More and more businesses are recognising the importance of social corporate responsibility and as a result an increasing number are looking to diversify their supply chains. Identifying as a diverse supplier is the first step in connecting your business to national and international corporations looking to do just that.

Certification can open various targeted business opportunities for women-owned businesses including education and development programs to spur growth and increase capacity as well as networking opportunities with access to closed-door trade shows, events and meetings designed to connect certified businesses to corporate and government buyers.

In this webinar we chatted about the Women-owned business certification, how it assists government and corporations make procurement decisions and how it can speed up your business success.
We discussed:

• What it is and what it means for your business
• The benefits of certification
• How and where to get certified

If you are looking to build strategic alliances and partnerships, with like-minded women-owned businesses who understand your challenges and gain a marketing edge to accelerate the growth of your business then this session is a must!

Facilitator: Melanie Rupp, Senior Director, Loans & Advisory Services
Panelists:

• Stephanie Fontaine, Regional Director for the US and Canada, WEConnect International
• Liana Gitto, Supplier Diversity Advisor, Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
• Neasa Maguire, Entrepreneur in Residence (Lead on Supplier Diversity), WeBC

The post Supplier Diversity Certification Explained appeared first on WeBC.

Targeting diverse suppliers is a practice that is becoming increasingly popular among large Canadian and international companies that wish to enhance the economic participation of traditionally under-utilized businesses, including those owned by women. These are known as supplier diversity initiatives.

The list of Fortune 1000 companies with established social procurement programs is long… and growing. Companies like Walmart, Starbucks, Microsoft and RBC have incorporated supplier diversity into their Corporate Social Responsibility practices and corporate values.

How to Certify as a Diverse Supplier

Identifying as a diverse supplier, either through a certification process or by self-registering, is the first step in connecting your business to new supply chain opportunities. You can either certify your business through a third-party certification process (for a fee) or by self-registering (for free!). WeBC is a partner of WBE Canada and WEConnect International, and we help to facilitate the certification process for clients in BC. Contact one of our business advisors to learn more.

Resources for Diverse Suppliers

WeBC works closely with these organizations to help women leverage their status as a diverse supplier.

• WEConnect International: A global network that connects women-owned businesses to qualified buyers around the world. They identify, educate, register, and certify women’s business enterprises, and then connect them with multinational corporate buyers. Learn more >>
• WBE Canada: A non-profit organization, led by corporate members, that is opening doors to new supply chains. It certifies women-owned businesses and introduces them to opportunities with corporations. Learn More >>
• Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB): Builds bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, businesses, and communities through diverse programming, providing tools, training, network building, major business awards, and national events. Learn More >>
• Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC): A non-profit membership organization that champions business relationships and economic growth of the Canadian supply chain through the inclusion of Aboriginals and Minority suppliers. Learn More >>

The post Social Procurement and Women Business Owners appeared first on WeBC.