 

The program has graduated 84 firms in its previous five cohorts, awarded over $71.6M in contracts to participant firms, and approved 70 graduating firms to become Columbia University vendors. Vendors of the sixth cohort will graduate in December 2022.   

The expert coaches and vendors from the sixth cohort include: