And Just Like That....
The Leading Factor Celebrates 5 Years, CU Grow Graduates Another Cohort and the Launch of Expand-U Year 2!
Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year. September has been jam packed as the team prepares to roll out a brand new year of support for Community Based Small Businesses. If this space is new to you —welcome. The Office of Business Development is dedicated to identifying and connecting with businesses who want to do business with NYC Public Schools.
Why Subscribe?
Selecting the subscribe now button is how you can gain access to updates and announcements. Feel free to share our posts with your network. Our team wraps its arms around small businesses in a variety of ways including:
In person Small Business Expos
Virtual and In-Person courses designed to help you level up your skill set via Expand-U
Individual coaching sessions
Send an email to open4business@schools.nyc.gov with any questions. We are happy to assist!
Small Business Spotlight: The Leading Factor
This summer, The Leading Factor celebrated 5 years in business with a very special event co-hosted by the NY Liberty. The evening was a celebration of Women in Construction and guests enjoyed the opportunity to network and of course cheer NY on in a win against the Dallas Wings!
Expand-U facilitator and owner of the Leading Factor, Jacqueline Capriles has over 25 years of experience in technology, operations and construction management.
From the Website: Jacqueline holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Long Island University. Her extensive career includes pivotal roles such as Communications Manager, Business Analyst, Technical Writer, Web Developer, Database Developer, Software Engineer, and co-owned of an Electrical Contracting Firm.
The night was made even more awesome as Dawn Kelly and the team at The Nourish Spot received a very special recognition at center court during the game.
Ascend and CU Grow Graduates Another Cohort
The Office of Business Development was on hand as the CU Grow Vendor Development Program, Ascend NYC and the Business Outreach Center Network (BOC) congratulated another cohort of small businesses for completing the program.
We were thrilled to see Expand-U participant, Tamecca Seril of Element 9 on the list of successful business owners. Dr. Tammy Pate was invited to be a panelist during the ceremony and shared great insight into how the office engages the community and provides a pathway to procurement opportunities. CU Grow is currently seeking applications for Cohort 10.
THIS PROGRAM IS FOR YOU IF:
You are seeking a greater understanding of large company procurement procedures
Provide a service or commodity that aligns with the needs of Columbia University
You identify as SEDI, or you are a Locally owned firm with annual revenue between $250K and $10M*
Your firm has been established for at least three years and is in the built environment, including construction trades, professional services, suppliers, and commodities.
Year 2 of EXPAND-U Launches
This year, we are doubling the number of available classes to better support businesses at every stage: Foundational, Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.
Our commitment remains focused on equipping entrepreneurs like you with tools and knowledge to build and scale your business. Scan the QR Code on the flyer to join the Wait List!
If you are a small business owner (or the friend of one), connect with us to learn more about opportunities at NYCPS. We look forward to an amazing new school year!