Minority-owned businesses have a harder time getting college contracts.

Terrill Calloway works at a small, black-owned graphics and printing firm on Newbury Street in the heart of Boston — a short walk from a dozen colleges.

“We print anything from business cards, flyers, banners, signs — anything,” he said.

Although the business is surrounded by colleges, Calloway said it’s difficult to arrange contract work with them. “Colleges were very challenging. I say good old boy system. It’s the easiest way,” he said.

The killing of George Floyd two years ago prompted colleges across the country to pledge to increase contracts with businesses owned by people of color, recognizing the value they place on diversity.

But provider diversity still seems more aspirational than reality in higher education — an industry that spends more than $630 billion annually nationally.

“Most of that money goes to big companies,” said Yangbok Ryu, a policy researcher who teaches at Northeastern University.

Ryu co-authored a report released this year covering the largest providers of most college expenses, including construction, food service and legal work. But different businesses tend to be smaller. Of the 359 Ryu groups surveyed, 58% had 10 employees or fewer.

“Most of them mentioned that there is a big obstacle to get into higher education [in] The procurement market,” he said.

The National Association of College and University Business Officers has made increasing diversity in contracting a priority for its members. Colleges are looking at the diversity of the companies they do business with.

While colleges are flocking, Calloway says he’s noticed a few more schools showing interest in his publishing services.

“Black Lives Matter matters from the start — it matters who you give your business to and how you do your business,” he said.

This spring, he entered into a small contract with nearby Northeastern University to print banners for Alumni Weekend. “A classic example of how opportunity meets desire,” he said.