SHOP LOCAL INITIATIVE

The Shop Local Initiative is more than just a program—it’s a bridge, connecting local businesses in North Aurora and Northeast Denver with departments at CU Anschutz Medical Campus. Its mission? To cultivate lasting partnerships with local businesses that can fulfill the University’s diverse needs for goods and services, enriching both the campus and its surrounding communities.

Through the CU Anschutz Office of Access and Engagement, this initiative is designed to spark mutual growth. By integrating diverse businesses into our supply chain, we unlock opportunities, fuel innovation, and drive economic growth that benefits everyone.

This effort aims to be a collaborative powerhouse, bringing together the City of Aurora’s Small Business Development Center, On Havana Street, the Center for Community Wealth Building, and the University of Colorado System Procurement Service Center. Aligned with CU’s Small Business Program, the initiative seeks to maximize opportunities for small businesses at every level of procurement, regardless of the funding source.

Together, we’re creating a vibrant ecosystem where local businesses thrive, communities flourish, and CU Anschutz remains a strong, engaged neighbor.

Why Shop Local Matters
Diversity fuels innovation. By partnering with a broader spectrum of businesses, we gain fresh perspectives, foster economic growth, and empower communities. This isn’t just about meeting quotas; it’s about driving excellence and making a tangible difference.

What’s in it for You?
As a diverse supplier, you’ll gain access to a wealth of resources, including mentorship opportunities, networking events, and workshops designed to help your business thrive. Together, we can break barriers and set new standards for inclusive procurement practices.

Getting Started:

This initiative is focused on small and minority-owned businesses in the areas surrounding the CU Anschutz Medical Campus (specifically Adams, Arapahoe, or Denver County).

Your business is eligible if you are a small, locally-owned business. 

What Comes Next:

CU may list your business on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus Shop Local website after review of your application. Please allows 2-4 weeks to review your form.

University staff will reach out to the main business contact to learn more about service(s) and/or product(s) to assist with the promotion of goods. Also, gather information about past/current work with CU or learn about any challenges or issues which has limited work with CU. The University is committed to helping your business succeed and your input will help strengthen this initiative.

University Departments and Offices will be informed about your business and encouraged to reach out about your product(s) or service(s).

CU Anschutz will continue to add industry categories and vendors to this webpage with local, diverse, and small businesses. To start, we are focused on caterers, restaurants, and marketing services (i.e. messaging, website development, graphic design, and social media). These categories were selected because they are services frequently used by departments and available in Northeast Aurora and Northeast Denver.  Additional industry categories will be added in the near future, as the program grows.

If you know of businesses that meet our eligibility criteria (see below), please encourage them to complete the Vendor Application Form so we can include their business on this webpage.

Share this webpage with your entire department and encourage staff to start doing business with our small business neighbors.

Departments and offices that are active with the Shop Local Initiative will be recognized as Procurement Champions and promoted on this site.

Share your experience when working with featured vendors. Remember that the most effective marketing for small businesses is word of mouth.