University of Washington Business Diversity Program

"We will become an academic community that mirrors the varied faces of our society. The challenges of our time require the energy and ideas of all our people. We cannot afford to leave out the creativity and innovations of any segment of society. But beyond this practical argument, equality of opportunity is a matter of simple justice. It's the right thing to do, and the University will do it."

-- UW President Mark Emmert, October 2004

The University of Washington Business Diversity Program (BDP) provides outreach and education to diverse businesses to make them aware of the University's needs and processes in its purchase of goods, services, and construction.

To enhance outreach to the diverse business community, the University will:

• Increase the awareness of contracting opportunities to diverse businesses, allowing them to participate in a fair and open environment
• Be more inclusive and supportive of small businesses from all communities
• Participate in events held by organizations that support diversity
• Provide information to diverse businesses to increase their success in doing business with the UW
• Notify diverse businesses of UW contracting opportunities.
• Offer mentoring support for small, developing businesses
• Encourage new businesses, who are creating jobs and opportunities
• Link suppliers with resources to help them improve management and grow revenue
• Invite businesses to educational workshops on doing business together
• Facilitate participation of diverse businesses at all levels of contracting
• Instill in the UW community, the importance of a commitment to diverse businesses

To measure the success of its efforts to the communities, the University will:

• Count participation by all small, minority, and women-owned businesses, including those certified by state and federal programs, as well as those who self-identify from the diverse communities
• Review the progress of these efforts, and make modifications to the programs as needed
• Report our progress, in order to continuously improve opportunities for businesses throughout our communities.

For additional information, please contact:

Lynn Beck, Small Business Officer
UW Purchasing and Stores
206 685-4991
lynnb@u.washington.edu