Programs
In collaboration with USC Schools and community partners, OBO offers a wide range of year-round programs and events designed to help small businesses grow and succeed. Many programs also provide access to USC’s business networks and exclusive events, connecting businesses with valuable resources and strategic partnerships.
Opportunities
We create opportunities for businesses to compete for contracts across USC Schools, Divisions, and Keck Hospitals. To be considered, we encourage you to complete the USC Supplier Interest Form. Once submitted, you’ll receive updates on upcoming opportunities and programs designed to support business growth and success.
Local Support
Through our Trojan Shop Local initiative, USC strengthens and expands a thriving network of local and small businesses. By engaging the Trojan community, we drive economic growth, create new opportunities, and support the long-term success of businesses that are vital to our surrounding communities.
Education
The USC Bridges to Business Success, and Small Business Leadership Development programs equip business leaders with essential perspectives, coaching and technical resources to strengthen their operations and drive growth. These dynamic programs connect participants to USC’s extensive network and provide cutting-edge insights on emerging market trends, enabling businesses to stay competitive and expand their impact.
Sustainability
Sustainable purchasing is a priority at USC, reflecting our commitment to environmental responsibility and smart business practices. We encourage our business partners to adopt sustainable strategies by leveraging educational programs, expert resources, and guidance from USC Business Services and the USC Office of Sustainability on eco-friendly products and services. By integrating sustainability into operations, businesses can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen their competitive edge.
Consortium
Partners
The OBO Consortium engages business and economic leaders to provide strategic insights and develop high-impact partnerships that fuel business growth, resilience, and sustained competitiveness.
LEADERSHIP
Dr. Michèle G. Turner, Associate Vice President
Dr. Michèle G. Turner is a visionary leader whose career spans corporate innovation, higher education leadership, and entrepreneurial excellence. Her work bridges institutional strategy and community empowerment, advancing equitable access to opportunity across sectors.
At the University of Southern California, Dr. Turner leads enterprise-wide initiatives to expand business access and opportunity, ensuring inclusive economic participation through local business engagement and supplier development. Her pioneering programs—Trojan Shop Local, a digital platform showcasing small and local businesses surrounding USC campuses, and the Small Business Leadership Development Program, a collaboration with the USC Marshall School of Business Executive Education—reflect her commitment to translating institutional influence into measurable community impact. DOWNLOAD FULL BIO HERE.
Gary D. Brown, Program Administrator
The Trojan Shop Local program is managed by Gary D. Brown
As a USC administrator for over six years, Mr. Brown brings a wealth of experience supporting small business opportunities at USC. He is a Los Angeles native and former business owner who has experienced the challenges — and successes – of a small business owner in our surrounding communities. Mr. Brown has been integral in establishing practices supporting small business opportunities at USC and he continues to steward long-term USC business relationships.
Mr. Brown received his B.S. degree from the USC Marshall School of Business in Management and Organization and a master’s degree from USC Bovard College in Hospitality & Tourism. Mr. Brown can reached at garyb@usc.edu.
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