Strategic Procurement and Contracts
Small Business Supplier Summit
The Small Business Supplier Summit provides an opportunity for small businesses to build relationships, share capabilities and engage with representatives from Brown’s campus community, as well as other institutions and local organizations.
Small Business Supplier Summit
The Small Business Supplier Summit provides an opportunity for small businesses to build relationships, share capabilities and engage with representatives from Brown’s campus community, as well as other institutions and local organizations.
The Small Business Supplier Summit is hosted by Brown’s Office of Strategic Procurement and Contracts under the auspices of the Department of Business Affairs, Auxiliary Services and Real Estate in collaboration with the Office of Community Engagement. 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 and in the greater Rhode Island area.
Registration
Registration is required, and open to small businesses, agencies and suppliers in Rhode Island, area institutions and Brown University staff and faculty members who work with external vendors or are interested in supporting the local small business community. If you are interested in attending, please register via this form.
| Add the Full Event to your Google Calendar |
| Add the Morning Sessions to your Google Calendar |
| Add the Afternoon Showcase to your Google Calendar |
Schedule
As the leader of Brown’s nonacademic, business and financial operations, Sarah Latham oversees a vast portfolio that includes Strategic Procurement and Contracts, finance, human resources and facilities management, ensuring robust support for the University’s academic mission. An accomplished leader in higher education administration, she previously served as vice chancellor for business and administrative services at the University of California Santa Cruz and vice president for operations and planning at Samford University. Latham holds a Ph.D. in public administration and policy from Florida State University and brings an administrative approach deeply rooted in community partnership.
Be Moore Interpreting, founded by Shirley Moore, is a powerful example of how meaningful partnerships with small businesses can drive growth and community impact. What began in 2016 as a small, all-Spanish interpreting team supporting an event at Brown has grown into a network of nearly 475 professional interpreters and translators offering services in dozens of languages. Through ongoing collaboration with Brown, the company has expanded its services, strengthened its capabilities, and played a vital role in supporting inclusive, multilingual engagement across campus. Shirley’s story reflects not only entrepreneurial success, but also the importance of investing in small businesses that help bridge cultures and strengthen our communities.
George Barboza Jr., Vice President of Dining Services, Brown University
Kayleigh Hill, SupplyRI Program Manager
Robert Twardowski Sr., Founder, Robert’s Precut Vegetables
Wendy Wallace, Director of Civic Engagement, Brown UniversityThings You Should Know
Our Sponsors
Brown University proudly acknowledges the sponsors of the 2026 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.
Sponsorship helps to ensure small businesses can participate in this event at no cost, ensuring broad access and representation and demonstrating a commitment to supporting local economic development. All funding will be used to directly support small business initiatives and programming at Brown. For more information, visit the sponsorship link below or email spcsuppliersummit@brown.edu.
Platinum Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
.png)
.jpg)
.png?s28520d1779195944)
.jpg)
Support the Small Business Supplier Summit
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. Any additional funds will be used to directly support small business initiatives and programming at Brown.
2026 Small Business Supplier Summit Sponsorship (Credit Card Payment)
To contribute as a sponsor via check and for more details, please email the Brown Small Business Supplier Summit team at spcsuppliersummit@brown.edu
Please share your feedback!
Please share your feedback so we can continue to grow and improve this event.