OPD’s Impact on Diversity
The University of Illinois System’s Office of Procurement Diversity is the state’s leading higher education supplier diversity program. We pride ourselves on building strategic relationships with suppliers and organizations to encourage the use of businesses owned by minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans. The supplier diversity program has helped generate value by increasing the pool of potential suppliers, creating economic opportunities for disadvantaged businesses, and developing enriched partnerships with our university and community partners.
Why was this program developed?
The Diverse Supplier Development Program was developed by the University of Illinois System to utilize our resources to help grow small diverse businesses.
What are the eligibility requirements?
- Minority, woman, person with disabilities, and/or veteran-owned small businesses
- Businesses ready to advance to the next level of their growth trajectory
Priority will be given to
- Current U of I supplier
- Has been in business for at least 3 years
- Has at least one employee besides owner
What is the time commitment?
The time commitment for the entire program will be approximately 25 hours from September 2023 to May 2024.
One-hour workshops will be generally held on the first Friday of each month from September 2023 to May 2024 from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Central
Can I miss a workshop?
Participants are strongly encouraged to take advantage of all of the workshops, however the program will allow up to two excused absences from the workshops to receive a certification of completion and to participate in graduation. Participants should contact dsdp@uillinois.edu prior to the workshop if they will be absent for a session.
Can I send a representative to attend a workshop in my place?
No. Only the person selected for the program can attend.
Is the program in-person, virtual or hybrid?
At this time, all program activities for the cohort are scheduled to be virtual with the possibility of an in-person cohort graduation at the conclusion of the program. This is subject to change.
Do I have to participate in the Student Consulting Project?
Yes. All participating companies will be matched with a team of student consultants who will complete the project that you commission. We ask the participating companies to take weekly calls with the student team for the project duration (15 weeks).
What is the cost?
There is no cost to the participants.
Do I get university credit(s) for participating?
No, however participants that complete the program will receive a certificate of completion.
I cannot participate this year. Will there be future cohorts?
Yes, the university plans to offer the program annually.