CREATING CONNECTIONS, ENABLING OPPORTUNITIES
Delivered by the Facilities and Operations department, the CU Grow: Vendor Development Program is a multi-dimensional coaching program developed to assist Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individual-owned firms (SEDI) firms by expanding their existing portfolio of business and contracts with large clients. The program is at no cost to vendors and runs annually from February to December.
Read the welcome message from the Executive Vice President of University Facilities and Operations.
THIS PROGRAM IS FOR YOU IF:
- You are seeking a greater understanding of large company procurement procedures
- Provide a service or commodity that aligns with the needs of Columbia University
- You identify as SEDI, or you are a Locally owned firm with annual revenue between $250K and $10M*
- Your firm has been established for at least three years and is in the built environment, including construction trades, professional services, suppliers, and commodities.
LEARN MORE:
What Alumni Are Saying
Read quotes from alumni below and learn more about past cohorts on our alumni page.
“The CU Grow Program helped me develop a broader perspective on how to approach business or project challenges from a strategic point of view. Also, the program provided access to mentors, advisors, and learning resources that guide and help participants throughout our journey.”
“We learned how to maintain consistent adherence to GAAP standards for financial management. We also gained a deeper understanding of large-scale procurement processes and strengthened relationships by ensuring ongoing client engagement and communication.”
“Sherlock Homes has gained enhanced business skills and strategy, valuable connections through Columbia University's procurement officials, vendors and mentors, support in compliance and certification, tools for success, mentorship, guidance, opportunities and more.”
“We learned that marketing should be outsourced, the importance of networking, and to plan further in advance. After the program, I am working with a 3-year roadmap that I will adjust annually but I won’t be starting from scratch. ”
"I discovered there is a science to running a successful business and a wealth of information and resources available to help you. Passion alone is not enough to become successful. It must be combined with knowledge, training, and skill. The tools and resources were new, different, and very effective. The prep work and coaching sessions forced me to get out of my comfort zone and think outside the box."
"The CU Grow program has given us tremendous insight and provided us with resources on how to record and formulate our growth. We’ve learned that taking the time to go through the worksheets and review the available literature can drastically change the course and direction of your company, if you follow through with its proposition. If anything, we’ve gained respect for the concept of strategic planning."