Business Diversity
In 2002, the University of Chicago and University of Chicago Hospitals instituted formal programs to increase opportunities on campus for minority- and women-owned businesses. Since the start of the initiative, the University has awarded more than $114 million in contracts to minorities and women. In fact, nearly 40 percent of the University's construction spending has gone to minority- and women-owned contractors.
Among the program's initiatives:
- An annual Economic Opportunity Fair, which brings together minority- and women-owned businesses with opportunities to contract with the University.
- An Apprentice Program, which has created more than 50 positions for minority and women apprentices to build skills and professional opportunities on campus projects.
Our work in this area has been widely recognized. We've won awards from the Chicago Urban League, the March of Dimes, the African American Contractors Association, the Federation of Women Contractors, and more.
