Minority Business Enterprise Program

A Message to the Harvard Community

Harvard University holds a unique position, not only in the academic, but in the world community, and has an enormous capacity to influence for the public good.

Historically, Harvard has championed the principle of Equal Opportunity. The University continues to make every effort to promote diversity throughout the student and employee populations, but recognizes that special efforts are needed to increase the level of participation by minority business enterprises (MBEs) in the University's procurement process. As members of the Harvard community with purchasing responsibilities, you should be accountable for creating a climate that encourages minority business enterprises to compete for University business and for eliminating any barriers that might impede their participation in University purchasing activities. The minority business community does not expect special considerations. It does expect equal access.

The Procurement Management Department supports Harvard's Minority Business Enterprise Program and your individual efforts by identifying qualified minority businesses and introducing these vendors to you. Procurement Management encourages you to communicate your successful experiences with minority businesses to other buyers around the University and to the Procurement Management Department. Procurement Management will work with you to develop meaningful and profitable relationships with the minority business community.

Further resources are available on the Additional Links page.