Advocating Consistent Contracting to Engage Small Businesses for Success (ACCESS)

Purdue's ACCESS Program has created new policies and measures to strengthen the economic development and viability of all small businesses — including minority- and women-owned businesses. This innovative program amps up Purdue's nationally renowned supplier diversity program and strengthens the commitment of developing small-business diversity in higher education. The ACCESS Program is divided into three tracks of measures.

Track 1

Outreach, mentoring and data collection

• Provide additional information about Purdue business opportunities and potential business partners.
• Collect additional information about prime contractors and subcontractors that Purdue uses and about businesses interested in working with the University.
• Increase the mentoring and technical assistance that Purdue provides to small businesses, including minority-owned and women-owned businesses.
• Increase small-business utilization, including minority-owned and women-owned businesses.

Track 2

Contract requirements and awards

• Provide bonding assistance on certain construction contracts.
• Establish a small-business goals program.
• Explore the advantages and possibility of using construction managers.

Track 3

Specific minority-owned, women-owned business goals

• Implement a business goals program for specific groups.
• Tailor the goals program for individual groups.