The CU Boulder Buy Local program goal is to connect local-, women-, and minority-owned businesses with the University of Colorado Boulder faculty, staff, and students to meet the university's needs for purchasing goods and services. By including and supporting local businesses in our supply chain, we create opportunity, promote innovation, and stimulate the community's economic vitality.
Find Local Businesses
- Food and Drink
- Product Sales
- Photography
- Beauty (Barbers, Hairstylists, Cosmetologists, etc)
- Marketing Services (Messaging, Website Development, Graphic Design, Social Media, Promotional Products)
- Maintenance and Repair
- Professional Services
- Events and Activities
- Lessons (Music, Dance, etc)
- Health and Fitness
- Other Services
Resturants
- Cafe Aion (Independently owned) - Cafe Aion offers a delightful fusion of Spanish and Moroccan cuisine inspired by the shared joy of informal, communal dining. Cafe Aion's menu features locally sourced ingredients, bringing a unique twist to traditional dishes. (Dine-in/Takeout/Delivery/Catering)
- Lindsay’s Boulder Deli (Independent Woman/LGBTQ-owned) - This small, women, and CU graduate-owned deli specalizes in Shaw family recipes. Selling sandwiches, Soups, Salads, and Häagen-Dazs Ice cream. (Dine-in/Takeout/Delivery/Catering)
- Pasta Jay's Inc. (Independently owned) - This small business is a restaurant you can call home. Providing a casual family atmosphere, price point and excellent food. Offering both in house and catering. Also known as one of the most philanthropic restaurants in Boulder Colorado. (Dine-in/Takeout/Delivery/Catering)
- Peckish Wings (Independently owned) - Preferred Dining Partner of CU Athletics, Peckish specializes in serving great wings, tossed in over 20 house made sauces. With 8 TVs, Peckish is the place to enjoy game day or to elevate your next watch party. (Dine-in/Takeout/Delivery/Catering)
- The Sink (Independently owned) - A Boulder institution since 1923, The Sink is a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. From capturing college memories to attracting celebrities, our iconic establishment continues to be a favorite for classic Boulder dinners or a quick lunch gathering. (Dine-in/Takeout/Delivery/Catering)
- Falafel King (Independent veteran-owned) - For 45 years, we've served authentic, quick-service style, Middle Eastern cuisine on Pearl St. Mall. Enjoy falafels, hummus, gyros, shawarma, and more, with Mediterranean sides and coffee. (Dine-in/Takeout/Delivery/Catering)
- Boulder Farmers Market (Independent woman-owned) - Join us in Boulder on 13th Street (between Canyon and Arapahoe) for Colorado's longest farmers market season. Markets open on Wednesdays (3:30 pm – 7:30 pm) and Saturdays (8 am – 2 pm) offer the very best produce and so much more. (Dine-in/Takeout/Delivery/Catering/Food Trucks)
- Foolish Craig's Cafe (Independently owned) - Established in 1998, Foolish Craigs is a fun, owner-operated café in Boulder, Colorado open for breakfast, lunch, brunch, and drinks. In addition to our main restaurant downtown, we have 2 coffee shops on the CU campus. One in Porter and one in the Wolf Law building. (Dine-in/Takeout/Delivery/Catering)
- Chiri's Momo Delight (Independent minority-owned) - Chiri's Momo Delight serves hand made traditional Nepali Momo's (dumplings), Organic Chai, and Mango Lassi. They are located on the Pearl Street Mall at the corner of 13th and Pearl next to the Visitor Information Center. (Food Truck)
- Organic Sandwich Company (Independent woman-owned) - Organic Sandwich Company, an award-winning local sandwich shop. They offer house-made soups, salads, and sandwiches using local ingredients from bakers, ranchers, farmers, and many Colorado food entrepreneurs. (Dine-in/Takeout/Delivery/Catering)
- The Corner (Independently-owned) - We're a locally owned restaurant serving the CU community for 12 years at 13th and College. Our scratch-made meals cater to diverse diets, and we're a favorite gathering spot for students, professors, and locals alike. (Dine-in/Takeout/Delivery/Catering)
- Half Fast Subs On The Hill (Independently owned) - Situated on University Hill in Boulder for over 20 years, Half Fast Subs has been crafting delicious subs with pride. Their extensive menu boasts the best-tasting sandwiches in the US. (Dine-in/Takeout/Catering)
- SoupSmith (Independently-owned) - Delicious, made-from-scratch soups and fancy grilled cheese sandwiches. (Dine-In/Takeout)
- Big Daddy's Texas BBQ LLC (Independent minority-owned) - Located at 2510 47th St. Boulder CO, this Bbq food truck has catering with vegan and vegetarian options. (Catering/Food Truck)
- Sushi Hana (Independent minority-owned) - Since 2012, they have been serving authentic freshness to Boulder's students, staff, and families. Their commitment is to provide an unmatched dining experience for everyone. (Dine-in/Takeout/Delivery/Catering)
- Dagabi Tapas Bar (Independently owned) - 32-year-old Full-service Mediterranean restaurant located on Boulder's North side of town. (Dine-In/Takeout)
Coffee and Tea
- Ampersand Coffee Roasters (Independently owned) - Ampersand Coffee Roasters delivers premium wholesale coffee solutions for businesses, including events, offices, and restaurants. Their offerings feature organic, fair trade, and certified coffees, supporting sustainability and women's empowerment initiatives. (Dine-in/Takeout)
- Ku Cha House of Tea (Independent minority-owned) - Ku Cha house of Tea is a tea merchant with stores across Colorado. We sell premium loose leaf teas and have a tea bar with adjoining tea room. (Dine-in/Takeout)
- Two Sole Sisters (Independent women-owned) - This sister owned women’s footwear and accessory boutique offers artisan made products from independent makers. Two Sole Sisters specalizes in customer service and kindness, along with unique products makes shopping with us a special experience.
- Pro Photo Rental, Inc. (Independently owned) - This small business has a wide supply of cameras, lenses, lighting, audio, and other A/V production equipment on a short term rental basis (from 1 to 45 days). We can help with photo and video production, as well as audio capture.
- East Denver Food Hub (Independently owned) - Wholesale and retail distribution of local and non-local food products. Farm boxes, organic produce, healthy grains, regenerative proteins.
- The Dreamatorium (Independent indigenous-owned) - Dreamatorium is your go-to for branding and fabrication needs in Boulder since 1999. Elevate your brand with our comprehensive services, including strategic branding solutions and state-of-the-art in-house capabilities to bring your designs to life.
- BoCo Life LLC (Independent woman-owned) - We are a destination apparel store centered around all things Boulder and Colorado.
- Mcguckin Hardware (Independent woman-owned) - Local hardware store, family owned and operated since 1955.
- Sports Optical (Independent veteran-owned) - World famous Sports Optical has a wide selection of glasses and sunglasses. We make the worlds best prescription sports glasses and invented many of the processes to make them. If you want the best visual performance, come and SEE us.
- Rebecca's Herbal Apothecary & Supply (Independent woman-owned) - Dried herbs, herbal tea blends, herbal tinctures, infused oils, body butters, facial care products, aromatherapy, flower essences, books, cards, candles, gifts.
- Bliss (Independent woman-owned) - Welcome to Bliss — a locally-owned, women-led gift and home accent boutique. We feature fabulous, one-of-a-kind creations from local artisans alongside thoughtfully curated products from around the world. Come discover your bliss with us in the heart of Boulder!
- ClayKC (Independent women/minority-owned) - ClayKC is a self identified AAPI, woman-owned business selling handcrafted, small batch earrings and other home goods.
- Terracotta (Independently owned) - Terracotta offers indoor plants, pottery, terrariums, live and faux plant walls, and expert plant installation services for residential and corporate clients.
- Starfish Jewelry (Independent woman-owned) - Unique artisan jewelry featuring work from Colorado based artists.
- Pedestrian Shops (Independent woman-owned) - The Pedestrian Shops is a locally owned family business. They sell a wide variety of comfortable footwear including many non-slip, work appropriate styles.
- Art Source International (Independent woman-owned) - Situated on Pearl Street Mall, they're a second-generation family-owned business. Specializing in antique maps, prints, posters, and historic Colorado photos, they also offer custom framing services.
- Island Farm (Independent woman-owned) - Island Farm is a locally-owned boutique, offering curated collections of apparel, accessories, jewelry, home goods, and baby items. Perfect for moms, aunts, and sisters alike!
- Old Tibet (Independent woman-owned) - They make handmade jewelries (bracelets, earrings, pendants, prayer mala and many more). They also have different gift items from Nepal Bhutan Tibet and India, singing bowls, and all different kinds of Crystals.
- otto + co (Independently owned) - This unique pop-up space provides a retail front for brands on a seasonal basis. Each season (quarter) a new brand comes in and runs it as their own store for three months.
- BoCo Life (Independent women/minority-owned) - Destination apparel store centered around all things Boulder/Colorado.
- Two Hands Paperie (Independent woman-owned) - Two Hands Paperie features an array of journals, decorative paper, cards, books, art supplies, writing instruments, and unique gifts from around the globe. They also offer creative classes and free in-store events.
- Juniper Ink Photography (Independent women-owned) - A local-women owned Portrait Photographer specializing in Weddings, Elopements, Senior photos, family photos, maternity, newborn, headshots, branding, and product photography.
- Sassafras Photography (Independent women-owned) - Sassafras Photography specializes in capturing people in beautiful natural light with a focus on fun and simplicity. Sassafras offers easy online booking and has photographed thousands of people from newborns to centenarians, milestone celebrations like graduations to weddings and headshots for over ten years.
- Al's Barber Shop (Independently owned) - Men's grooming services including haircuts, shave and color!
- Symmetry 360 Massage (Independent women-owned) - This small women owned business, Symmetry 360 is a massage therapy practice that performs a wide variety of massage modalities to cater to our diverse clientele. We also have a boutique retail space showcasing products produced by local artisans and small business owners.
- Bolder Beauty Collective (Independent women-owned) - We are a collective of beauty professionals all offering something different in the beauty industry.
- Insight Designs (Independently owned) - Operating as a small business since 1999 in Boulder, Colorado, Insight Designs has proudly served over 600 clients across six continents. Our dedicated team of skilled problem solvers is passionate about developing sophisticated and intuitive websites, apps, and interfaces, ensuring your small business stands out online.
- Pixel Mill Studios (Independently owned) - With over two decades of experience, this small business is a full-service video production company creating engaging branding videos and documentaries. Whether you're hands-on or prefer us to handle it all, we offer excellent customer service and cost-efficient pricing.
- Vermilion (Independent Woman/LGBTQ+-owned) - We’re the creative agency that builds impact for brands with purpose through marketing and advertising. Our work focuses in three key areas: outdoor & environment, health & wellbeing, and CPG brands.
- StarryEyed Strategy (Independent women-owned) - Consumer insights, brand strategy, design and activation for brands big and small.
Home Maintenance and Repair
- Independent Power (Independent women-owned) -A local women-owned company in Boulder since 1997, focusing on Solar Panels, Batteries, Heat Pumps, and Electrical Upgrades. With bundled pricing and integrated systems, we make it easy for our community to decarbonize their homes and save on utility bills while fostering environmental responsibility.
- McDonald Carpet One Floor & Home (Independently owned) - Established in the late 1970s, McDonald Carpet One Floor & Home is a 40 year family-owned business deeply rooted in the local community, serving Boulder, Broomfield, and neighboring areas. With a commitment to exceptional home improvement products and services, our team ensures a personalized experience from design to installation, making us your go-to local flooring store.
- Colorado Glass Works (Independent women-owned) - Stained glass window fabrication and repair.
Jewelry and Watch Maintenance and Repair
- Hurdle's Jewelry (Independently owned) - We are a fourth generation family owned business since 1947. We are the oldest store on the Pearl Street Mall. We offer watches, jewelry, estate jewelry, jewelry repairs, appraisals and watch repairs.
- Mukuyu Collective, LLC (Independent woman/minority-owned) - The Mukuyu Collective works with our clients and partners to reimagine and align systems, eliminate waste, and balance the needs and wants of people and the planet. Services include strategic planning, equity diagnostics, relationship/power mapping, and process refinement. Our collective primarily works in the fields of education and environment.
- WK Real Estate & Relocation (Independently owned) - Boulder's largest independent real estate firm, we are also the area's most experienced and qualified relocation specialists, working with individuals, families and corporations since 1976. We are the perennial winner of the Daily Camera's Boulder County Gold Best Real Estate Company 21 years and counting.
- Ann Cooper & Associates (Women/minority owned) - Ann Cooper & Associates specializes in residential property sales and are dedicated to finding the perfect fit for you.
- Delta Developmental (Independent minority-owned) - Delta Developmental fosters organizational and personal growth through coaching, training, mediation, strategic planning, and holistic diversity and inclusion efforts.
- Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (Independently owned) - Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA), a historic landmark in downtown Boulder, offers a unique venue for events with stunning contemporary art exhibitions and a dedicated modern event space, supporting its nonprofit mission. Explore their membership for exclusive benefits or visit the Museum Shop for a diverse range of art-focused products.
- Soldevila Music Project (Independent minority-owned) - As a indipendent minority-owned business, Soldevila Music Project connects individuals to the world of music through a social justice approach, leadership development, and empowering young people. Our offerings include culturally rich music performances, group or individual music lessons, and collaborative community programs with local partners.
- Fit BodyWork (Independent disability-owned) - An integrative massage therapy clinic specializing in athletes and injury treatment. Welcome to all who are interested in living healthier lives and improving athletic performance. Offer spa services as well to help relax the body as well as the mind.
- It's Just Stuff (Independent women-owned) - It's Just Stuff, a Boulder-based, small and women-owned business, provides home organizing and move management services. We assist out-of-state parents with CU student relocations and offer tips for maintaining an organized living space to productivity during college life.
General Info
We highlight and encourage campus units to use small-, women-, and minority-owned businesses when allocating university resources. Please be sure to review and abide by all university policies when using university resources. More information can be found here: CU Boulder Administration & Finance Website.
If you don't find a vendor or category that aligns with your needs, please check back soon. This program has recently launched and is rapidly expanding its offerings. If you have a favorite local business that you'd like added to this list, encourage them to fill out the form to be added to the program if they qualify.
This website is for hosting purposes related to the Buy Local program; the use of brand names and/or listing of specific companies or commercial products or services on this website does not imply endorsement or sponsorship by the University of any commercial product, service, or activity.