Northeastern is launching a new initiative this spring to help Boston-based businesses grow and build their capacity to compete for contracts from the university and other large institutions, an effort that will help boost the local economy.

The university will deliver the Capacity Building Program in partnership with Next Street, a Boston-based firm that provides business advice and capital to small urban businesses and nonprofits. The program targets small minority- or female-owned businesses across many industries, including design and construction, facilities maintenance, specialty trades, professional services, furniture/furnishings supply, advertising and marketing design, AV/computer supply and repair, and printing and design services.

Through this program, Northeastern will deliver a three-part workshop series for up to 18 local businesses in April and May. The workshops will provide businesses with skills, tools, and other resources needed to help them grow and win these contracts.

“Having anchor institutions like Northeastern University commit to partnering with local businesses and entrepreneurs will help accelerate our economy,” said Boston City Councilor Tito Jackson, who is a lifelong Boston resident and a member of the City Council’s Committee on Economic Development, Planning, and Labor. “Not only will the partnerships revitalize local business, but they will positively impact surrounding neighborhoods by creating jobs.”

Northeastern will host a “Coffee and Conversation” information session on Thursday, Jan. 15, from 8-10 a.m. in the Raytheon Amphitheater for prospective vendors to learn how they can take advantage of and apply for the program. The session will include an overview of the program and its benefits, a Q-and-A with the program’s facilitators from Next Street, and a meet-and-greet with Northeastern procurement officers.

Attendance to the information session is limited; visit this website to RSVP and for additional information, including a list of preferred criteria that apply to potential program participants. Those interested in more information can also contact Mike McNamara at mi.mcnamara@neu.edu or 617.373.5883.