UPMC partners with local institutions to offer classes for minority business owners

Emily Balser | Tuesday, June 4, 2019 4:10 p.m.

UPMC announced Tuesday it’s launching a Diverse Business Education and Development Program aimed at helping companies run by minorities, women, the disabled and other diverse groups do business with the hospital and health care group.

The program is designed to give diverse businesses equal access to the health system’s opportunities. The program ensures that certified diverse businesses are provided the maximum opportunity to participate as partners and suppliers of goods and services to UPMC.

UPMC has partnered with the University of Pittsburgh, Turner Construction Company and Omicelo Cares to offer different options for business owners. UPMC Health Plan is providing financial support.

Through the University of Pittsburgh’s Small Business Development Center, UPMC is providing a series of specialized classes beginning July 10 for diverse vendors that have been in business for at least one full year and are new to doing business with UPMC. The classes will help suppliers improve their finance, marketing and other business skills, while obtaining approval to be listed on the UPMC Supplier Diversity Portal. The portal is used by buyers within the health system to find diverse vendors for of goods and services. To attend the Pitt program, suppliers pay only a $50 application fee upon acceptance.

The Turner School of Construction Management will offer free business development classes in Pittsburgh beginning Aug. 27. The program covers such topics as bonding and insurance, bidding and financial management. Classes will be held bi-weekly one evening a week for 12 weeks. The program also will cover components specific to UPMC’s engineering and construction requirements.

Omicelo Cares will offer free business development assistance to UPMC’s existing base of diverse vendors. Omicelo Cares is a non-profit that works to grow residents’ incomes in low-to-moderate income neighborhoods through specialized real estate education and support for small businesses.