A Message from Our Executive Vice President, David M. Greenberg
The CU Grow Vendor Development program is one of many initiatives led by the Columbia University Facilities and Operations (CUFO) group supporting the University’s comprehensive commitment to create and expand opportunities for socially and economically disadvantaged individual-owned firms (SEDI).
At Facilities and Operations, we are committed to local hiring across all aspects of our work. I am proud of the work Columbia University Facilities and Operations does to build the capacity of these firms through our CU Grow: Vendor Development Program. Identifying work for firms to bid on and providing them opportunities is a large part of the program. Through these efforts, Columbia University Facilities and Operations has expanded the University’s vendor pool with skilled, creative, and motivated vendors to elevate the quality of goods and services at the University. Our alumni have been awarded work across all of Columbia University’s campuses. The dedication and commitment to this program allows my team to open new doors for these firms.
I welcome you to browse the website to learn more about the CU Grow Program.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
The core of a multi-dimensional approach to assist Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individual-owned firms (SEDI) and locally owned firms to expand their existing portfolio of contracts and clients, the CU Grow: Vendor Development Program's expert coaching component is designed to support executive decision-making and strategic thinking, and assist firms with business management and growth.
Designed by the Columbia University School of Professional Studies (SPS) Construction Administration Master’s Program, the program curriculum, and coach training is provided by expert executive coaches who are established professionals within Columbia University or at partner institutions with knowledge in business development, procurement, project management, finance, marketing, and other business expertise.
Through its Facilities and Operations department, Columbia University manages the day-to-day logistics and requirements of the program. The program reserves the right to select firms that offer services or commodities that the University needs.
Program Offers:
More Information:
- Introductions to a new group of buyers
- Greater understanding of large company procurement procedures
- Customized S.M.A.R.T strategic three-year plan to grow your business
- No cost to participate in the program
- Access to Construction, Growth Plan, Insurance, Marketing, and Talent Experts in Residence
- Contract interpretation and negotiation support
- Preferential Pricing for Design Services and Print from Columbia Print
- Seven personalized coaching sessions customized to address your current business stage.
- One-on-one executive strategy meetings with Construction, Growth Plan, Insurance, Marketing and Talent Experts-in-Residence
- Construction Administration webinars in Estimating and AIA Invoicing
- Insurance and Marketing Best Practices webinar
- Executive Presence Webinar on developing your leadership.
- The required development of a three-year growth plan explicitly curated to your firm
- Four procurement events with Columbia University department, other private companies, and institutions to receive upcoming contract opportunities.
The CU Grow program runs annually for eleven months, from February to December. A summer break is built into the schedule for the month of July.
The curriculum was designed by the Columbia University School of Professional Studies (SPS) Construction Administration Master’s Program. SPS provides a coaching engagement template, training, and support throughout the program. The coaching aspect of the program is designed to support executive decision-making and strategic thinking regarding the management and growth of participants’ companies. Coaches assist firms in developing a three-year strategic growth plan.
Firms participate in seven coaching sessions that provide them with the knowledge and resources to improve finance, leadership, marketing, and strategy skills, as well as the firm’s structure and processes. At the completion of the program, firms present their growth plans and participate in a graduation ceremony.
- Business must be established for at least three years.
- Firms must be in the built environment including construction trades, professional services, suppliers, and commodities. See the list of eligible firms.
- All applicants must have at least 50% ownership in the business or be designated by the owner
- The firm must provide a service or commodity that aligns with the needs of Columbia University
- Identify as a Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individual-owned firms (SEDI) or Locally owned business*
- Annual Revenue between $250K and $10M*
*Locally owned businesses must be located in the following zip codes: 10025, 10026, 10027, 10029, 10030, 10031, 10032, 10033, 10034, 10035, 10037, 10039, 10040, 10451, 10454, 10455 and 10474. Diverse businesses from other zip codes will be considered based on space availability
The Construction Business Initiative team oversees the delivery of the CU Grow: Vendor Development Program. The team members are photographed below (left to right):
- Scharlene de la Cruz, Assistant Director
- Tanya Pope, Assistant Vice President
- Jason Gaines, Jr., Program Manager
- Helen Yang, Program Coordinator
- Christine Salto, Associate Director, Compliance
How to Apply:
The program accepts firms in the built environment with a minimum revenue of $250K, and pairs them up with an executive coach who helps in addressing challenges and identifying strategies to grow businesses.
Our application is closed for cohort 8, please complete an interest form for cohort 9!
"CU Grow asks you to take the initiative necessary to earn the opportunity to do the hard work. The program gave us a fresh perspective on our business model, inspired innovation and provided new resources we needed to grow.”
For more information and answers to frequently asked questions, visit this page.