Faculty & Research
Empowering Communities Through Research
The Consulting and Business Development Center supports academic research on entrepreneurship among underrepresented groups, including people of color, women, LGBTQ individuals, and veterans. Through conferences and small grants, the Center fosters insights that drive inclusive innovation and economic growth.
Our research is led by William Bradford, Professor of Finance, Endowed Professor of Business and Economic Development and Faculty Director, Consulting and Business Development Center.
Current Research
The CBDC uncovered disparities in lending practices that disproportionately affect minority-owned businesses. This research highlights the challenges these entrepreneurs face in accessing capital, with lenders often requiring higher interest rates and more substantial collateral. These findings emphasize the need for systemic change to level the playing field for diverse entrepreneurs.
Billion Dollar Roundtable
The Center is the national research partner for the Billion Dollar Roundtable which created in 2001 to recognize and celebrate corporations that achieved spending of at least $1 billion with minority and woman-owned suppliers. The Center has produced research focused on the economic impact of corporate supplier diversity.
Fostering Inclusion
A Workshop to Advance Research on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
May 16-17, 2025
University of Washington Foster School of Business
Junior scholars conducting research on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in marketing, information systems, operations management and related fields are invited to attend this two-day workshop. As part of the workshop, you will work in small writing groups and gain feedback from journal editors and your peers to accelerate your paper submission to a top journal. This workshop will be in person only, and participants are invited to attend all or part of the workshop activities as their schedule allows.
The Tenure Project
The Tenure Project offers a supportive environment where junior faculty are welcomed and engaged in programs, events, and dialogues that address the important issues affecting Black, Latinx, and Native junior faculty obtaining tenure in US business schools.
Date and Location
The 4th Annual Tenure Project conference will be held from Monday, July 14, 2025, through Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at the University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business in Ann Arbor, MI.
Ways to engage
- Volunteer to share your time and talents.
- Donate to support our work in leveling the playing field in higher education.
- Join our email list to stay informed on news and upcoming events.
Bradford-Osborne Research Award
Named for its founders, William “Bill” Bradford and Alfred “Al” Osborne Jr. who, over their 40+ year careers, have published more than 60 research articles focused on entrepreneurs of color and the dynamics of their businesses. Their funding of this award is yet another of their many innovations.