TAMPA, Fla. (Oct. 17, 2022) – Hundreds of minority-owned businesses in pursuit of growing their companies, learning about future procurement opportunities and building their network will participate in a free all-day event hosted by the University of South Florida on Friday, Oct. 28.
USF’s fifth annual Supplier Diversity Day will expand this year to become the university’s largest symposium of its kind to date, including 15 educational sessions and panel discussions designed to help businesses go to the next level. Topics will focus on important areas to become a more successful company, such as tips for competitive bidding, access to more capital, technology and future legislation that may impact small businesses.
Diverse suppliers, corporations and non-profit entities in attendance will also hear updates about major projects at USF, such as the on-campus stadium. USF employees who attend will be able to build new relationships and open opportunities for a more diverse pool of suppliers.
Hosted by USF’s Office of Supplier Diversity in partnership with the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, the Women’s Business Enterprise Council Florida, the Florida Small Business Development Center at USF and the State of Florida Office of Supplier Diversity, the event takes place from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Marshall Student Center at the USF Tampa campus.
“The University of South Florida has a strong commitment to supporting diverse businesses in the Tampa Bay region,” said Terrie Daniel, USF Office of Supplier Diversity assistant vice president. “This event provides minority business owners with a wealth of knowledge, tools and resources to help them grow and experience even greater success.”
Since USF launched an enhanced supplier diversity initiative several years ago, it has added a variety of programs to support local businesses, including a lunch and learn series for USF staff and faculty to educate them on best suppler diversity practices, a business empowerment series geared toward diverse suppliers and a mentoring program. This month, the Office of Supplier Diversity received a 2022 Business Impact Award from the Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council. The award recognizes organizations making a difference in the community through civic, philanthropic and volunteer initiatives.
More information on USF’s Supplier Diversity Day, including registration details, can be found here.
To view this story on the USF Newsroom website, click here.
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About the University of South Florida
The University of South Florida, a high-impact global research university dedicated to student success, generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. Over the past 10 years, no other public university in the country has risen faster in U.S. News and World Report’s national university rankings than USF. Serving more than 50,000 students on campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee, USF is designated as a Preeminent State Research University by the Florida Board of Governors, placing it in the most elite category among the state’s 12 public universities. USF has earned widespread national recognition for its success graduating under-represented minority and limited-income students at rates equal to or higher than white and higher income students. USF is a member of the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.