Support Local Vendors

We encourage your department or unit to consider working with local vendors for your catering, events and office related needs. We have created this page to make it easier for you. 

Our Commitment with Supplier Diversity

We stand by President Tripathi’s remarks in his Executive Commitment to Supplier Diversity: “The University at Buffalo is committed to increasing opportunities for and developing relationships with a diverse business population by fostering the growth and sustainability of small business and business enterprises owned by minorities, women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.”

The selection of a local vendor outside of UB is a straightforward and painless process. The benefits of such partnerships are crucial as we seek to build community trust.

All the vendors in this page are minority (identified as Black, Hispanic and Native American) and women-owned businesses. 

Process

The process is simple:

  • Contact the vendor and agree upon a date and price.
  • If using an outside catering service, follow this link to apply for an outside vendor food permit.
  • We have found it useful to have an invoice already in-hand and ready to be submitted by the day of the event, so that these local vendors — often running on tighter margins than large corporations — can be paid as quickly as possible.
  • We suggest always following up with the vendor and accounts payable to assure payment is done on time.

Food Permit Process is Easy!

The Vendor Food Permit is very easy to obtain.

  • Fill out the form answering all the questions
  • Make sure you have a confirmation of the space to submit with the request
  • Make sure you do know exactly what are you going to serve in the event
  • Make sure to have a menu of the food vendor to submit with the request
  • Send the request two weeks of the event. 
  • Are you late with your food permit? contact FoodPermit@facilities.buffalo.edu and ask how they can help. 

Local Vendors By Category

Have a Question?

We are here to help! Contact smbs-inclusion@buffalo.edu