Newark, NJ – March 6, 2024 – Mayor Ras J. Baraka announced today that the city will join with other partners to hold a Procurement Symposium on Wednesday, March 13. This event, hosted at Rutgers Business School Newark from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., signifies the city’s dedication to fostering economic growth and empowering local businesses through strategic partnerships and valuable resources. Rutgers Business School is located at 1 Washington Place in Newark’s downtown.

The Procurement Symposium, a collaborative effort between the City of Newark, industry experts, government officials, and business leaders, aims to equip entrepreneurs with the necessary knowledge and tools to navigate the intricacies of procurement processes effectively.

“As a major economic engine in our City, it is important that we ensure that we are supporting the economic development and growth of our Newark-based businesses and entrepreneurs. Through this procurement symposium, our local businesses and entrepreneurs will learn about opportunities to do business with the City in 2024 and how they may effectively and efficiently engage with the City’s Office of Procurement to pursue these opportunities. Through this initiative, it is our goal that more of the dollars that the City expends each year on supplies and services be spent with our local business and entrepreneurs, which will contribute to a stronger city economy and local employment for our residents.” said Mayor Baraka.

Participants can anticipate an engaging and informative program that includes:

1. Networking Opportunities: Connect with key stakeholders from various sectors, including industry professionals, government officials, and fellow entrepreneurs. These networking opportunities provide a platform for forging valuable relationships and exploring potential collaborations that can drive business growth.

2. Educational Sessions: Delve into the intricacies of procurement best practices through a series of expert-led workshops and presentations. Topics covered will include setting up digital procurement profiles, developing personalized business calendars, and navigating the processes for registering as Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) and Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) businesses.

3. Tailored Learning: Tailored sessions will address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by businesses in the Newark community. Participants can expect practical insights and strategies tailored to their specific needs, enabling them to thrive in today's competitive marketplace.

4. Exclusive Opportunities: Discover new business prospects, connect with potential vendors, and explore innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency and drive sustainable growth. The symposium provides a platform for attendees to explore and capitalize on emerging opportunities in procurement.

“We are excited to host the City of Newark Procurement Symposium, which underscores our commitment to supporting the local business community,” said Phyllis Glanton, Interim Director of Central Purchasing. “This event represents a unique opportunity for business owners to expand their networks, gain valuable insights, and access resources that will empower them to take advantage of local opportunities.”

The City is partnering with a host of local, county, and state organizations including Newark Alliance, Invest Newark, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, the New Jersey Office of Innovation, Essex County Office of Small Business Development, Newark Public Library, Greater Newark Enterprises Corporation, NJ Small Business Development Center, Newark Regional Business Partnership, and Rutgers Business School. These partners will play a pivotal role in facilitating workshops and conversations throughout the day, offering valuable support to attendees. Additionally, the networking expo will provide vendors with the unique opportunity to engage with representatives from these agencies, facilitating meaningful connections and sparking possible collaborations.

“The Newark Alliance is proud to bring our Buy Newark initiative to the City of Newark’s Procurement Symposium,” said Evan Weiss, Newark Alliance’s President, and CEO. “We are excited to share with Newark’s business community the various ways in which major public and private institutions are advancing inclusive procurement policies and practices to localize purchasing in the city.”

For more information and to register, please click here.