Increasing our Spending with Diverse Businesses

Together we can build the strength and breadth of diverse local businesses, increase equity, and create a more resilient and integrated community. We're starting small, but looking forward to the big impacts of our collective purchasing power.

Seattle University Procurement Goals

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Annually double the dollars spent with diverse businesses
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Annually double the number of diverse businesses used as vendors
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Track and report procurement spending with diverse vendors

The Diverse Purchasing Pledge

100% of campus units took the pledge!

  • Commit to intentionally increasing your area’s procurement spending with BIPOC and especially Black suppliers of goods and services.
  • Engage Supplier Diversification Program on planned spending to identify diverse potential vendors.
  • When possible, choose to purchase goods and services from diverse businesses.

Program News

Shop Seattle U to showcase most promising small, diverse businesses in Seattle

The Albers School of Business and Economics is hosting Shop Seattle U, an expo of up-and-coming diverse businesses in the city, on February 28th, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Designed for purchasing and procurement professionals, the event will feature select vendors in apparel, food and beverage, consumer and professional services and more. Participating vendors and organizations include:

Shop Seattle U is made possible by JP Morgan Chase. For inquiries about the event, contact Janie Ng.


Diverse Vendor Spotlight: Outside Thinc

Posted: December 5, 2022

Outside Thinc is a Black-owned business in the Central District that offers photography and videography services. Plus, many of their employees are SU alumni! Consider using them at your next event.


$2 off Every Order at 10 Minority-Owned Restaurants Near Campus Nov. 7-11

Posted: November 3, 2022

Eat and shop local with Intentionalist during Homecoming Week! Any SU community member can receive $2 off every order Nov. 7-11 at 10 minority-owned restaurants and cafes near campus.


Diverse Vendor Spotlight: Girlie Press Printers

Posted: November 2, 2022

Girlie Press is a local woman-owned business that provides high-quality custom printing services for catalogs, mailings and more.


Diverse Vendor Spotlight: PromoShop Inc.

Posted: October 26, 2022

PromoShop is a certified minority-owned business that provides a wide variety of high-quality promotional/swag items.


Strategic Conversations: Supplier Diversification Program

Posted: October 19, 2022

The first Strategic Conversation of the fall quarter will be on Wednesday, Oct. 26, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. via Zoom and will highlight the progress of the Supplier Diversification Program.


Shop Local with the New Seattle University Intentionalist Website

Posted: October 5, 2022

SU has launched a new resource for our campus community to more easily find and connect with small, local and diverse small businesses near campus.


Update on Supplier Diversification Program

Posted: October 3, 2022

Seattle University is committed to increasing the diversity of its suppliers to move toward a more sustainable, inclusive local economy.


Boon Boona Coffee is Now on Campus

Posted: September 30, 2022

The Sidebar Cafe in Sullivan Hall now exclusively serves Boon Boona Coffee. Stop by to get your own cup of Eduardo's favorite coffee!

Image for Intentionalist: Directory of Local Businesses

Intentionalist: Directory of Local Businesses

Intentionalist is a free resource that helps everyone Spend Like It Matters with local and diverse businesses. Support a local company when you purchase meals, flowers, gifts, and even gift cards!

Image for Recommend a Business Vendor to Seattle University

Recommend a Business Vendor to Seattle University

Know a great business to provide products or services to Seattle University? Anyone can complete this short form to let our team know about a potential vendor.

Image that complements Vendor Research Request for SU Purchases

Vendor Research Request for SU Purchases

SU Purchasers can let our team know about an upcoming purchase you'd like to make with a diverse vendor - we'll research and try to connect you with a diverse supplier.