Ascend NYC Works to Advance MWBE's Through Partnership with Columbia University

January 10th, 2023––Business Outreach Center (BOC) Network is joining forces with Columbia University to advance Black and Hispanic-owned businesses as part of Ascend New York City. This innovative partnership combines the strength of Columbia University Facilities and Operations (CUFO) with Ascend NYC collaborative partners and its Anchor Council. Ascend NYC is part of the national network of Ascend Cities powered by JPMorgan Chase. Businesses owned by people of color face systemic challenges in accessing contracting and supplier relationships with corporations, anchor institutions, and government agencies. Anchor institutions in New York are showing that systems can be changed.

“BOC’s collaboration with Columbia University is an amazing opportunity to further develop Ascend NYC as a resource for diverse businesses,” said Nancy Carin, Executive Director of BOC Network. “Here at BOC, we are committed to small businesses that are important wealth-generating engines in their communities. We work closely with our partners to ensure that each business gains the resources they need to take advantage of new opportunities. Columbia University is the ideal partner to lead market access for AscendNYC,” she continued. 

According to Michael Verchot, National Lead for Ascend at the University of Washington, Foster School of Business, “Columbia University is well-known for its leadership in positioning minority-, woman- and locally-owned businesses for growth and contract opportunities. This sets an example and offers enormous potential to advance the collaboration of Ascend NYC with major anchor institutions in the Bronx and beyond.” 

“Columbia is proud to participate in this important program and help MBEs find their footing in this post-pandemic era,” said Tanya Pope, Assistant Vice President for University Supplier Diversity at Columbia University and leader of the Ascend NYC Market Access team. “It is important for us to invest in our local and diverse businesses, and through the Ascend Network, Columbia University has benefited by having more qualified MWBE firms in our pipeline to perform construction and maintenance services.  The program enhances our ability to provide an equitable distribution of economic opportunity to our neighbors in Harlem,” she added.

Ascend NYC collaborates with major anchor institutions to build bridges and establish new commercial relationships. Anchor institutions play a pivotal role in the economic development of local Black and Hispanic communities by localizing their spending and opening doors to contracting opportunities.

The Ascend NYC Anchor Council is chaired by John Calvelli Executive Vice President of Public Affairs at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). The Anchor Council includes cultural, educational, real estate and construction management as well as healthcare organizations,  government partners and major corporations.  

“We have long worked with our neighboring communities in New York City in vendor partnerships and our new WCS Supplier Diversity Program will ensure we have a program which is easily accessible and helps broaden our efforts,” Mr. Calvelli explained. “Working with Ascend NY, WCS has been a part of efforts to grow businesses owned by people of color across New York City,” he continued. 

The growing complement of AscendNYC businesses– 44 at present– gain access to markets and financing alongside impactful services that evolve with their individual needs. 

Jessica Johnson–CEO and President of Johnson Security Bureau– is a graduate of Ascend NYC’s first cohort in 2021. “As a result of working with the Ascend NYC team, we got our first direct contract with Columbia University. Now we are part of the National Ascend which brings with it a greater level of support. For example, through the National program we had a session with 7 to 12 Ernst and Young employees that are focused on helping me with my business challenges.”

“I’ve always been an aspiring entrepreneur, bouncing around with different ideas for different business opportunities,” explained Ben Frierson, the owner of Ben’s Distribution Center, a Bronx-based IT company. “My 12-month goal would be to strengthen our corporate culture and operations.” Ascend NYC will work closely with owners like Mr. Frierson to achieve their goals.

Ascend NYC is currently recruiting for its Spring 2023 cohort. MWBE firms that have been in operation for a minimum of 2 years, have experience working on larger projects and are interested in participating, should go to ascendnewyorkcity.org and click on “APPLY NOW”. For any additional questions please contact Michelle McClymont at mmcclymont@bocnet.org.