The 2025 Brown University Small Business Supplier Summit will take place on Wednesday, June 18, at the Perry and Marty Granoff Center for the Creative Arts, 154 Angell Street, Providence, RI. Doors open at 8:15 a.m. for coffee, networking, and an opportunity to connect with fellow attendees and representatives from local business organizations dedicated to supporting Rhode Island’s small business community.

The Summit welcome will begin at 8:30 a.m., followed by programming at 9:00 am featuring a keynote address by Catherine Candland, CEO of nextSource, who will share her journey of founding and growing a successful women owned small business. Attendees will also hear from Keith Stokes,  Associate Director, State of Rhode Island Division of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, at the Rhode Island Department of Administration regarding Pathways to Small Business Opportunities in Rhode Island. The morning program will conclude with an engaging panel discussion highlighting success stories with perspectives from Brown and Small Business Suppliers.

Following the morning program, we invite you to attend the Small Business Supplier Showcase, beginning at 12:00 p.m., where more than 30 local and small suppliers will present their goods and services. 

Registration is required for this free event and will open shortly. Seating for the morning program will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage early arrival to check in, enjoy refreshments, and secure a seat for the morning session.

The Small Business Supplier Summit is hosted by Brown’s Office of Strategic Procurement & Contracts in collaboration with campus and community partners. By bringing together a varied range of suppliers and stakeholders, the event aims to contribute to the economic empowerment of local businesses and facilitate their participation in the supply chain at Brown.

Brown’s Inaugural Small Business Supplier Summit - June 18, 2025

Location:  The Perry and Marty Granoff Center for the Creative Arts, 154 Angell St, Providence, RI 02906
 

The link to the event registration will be provided shortly

The afternoon Small Business Supplier Showcase will spotlight over 30 local suppliers representing a range of industries. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with these small businesses at exhibitor tables, explore their goods and services, and discover new partnership opportunities. This showcase reflects Brown’s commitment to contributing to the economic empowerment of local businesses by fostering visibility, connection, and collaboration within our procurement ecosystem.

Additional details regarding the businesses attending the showcase will be provided shortly.

Keynote Speaker

Catherine Candland, CEO, nextSource

Other Special Guests

George A Barboza Jr., Vice President of Dining Programs, Brown University

Shirley Moore, Founder, Be Moore Interpreting

Keith Stokes,  Associate Director, State of Rhode Island Division of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (DEDI)

Brown University proudly acknowledges the sponsors of the 2025 Small Business Supplier Summit for their generous support in championing local business growth and helping to strengthen opportunities for small businesses through this important campus and community initiative

Sponsor information will be provided shortly

If you are interested in joining the list of sponsors, there's still time to support the 2025 Small Business Supplier Summit.

The Brown University Small Business Supplier Summit will bring together university departments, local small business suppliers, and community business organizations from across campus and the Greater Rhode Island area. The event features engaging speakers sharing practical insights and strategies for strengthening small business partnerships, followed by a showcase where over 30 small businesses will present their goods and services.

Your sponsorship helps provide these businesses the opportunity to participate at no cost, ensuring broad access and representation. In return, your organization will benefit from networking with university and community leaders, enhanced brand visibility, and the opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to supporting local economic development.

2025 Small Business Supplier Summit Sponsorship (Credit Card Payment)

To contribute as a sponsor via check please email Eric Swanson, Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager at eric_swanson@brown.edu