CITY OF BOSTON KICKS OFF SUPPLIER DIVERSITY WEEK AND CELEBRATES GROWTH IN CONTRACT AWARDS TO CERTIFIED BUSINESSES

CITY OF BOSTON KICKS OFF SUPPLIER DIVERSITY WEEK AND CELEBRATES GROWTH IN CONTRACT AWARDS TO CERTIFIED BUSINESSES 

Recent initiatives have expanded opportunities for small, local, and diverse firms, contributing to a 132% increase in contract awards to certified businesses from Fiscal Years 2023 to 2026 compared with Fiscal Years 2019 to 2022

BOSTON - Monday, October 26, 2026 - Today, Mayor Michelle Wu and the City of Boston’s Department of Supplier Diversity announced the start of the fourth annual Supplier Diversity Week, highlighting the City’s efforts to expand opportunities for local and diverse businesses. Throughout the week, the City will host events and workshops to connect businesses with resources and contracting opportunities while fostering a more inclusive business community. 

“Healthy, resilient neighborhoods depend on all residents having access to good-paying jobs and opportunities to build and expand their business,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We will continue to honor the spirit of Supplier Diversity Week all year round by increasing small businesses participation in City contracting and connecting businesses historically excluded with the opportunities and support they need to complete, grow and thrive.” 

From Fiscal Year 2023 to Fiscal Year 2026, the City spent $504 million in discretionary funds with certified minority- and women-owned business enterprise (M/WBEs), a 115 percent increase over the $234 million spent during Fiscal Years 2019 to Fiscal Year 2022. The City also awarded $752 million in contracts to certified M/WBE during fiscal years 2023-2026, a 132 percent increase over the $324 million awarded during the previous four-year period. In Fiscal Year 2026, the City had 1,076 actively certified businesses across its M/WBE and small and small-local (S/LBE) businesses. 

The City of Boston is continuing this work, and outlines recent achievements in the annual Equity in Contracting Report for FY26. Additional information about the City’s efforts is available on the Equitable Procurement webpage. 

“Communities thrive when the City is intentional in how we use our purchasing power,” said Emily Knight, City of Boston Chief of Economic Development. “As I step into this new role, I am committed to furthering the Wu Administration’s strong work in Supplier Diversity. Our city benefits from the greater participation of minority-owned and women-owned firms. Let’s keep the momentum going.”

“We collaborate with many City Departments, demonstrating that this work requires everyone's commitment,” said Andrea Swain, Director of Supplier Diversity for the City of Boston. “Our main objective is to share opportunities for vendors and help them learn the intricacies of City contracting. Our annual report provides transparency on the City's progress in helping diverse suppliers navigate barriers to deliver quality services to the City.”

“As a Finance Cabinet, we remain committed to lowering the barriers in City contracting for Boston's small and diverse businesses,” said Ashley Groffenberger, Chief Financial Officer. “I am excited to work with Chief Knight, and the Supplier Diversity, Procurement, and Auditing to continue streamlining our procurement processes, enhancing our reporting, and meeting vendors where they are.”

"A diverse supplier base is essential to promoting healthy competition and building a resilient, inclusive economy," said Casey Brock-Wilson, Purchasing Agent. “The Procurement Department is committed to reducing barriers to participation and ensuring City contracting processes are clear and accessible. We’re grateful to Supplier Diversity for their partnership in this work, and we look forward to participating in this year’s Supplier Diversity Week events.”

The full list of Supplier Diversity Week events is as follows:

VIRTUAL PROCUREMENT 101 WORKSHOP

Monday, October 26 ; Materials will be posted on boston.gov at a later date

Learn how the City purchases goods and services, where opportunities are posted, and what businesses should know before preparing and submitting a bid or proposal.

VIRTUAL CERTIFICATION OVERVIEW AND BENEFITS WORKSHOP

Tuesday, October 27 at 11am

Learn about City business certification, eligibility, the application process, cross-certification, and how certification can increase visibility and help eligible businesses pursue City contracting opportunities.

SUPPLIER DIVERSITY OPPORTUNITY FAIR

Wednesday, October 28 from 4pm to 6pm at the Bolling Building

Potential vendors will connect with various City departments, including the Boston Centers for Youth and Families and the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture, about upcoming opportunities.

BUSINESS NETWORKING MIXER

Thursday, October 29 from 6pm to 9pm at Savvor

Small business owners, Supplier Diversity partners, and City staff will mingle at this networking event. 

VIRTUAL OFFICE OF SMALL BUSINESS 101 WORKSHOP

Friday, October 30 at 11am

Learn about City programs, services, and resources that can help businesses strengthen operations, build capacity, and grow beyond individual contracting opportunities from the Office of Small Business.

To learn more about Supplier Diversity Week events and workshops, visit the Supplier Diversity homepage.