By attending events sponsored by the New York/New Jersey
Minority Purchasing Council, networking locally and holding events
on campus, the Office of Business and Community Development informs
minority and women owned, small and local businesses about business
opportunities.
Four times a year, St. John’s University holds a reception for a
specific group of vendors providing goods or services that the
University purchases. Contractors, information technology
companies, graphic designers and printers are among the businesses
that have been invited to receptions so far.
During the reception, a senior administrator discusses with the
vendors the kinds of purchases his or her division makes, informs
the group of major projects or purchases being planned and
introduces St. John’s employees who make purchasing decisions
relevant to the vendors.
Afterwards, the vendors have an opportunity to network with
these purchasers (and with the other vendors). For many companies,
it is the beginning of a relationship with St. John’s University.
The University has also formed a partnership with the Jamaica
Business Resource Center to increase opportunities for minority and
women owned, small and local businesses.