5 minute read
INTRODUCING SUPPLIER DIVERSITY ALLIANCE
The Supplier Diversity Alliance Canada (SDAC) was established in 2016 with the intention of advancing supplier diversity in Canada. The SDAC is composed of four national supplier diversity councils that specialize in certifying diverse suppliers - WBE Canada, CAMSC, CGLCC and IWSCC. Collaborating and aligning efforts in key areas, the SDAC strives to improve economic opportunities for diverse certified suppliers from across the country, while assisting the various stakeholders in achieving their collective mandates. SDAC focuses on three core activities: Advocacy, Research, and Learning. The SDAC supports and informs governments, businesses and key stakeholders on the importance of inclusive procurement policies and practices through supplier diversity, leading to value with economic growth and social impact. In January 2021, SDAC hosted a Diversity Summit: Connect. Collaborate. Succeed focused on leveraging supplier diversity as a tool for continued economic recovery. On-going discussions centre on current Government Relations strategy development and associated advocacy efforts.
Full name: Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council Annual Conference: April Website: www.camsc.ca
Best contact: crodrigues@camsc.ca | 416-941-0004
Key initiatives: • Supplier certification • Corporate membership and support • Networking and connections
Advocacy to government, corporates and supporting organizations on the benefits of inclusive procurement. The Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC) facilitates the growth of Aboriginal and minority owned businesses, by connecting them to procurement opportunities with companies and governments committed to a diverse and inclusive supply chain. Founded in 2004, CAMSC is a not-for-profit organization that certifies and prepares diverse suppliers to successfully engage and respond to corporate and government buyers, while at the same time, helping large organizations develop and enhance their inclusive procurement processes and connect them to certified suppliers. Minorities and Aboriginal Peoples are entrepreneurial, buying and starting businesses at significantly higher rates than the Canadian average. CAMSC connects buyers and suppliers, so that organizations benefit from the innovative solutions, cost savings, improved employee retention, local job creation, brand loyalty, and increased revenues that result from a diverse and inclusive supply chain.
Full name: Canadian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
Annual Conference: June
Website: www.cglcc.ca Best contact: supplierdiversity@cglcc.ca | 416-761-5151
Key initiatives: • Certification of LGBT+ owned businesses • Corporate membership • Mentorship for LGBT+ young entrepreneurs • Accreditation for LGBT+ inclusive businesses • Access to global markets Canada is home to over 100,000 LGBT+ entrepreneurs who collectively generate $22 billion in economic activity and employ over 435,000 Canadians. Compared to the average Canadian businesses, LGBT+ owned businesses are more likely to be self employed, more likely to be younger entrepreneurs, more likely to serve more domestic markets - and significantly more likely to employ and work with other diverse-owned businesses.
In other worlds - LGBT+ business is big business. However, significant barriers still remain. One in three LGBT+ businesses have purposely hidden the fact their company has LGBT+ ownership. One in four believe they have lost opportunities because of their businesses’ LGBT+ ownership - and another one in four have faced discrimination. These barriers are preventing LGBT+ entrepreneurs from fully participating in the Canadian economy - which is particularly detrimental as our community continues to recover from the devastating impacts of COVID-19.
Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) works to reduce those barriers. Full name: Inclusive Workplace and Supply Council of Canada
Website: www.iwscc.ca
Best contact: DeidreG@iwscc.ca | 416-287-0060 Key initiatives: • Certification of Veteran- and disabled- owned businesses • Corporate membership • Networking activities for Corporate Members and Certified Suppliers • Inclusive Workplace consulting • Research into Accessible Procurement for Veteran- and disabled- owned businesses in Canada
Inclusive Workplace and Supply council of Canada (IWSCC) is the only certifying body in Canada for Veteran and disabled-owned businesses.
IWSCC believes that every Canadian has a right to meaningful work; to support themselves and their families. For Veterans and/or those with disabilities, that right is more of a privilege or not recognized at all. Across Canada, they are denied employment, paid less than their peers and are less likely to hold management positions. The IWSCC gives not just a voice, but a platform for Veteran and disabled-owned businesses to ensure they have the same opportunities for procurement as any other Canadian entrepreneur. IWSCC partners with nonprofits and other organizations that advocate for the rights of these groups in order to create a cohesive and amplified voice. The larger the ecosystem; the more opportunities will be available for both Certified Suppliers and Corporate Members. The IWSCC wants to work with you If you are a disabled business owner, a Veteran business owner or if you want to include these valued businesses in your supply chain!
Full name: Women Business Enterprises Canada Council
Annual Conference: November - www.wbeconference.ca
Website: www.wbecanada.ca
Best contact: concierge@wbecanada.ca | 416-646-6233 Key initiatives: • WBE certification & development • Membership programs & services • Supplier Diversity program development • WBE Canada Toolbox • Associate Partnerships The Women Business Enterprises Canada Council (WBE Canada) is a Canadian non-profit organization whose mission is to advance economic growth across Canada through certification, development and promotion of Canadian women-owned businesses. Established in 2009, WBE Canada manages the largest database of Canadian Women Business Enterprises (WBEs) comprising a community that spans across a variety of industries, purchasing categories, sizes and geographic locations. All WBEs are thoroughly vetted and proven to be majority owned, managed and operated by woman/women. Click here to learn more about WBE certification.
In addition to working with WBE suppliers, WBE Canada works closely with its Member organizations (large corporations, governments and nonprofits) helping them to develop and improve their supplier diversity initiatives, include more women in their supply chains and provide connections to other peers as well as ready-tobuy-from women suppliers. Click here to learn more about Membership with WBE Canada.
The Best-In-Class Supplier Diversity Technology.
Take your Supplier Diversity Program to the Next Level!
WBE Canada’s Supplier Diversity Data Services
