Washington University strives to increase economic opportunities for diverse businesses in the procurement of goods and services across the university.
To be considered for various opportunities that exist within WashU, Supplier Diversity has outlined the following process.
- Register Your Business On Our Website
We will never ask you to upload any personal information (i.e. drivers license, passports, passwords of any kind). - Receive A Phone Call From Our Department
You will receive an email to schedule a 15-minute phone call to learn more about your company. Registering your business and completing the follow-up phone call does not guarantee business with WashU. - You Will Be Added To Our Diverse Business Directory
This will expand your reach not only to those who have purchasing power on WashU’s campus but to our community and nationwide partners. - Supplier Diversity Will Recommend Your Business On-campus
Should your product/service fit a request made to our office, we will refer you to that department, and they may contact you directly. - Washu Will Connect You With On-campus And Local Partners
Business Classification Definitions
Ownership by diverse individuals means the business is at least 51% owned by such individuals or, in the case of a publicly owned business, at least 51% of the stock is owned by one or more such individuals (i.e. the management and daily operations are controlled by those diverse group members.)
Ability One: Established as an employment center for blind and/or disabled people
HBCU/MI: Historically Black College or University/Minority Institution
*HUBZone: Historically Underutilized Business Zones
LGBTQ: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Queer Owned
MBE: Minority Business Enterprise
**Minority group members are United States citizens who are Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, and Native American.
SDB: Small Disadvantaged Business
VBE: Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise
*SDVOSB: Small Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business
*VOSB: Veteran-Owned Small Business
WBE: Woman Business Enterprise
*WOSB: Woman-owned Small Business
*Normally used for government contracts.
**For more information please view the Certification Resource (PDF) below.
For more information about business classification definitions and where to get certified:
Certification Resources (PDF)