Vendor Fair
Explore products and services from local, small, veteran, minority, and women-owned businesses and diversify your purchasing.
TU Vendor Fair
Thursday, April 2, University Union
PANEL AND LUNCH, 12:30–2 p.m.
Are you a business looking to gain Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Small Business Reserve (SBR), and/or Veteran Small Business (VSBE) certifications? Learn strategies to apply for these certifications and the benefits of seeking procurement and contracting opportunities with state agencies, like Towson University. Note, this panel conversation is geared towards small business owners and procurement representatives.
VENDOR FAIR, 1:30–3:30 p.m.
Network with certified local vendors of all kinds, including IT, supplies and equipment, maintenance services, novelty goods, apparel and more. Small businesses who aren't certified are encouraged to attend to meet with local procurement reps and state agencies.
Small businesses play vital roles in the economic growth and development of the communities TU serves and supporting them is important because it helps Towson University fulfill its public-facing mission and advances strategies that promote and support local purchasing.
Hosted by the Office of Partnerships and Outreach and the Procurement Department, the Towson University Vendor Fair is an opportunity for campus and other local affiliate program managers and procurement representatives to network with and explore products and services from local, small, minority, veteran, and women-owned businesses from across greater Baltimore.
Vendor Fair FAQs
What is the format of the event?
The Vendor Fair takes place 1:30–3:30 p.m. and features local, certified small, minority, and veteran-owned businesses as exhibitors, along with local procurement teams and state agencies. Procurement representatives, purchasers, and administrators from Towson University and external organizations are encouraged to attend and network with the vendors.
Prior to the Vendor Fair, we're hosting a Certification Panel and Lunch, 12:30–2 p.m. for small business owners that aren't certified to learn more about the certifications and how they can help set businesses apart when working with organizations, like Towson University. The panel is geared towards small business owners and procurement representatives. After the panel, we encourage attendees to stop by the Vendor Fair to meet other small businesses owners and connect with procurement representatives and state agencies.
Who can attend the Vendor Fair?
The Vendor Fair is open to TU and the general public. We encourage procurement representatives, individuals who make purchases for their organizations, small business owners, and anyone interested in connecting with local small, minority and veteran-owned businesses to attend.
Who is eligible to be a vendor?
Businesses that hold at least one of the following certifications by the State of Maryland are welcome to apply to be a vendor: Small Business Reserve (SBR), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), or Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE). Businesses that may not have a certification but will get certified by the event date are able to apply as well.
How can I apply to be a vendor? What is the process?
Certified businesses can submit an . The deadline to apply is March 6. Applications will be reviewed and vendors will be notified if they have been approved on a rolling basis.
Will parking be provided?
Parking is provided. Vendors and attendees will receive details on how to park as we get closer to the event.
Who can I contact to get more information about the event?
For additional questions about the event, please contact us at partnerships AT_TOWSON.