The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) has launched a Diversity Business Enterprise Initiative to assist and encourage more small businesses and businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, and those with disabilities to pursue business opportunities with the university.
UTHSC hosted workshop last month to acquaint business owners with the initiative and with procurement practices at the university and with the UT System. Representatives from many area businesses attended.
Departments throughout UTHSC will be encouraged to seek out disadvantaged business enterprises for purchases under $10,000, which are not handled through Procurement Services. UTHSC departments will be expected to solicit at least one such business for purchases between $10,000 and $49,999. Formal purchases handled through Procurement Services will identify disadvantaged business enterprises that will be invited to participate in the solicitation.