What We Do

Program Update
Please note that the University has recently made changes to its Supplier Diversity Program. Review these Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

Our Mission
A competitive and inclusive supply chain is the foundation of innovation, cost savings, and economic resilience. The University of Minnesota is committed to leveraging its purchasing power to drive growth within our local communities and ensure that small, emerging, and underutilized enterprises have equal access to bidding opportunities.

How We Support Your Business
The Office for Supplier Diversity (OSD) serves as a strategic bridge between the University and the business community. Our services are available to all firms, with a specialized focus on supporting small and emerging businesses, including those owned and operated by BIPOC, women, and persons with disabilities.

For Small & Emerging Businesses: We provide training, technical assistance, and visibility to help you navigate the University’s procurement landscape and successfully compete for contracts.

For University Purchasers: We offer market research tools and data to help departments identify high-quality local suppliers, fostering a broader and more innovative bidding pool.

For Prime Contractors: We facilitate strategic partnerships by connecting prime vendors with qualified subcontractors, helping to build robust and capable project teams.

Our Commitment to Community Prosperity
The University of Minnesota believes that when local small businesses succeed, our entire region prospers. Through proactive outreach, strategic partnerships, and transparent data analysis, OSD ensures that the University remains an accessible and equitable marketplace.

By fostering these impactful economic partnerships, we strengthen the communities where we live, work, and learn, ensuring that the University’s "North Star" mission extends to the local economy.