NEW YORK — June 10, 2025
Columbia University’s Construction Business Initiatives (CBI) team continues to deepen its engagement with small and local businesses this spring, showcasing its commitment to inclusion, vendor diversity, and community economic development. Through participation in multiple events and programs, the CBI team is helping introduce Columbia’s project management teams to a broader range of capable vendors while supporting the long-term growth of minority- and women-owned firms.

“The CBI team’s efforts introduce Columbia’s project management teams to new vendors that meet the University’s needs and help them thrive in our community,” the University stated.

Elevating Small Businesses During NYC Small Business Week

One of the highlights this spring was the team’s involvement in Small Business Week 2025, organized by the New York City Public School’s Office of Business Development. Held at the Jackie Robinson Museum, the event brought together entrepreneurs from across the five boroughs to network, promote their goods and services, and connect with larger institutions like Columbia.

Tanya Pope, Columbia’s Assistant Vice President of Construction Business Initiatives, delivered remarks at the event. Her participation underscored Columbia’s growing role in promoting procurement equity and supplier diversity within the city’s construction ecosystem. A photo from the event shows Pope speaking at the podium adorned with a vibrant "NYC Small Business Conference" banner, framed by a festive backdrop of balloons and cityscape imagery.

The choice of venue also carried symbolic weight. In addition to his legendary baseball career, Jackie Robinson was an entrepreneur, making the museum a fitting setting for celebrating the perseverance and innovation of today’s small business leaders.

Showcasing Women-Owned Firms at the State of the New York Women in Business

The CBI team also participated in the State of the New York Women in Business event, hosted by the New York Women’s Chamber of Commerce at the Lee C. Bollinger Forum. The gathering featured a panel discussion in which Tanya Pope again took part, highlighting Columbia’s supplier diversity strategy and commitment to contracting equity.

The event also showcased local women-owned businesses, including Beautiful Amore Skincare, which offers handcrafted skin care products designed for eczema and other conditions. Vendors connected with potential institutional buyers and displayed their products to a wide audience in an open, inviting atmosphere.

Supporting Growth Through CU Grow Vendor Development Program

Another major milestone for the season was the launch of the ninth cohort of Columbia’s CU Grow: Vendor Development Program, a cornerstone of the University’s small business engagement strategy. CU Grow is a year-long, hands-on initiative designed to help small and diverse firms expand their contracts with large institutional clients.

The cohort kicked off with a matching ceremony, where participating businesses were introduced to their assigned business coaches. These coaches—experienced professionals from Columbia and the wider business community—will work closely with vendors for 11 months to help them refine their proposals, operations, and marketing strategies.

The program also hosted a procurement event in April, where vendors had a chance to learn about upcoming construction and facilities maintenance opportunities in Columbia’s pipeline. A photo from the event captures two participants holding a booklet titled "Cohort 9 – Track 1", symbolizing their official start in the program.

A Broader Commitment to Inclusive Growth

Through these efforts, Columbia is not only advancing supplier diversity goals but also contributing to a more inclusive and resilient economy in New York City. By proactively connecting with vendors at community events and supporting them through structured development programs, the CBI team is helping ensure that small businesses have meaningful access to the University’s construction and facilities opportunities.

“This spring’s work continues our commitment to building long-term relationships with local and small businesses that reflect the diversity and talent of New York City,” said a Columbia representative.

As infrastructure and capital projects expand across the city, Columbia’s engagement model offers a strong example of how large institutions can foster equitable economic opportunity in construction and beyond.

Originally reported by CUFO. Coloumbia.