Supplier Diversity
Working with Small, Local and Diverse Businesses
Make these connections to get started
Get certified as an SB/DVBE
Register with SupplierOne
Register with CalUsource
Find Opportunities
There are resources to help.
Refer to the Small Business First (SB1st) Program webpage for more detailed advice and resources.
Familiarize yourself with University of California business policies governing the purchase of goods and services
Check out UC's SB Vendor/Contractor Insurance option – only $750
UC Small Business Utilization Report
Review UC’s annual reporting on Small Business Utilization. Under Legislative Reports, select the year in which you are interested and view the Small Business Utilization report posted for that year.
Most opportunities are at the campus level:
Build relationships with UC Campus Small Business Officers/Supplier Diversity Coordinators
Visit local UC campus procurement websites and build relationships with UC campus procurement teams and university department buyers
Frequently Asked Questions
A Small Business is an independently owned and operated concern certified, or certifiable, as a small business by the Federal Small Business Administration (SBA), by the State of California Department of General Services Office of Small Business & Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises, and any other recognized certifying agencies or councils.
See this short list of accepted certifying agencies for our Small Business First program.
The University does not maintain its own certification program for small or diverse businesses but there are hundreds of certification programs nationwide. Please refer to the certification resources listed in Question #1.
For starters, please visit: How to Do Business With Us.
To participate in bidding activities with UC, suppliers must register with CalUsource – our sourcing-to-contract e-procurement platform. Registering in CalUsource offers you the opportunity to participate in systemwide, multi-campus or campus-specific bidding activities.
Also, register with SupplierOne - a supplier search platform used by the University.
Please also explore UC's 'Small Business First' program for additional guidance and resources.
To view University of California bidding opportunities, visit our Public Bid Site. All UC systemwide and individual campus bid opportunities are posted here.
Please also reach out to the Supplier Diversity Coordinator or Small Business Officer (pdf) at the UC campus closest to your location.
Also, visit individual UC Campus Procurement websites for specific information about campus procurement operations.
Among the many resources available to small, local and diverse businesses are government outreach programs and coalitions of business leaders, community organizations and other advocate groups. Here are a few to get started:
- California Department of General Services Office of Small Business & Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise
- Reciprocity Partners listing: Cities, counties, agencies, or special districts that honor CA state's SB/DVBE certification as acceptance into their individual business enterprise programs.
- SB/DVBE Advocates listing: Advocates help SB/DVBEs pursue contract opportunities by working closely with buyers in their department to include SB/DVBEs in CA state procurement.
- U.S. Small Business Administration
- The California Small Business Development Center
Please contact your closest Supplier Diversity Coordinator or Small Business Officer.