Search

Key Programs and Services

The Office of Business Opportunity works to expand access for firms seeking to compete for contract opportunities within our goods/services and professional services engagements. We also host a institute to train other professionals and institutions in best practices in the procurement field. 

The University of Chicago Office of Business Opportunity supports the University’s legacy of giving back to Chicago by:

  • Collaborating with key university stakeholders to identify opportunities for businesses that contribute to wealth creation wherever we conduct business

  • Connecting local businesses to key decision makers within the University

  • Creating sustainable partnerships with local businesses that will advance continual improvement in our performance and the performance of our partners

Key programs and services include:

Professional Services Symposium
The Annual Professional Services Symposium brings prominent local and national business leaders together to network and build sustainable relationships with senior leadership at the University. Recognized as a national model, this Symposium has proven to be effective in building a strong network of business partners that provide innovative and value-driven solutions for the University. Over 100 contract opportunities have been awarded in the fields of money management, financial services, communications, legal, human resources, information technology, and architecture.
 
The two-day event begins with a pre-symposium briefing, where University vice presidents provide department overviews. On the following day, firms participate in one-on-one business presentations with senior leaders. The event concludes with a reception featuring remarks from President Paul Alivisatos and University Trustee John W. Rogers, Jr., celebrating the shared commitment to innovation and partnership.

This program links qualified small and local businesses within the goods and services industries to purchasing and departmental decision makers through one-one-one small group meetings and vendors fairs.

Our annual Institute is designed to introduce professionals to best practices for growing their vendor portfolio, increasing access to professional services talent, and building a stronger business ecosystem. Led by seasoned professionals in procurement, strategic sourcing, and business development, the course includes case studies, interactive exercises, and a take-home playbook designed to help attendees build a resilient and results-driven procurement program.

Professional Services Symposium

The Annual Professional Services Symposium brings accomplished business leaders from across the country together with University of Chicago senior leadership. Designed to cultivate long-term partnerships, this event has become a national model for building a strong network of business collaborators. Since its launch, the Symposium has helped generate over 95 contract opportunities in areas such as investment management, communications, legal services, human resources, IT, and architecture.

The two-day event begins with a pre-symposium briefing, where University vice presidents provide department overviews. On the following day, firms participate in one-on-one business presentations with senior leaders. The event concludes with a reception featuring remarks from President Paul Alivisatos and University Trustee John W. Rogers, Jr., celebrating the shared commitment to innovation and partnership.

Our annual Institute is designed to introduce professionals to best practices for growing their vendor portfolio, increasing access to professional services talent, and building a stronger business ecosystem. Led by seasoned professionals in procurement, strategic sourcing, and business development, the course includes case studies, interactive exercises, and a take-home playbook designed to help attendees build a resilient and results-driven procurement program.

This program links qualified small and local businesses within the goods and services industries to purchasing and departmental decision makers through one-one-one small group meetings and vendors fairs.

These sessions are designed to bring MWBE’s together to learn best business practices, inspire growth and increase opportunities.

This series is designed to inspire and motivate minority and women business owners that are ready to expand and take their business to the next level. Highly successful business owners and practitioners share their stories on a wide range of topics. The series is offered to any established or second stage MWBE that wishes to leverage powerful and meaningful business relationships and learn from those who have found business success.