The purpose of the MIEC’s Small Business Executive Program (SBEP) Opportunity Partner/ Market Access Council is to create a platform for sharing strategies that promote inclusive supplier sourcing and procurement processes for Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC), as well as women-owned businesses. The Council’s key responsibilities include:
- Educating procurement officers on the direct benefits of diverse sourcing.
Connecting high-growth BIPOC businesses with procurement opportunities. - Collaborating with Program Managers at the Morehouse Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (MIEC) and its partners to develop contract-readiness curriculum.
- Simplifying the contracting process and removing barriers.
- Incentivizing procurement officers to integrate Supplier Diversity program success into their performance goals.
- Fostering collaboration across all procurement channels.
Why is This Council Essential?
Research* shows that engaging diverse suppliers provides significant corporate benefits, including:
- Reduced supply chain risk by introducing a broader, more diverse range of suppliers.
- Increased return on investment (ROI) and market share through diverse spending.
- Enhanced financial performance by fostering competition among suppliers.
- Greater access to innovation, new products, services, and solutions.
- Improved supply chain agility and resilience.
- Strategic investment in diverse businesses, contributing to overall economic advancement.
- Upholding corporate responsibility by supporting and representing the growing BIPOC population.
Membership:
The Council will consist of a select group of no more than 10 corporations committed to helping diverse suppliers secure contracts and build generational wealth.