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Diversity and Inclusiveness — Supply Base

Supply base diversity and inclusiveness arise from efforts to engage different categories of suppliers in sourcing processes and decisions.

In this context:

1. Provide socially diverse suppliers the opportunity to participate in sourcing opportunities.
   
   
2. Promote inclusion of diverse suppliers in the organization’s supplier development and mentoring programs.
   
   
3. Ensure long-term program sustainability through application of forward-thinking concepts beyond price.

ISM Resources:

• Click here to view the ISM Official Position Statement on Diversity (PDF).

Other Resources:

• The ISM Minority and Women's Business Development Group is one of a number of groups within ISM. Its members share a common interest in diversity; they recognize and value minority-owned and women-owned business development as a sound business practice within purchasing and supply chain management. It is the purpose of the MWBDG to promote the exchange of ideas and information as well discussion of ideas and concerns on this subject.
  
  
• Diversity Information Resources Directory/database of more than 8,500 certified minority and women-owned businesses (formerly Try-Us Resources)
  
  
• DiversityBusiness.com Resource for small businesses and large organizational buyers.
  
  
• Minority Business Development Agency U.S. Department of Commerce; this is the only federal agency created specifically to foster the establishment and growth of minority-owned businesses. Their mission is to achieve entrepreneurial parity for MBEs by actively promoting their ability to grow and compete in the global economy.
  
  
• Minority Business Network Services Provides an online directory of minority business enterprises and a directory of M/WBE contacts of corporations and government agencies. Their mission is to serve as the primary resource for the minority business community on the Web and assist in marketing minority/women owned businesses directly to corporate buyers, government agencies, and other minority business enterprises.
  
  
• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Agency created in 1953 to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses.
  
  

Associations/Organizations for Diversity Information

• Asian American Supplier Council The US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce (USPAACC) was formed in 1984 as a national, non-profit organization representing all Asian Americans and Asian American-related groups in business, sciences, the arts, sports, education, public and community services. USPAACC represents multiple ethnic groups. Our members' heritages include China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines, Korea, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Pakistan, Mongolia, and Indonesia. The organization promotes economic growth by opening doors of contract, and developing educational and professional opportunities for Asian Americans and their business partners in corporate American and government agencies.
  
  
• Asian Women in Business (AWIB) Not-for-profit membership organization founded to assist Asian women to realize their entrepreneurial potential.
  
  
• Association for Service Disabled Veterans, organized in 1982, is dedicated to activities that promote and facilitate the implementation of SDVE purchasing by corporations.
  
  
• Business Women's Network Provides resources and contacts for women in business, including access to more than 6,500 national or international women’s professional organizations, networks, associations, government agencies, and resources along with leading publications for women.
  
  
• Hispanic Organization on Corporate Responsibility Nonprofit organization that strives to ensure participation of Hispanics in corporate America commensurate with Hispanic purchasing power.
  
  
• National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) A nonprofit trade association that was established in 1969 to address the needs and concerns of minority contractors, focusing on construction industry concerns common to African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans.
  
  
• The National Minority Business Council, Inc. helps small, minority- and women-owned businesses succeed. The organization is dedicated to providing business assistance, educational opportunities, seminars, purchasing listings and related services to hundreds of businesses.
  
  
• The National Minority Supplier Development Council provides a direct link between corporate America and minority-owned businesses. It provides increased procurement and business opportunities for minority businesses of all sizes.
  
  
• National Women Business Owners Corporation (NWBOC) Established in 1995 to increase competition for corporate and government contracts through implementation of a national certification program for women business owners.
  
  
• National Women's Business Council (NWBC) A bi-partisan federal advisory council created to serve as an independent source of advice and policy recommendations to the President, Congress, and the U.S. Small Business Administration on economic issues of importance to women business owners. Members of NWBC are prominent women business owners and leaders of women's business organizations. The organization’s mission is to promote bold initiatives, policies, and programs designed to support women's business enterprises at all stages of development in the public and private sector marketplaces—from start-up to success to significance.
  
  
• Native American Business Alliance (NABA) Organization with a mission to facilitate mutually beneficial relationships between private and public businesses with Native American owned companies and to educate the communities on Native American culture.
  
  
• Women's Business Enterprise National Council, founded in 1997, is the nation's leading advocate of women-owned businesses as suppliers to America's corporations. It also is the largest third-party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women in the United States.
  
  

Media and Publications for Diversity Information

• Minority Business News USA is an award-winning resource for news and information on minority business enterprise and diversity. Features focus on top corporations, business owners, government agencies, university programs, and community advocates.
  
  

Related Resources: Supply Management Fitness Review I — Advancing the Supply Management Function 2008 Richter Award Winners ISM's 93rd Annual International Supply Management Conference -- May 4-7, 2008 Strategic Moves Across the Board Supplier Development from the Minority Supplier's Perspective

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