DEI Certification Program For Recruiting, Staffing & Consulting Firms

Diversity certification can give you a competitive edge when it comes to winning new contracts. Learn more about why DEI certification is important and how Advance experts can help.

Book a Free Consult

Why DEI Certification Matters in Staffing Today

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are no longer optional—they are becoming a standard part of doing business, especially across staffing, recruiting, and consulting sectors.

In both the public and private sectors, DEI is gaining momentum, with more organizations requiring their suppliers to show documented commitment to diverse hiring and inclusive practices. As supplier diversity programs expand, companies are adding diversity mandates and spend requirements to their procurement policies.

Supplier diversity benefits your firm by opening doors to new business opportunities, aligning you with trending values, and demonstrating your commitment to positive social change.

Book a Free Consult

How We Help Recruitment Firms with DEI Certification Qualification

If your staffing firm is eligible for diversity certification, we can help. Many Fortune 500 companies seek qualified staffing suppliers as part of their supplier diversity programs. Advance Partners offers the best support for staffing firms seeking certification, providing one-on-one assistance. Our expertise in DEI certification is a favorite among firms aiming to enhance their diversity standing and gain a competitive edge.

Our diversity SME’s help you:

  • Create your Statement of Qualification (SOQ)
  • Assess your qualifications for many diversity certifications
  • Fill out the required information and applications
Book a Free Consult

What Is Supplier Diversity?

Supplier diversity is a business strategy where companies aim for a diverse supplier base in the procurement of goods or services for private, government, and non-profit industries. The term ‘diversity’ refers to suppliers owned by historically underserved groups such as people of color, women, veterans, LGBTQ+, and more. 

In other words, many companies have procurement dollars set aside for diverse suppliers. Women-owned staffing companies with business diversity certification might win more business compared to a staffing company without a certification.

What are the Benefits of Supplier Diversity?

Obtaining DEI certification brings numerous supplier diversity benefits for staffing, recruiting, and consulting firms.

  • A competitive edge for winning business: Certified diverse businesses often have a competitive edge when bidding on contracts, as many corporate, government, healthcare, and educational organizations set quotas or allocate spend for diverse suppliers.
  • Good PR for your staffing business: Certification enhances public relations, attracting not just clients but top talent seeking inclusive workplaces.
  • Sales and marketing differentiator: DEI certification serves as a compelling sales and marketing differentiator, positioning your brand as progressive and values-driven.
  • Ability to attract great talent: Many top workers want to work with companies they share values with. DEI certification can help.

Who Qualifies for Diversity Supplier Certifications?

In the United States, there are many categories used to identify diverse businesses. Common examples are small-business enterprises (SBEs), minority-owned business enterprises (MBEs), and woman-owned business enterprises (WBEs). Here are some common certifications that our company can help with:

Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)

US Citizen who is 51% or greater owner of the business, and at least one quarter Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic or Native American.

Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBE)

An independent business concern that is at least 51% or greater owned by one or more women who are US Citizens or Legal Resident Aliens.

Women Owned Small Business (WOSB)

Government woman-owned business certification

SBA 8(a)

Business must be a Small Business with a demonstrated potential for success, 51% or greater owned and operated by an economically disadvantaged individual who is a US Citizen.

Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB)

Veteran Owned Small Business – 51% or greater owner and operator of a Small Business with Discharge Form DD214.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT)

The business must be 51% or greater owned, operated, managed and controlled by an LGBT person or persons who are US Citizens or Legal Resident Aliens, exist independent of any non-LGBT business, have principal place of business in the US, and been formed as a legal entity in the US.

Business Enterprise Owned by People with Disabilities (BEPD)

Business must be 51% or more owned by one or more persons with disabilities.

At Advance Partners we can assess your qualifications for diversity supplier certifications. Find out how we can support your diversity goals.

Book a Free Consult

What Is a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)?

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is a foundational document in the DEI certification process. Essentially, your SOQ outlines your business’s credentials, ownership structure, history, services, and qualifications as a diverse supplier. This document is often required as part of a DEI certificate application and is essential for registering in supplier diversity portals or responding to RFPs.

A well-crafted SOQ will typically include:

  • Company overview and mission
  • Ownership breakdown and proof of eligibility for certification (e.g., woman-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned status)
  • Details on services offered
  • Key staff biographies or highlights
  • Relevant certifications or licenses
  • Business achievements or capacity statements

Having an accurate and up-to-date SOQ streamlines your DEI certification journey and ensures you’re prepared to meet supplier diversity checklist requirements set by large clients and government agencies.

Book a Free Consult

Why Is Supplier Diversity Important?

Supplier diversity benefits both the companies that implement it and the suppliers who qualify. For companies, it aligns with social responsibility mandates and goals, and it also helps diverse suppliers overcome barriers that challenge traditionally underserved groups and communities. Diversity certification also opens the door for federal government contracts, which often have a mandate to increase the number of diverse suppliers within an organization’s supply chain.

Watch the Video

Common Challenges in DEI Certification—and How We Help

Navigating the DEI certification journey can be challenging. Many staffing and recruiting businesses face hurdles such as gathering necessary documents, choosing the right certifying organization, and ensuring that applications are completed accurately. The nuances between different supplier diversity certification requirements—such as for SBA 8(a) versus WBE or MBE—can also cause confusion and errors.

Our hands-on support:

  • Identify the best certifying body for your business and industry
  • Assemble the correct paperwork and supporting evidence
  • Navigate the supplier diversity checklist and avoid common pitfalls
  • Prepare for site visits or follow-up requests from certifying agencies

Our guidance helps you save time and reduces the risk of delays or rejections, so you can achieve supplier diversity certification efficiently.

Book a Free Consult

DEI Certification for Small or Startup Staffing Firms

Even small or solo staffing agencies can become a certified diverse business—size is not a barrier. In fact, DEI certification for recruitment agencies of any size can accelerate growth by opening up access to supplier diversity programs, government contracts, and networking opportunities traditionally reserved for larger firms. For example, a veteran-owned small business staffing firm might qualify for set-aside contracts or specialized business development resources unavailable to uncertified peers.

Book a Free Consult

Should All Eligible Staffing Firms Become DEI Certified?

Yes. There is no reason not to get certified if you are eligible. In a competitive field, every differentiator helps.

Why Do Companies Care?

Many companies have procurement dollars set aside for diverse suppliers. Diversity certified staffing partners help companies meet their quotas.

Does Supplier Diversity Only Matter If You Work With The Government?

While supplier diversity certainly makes a big difference for government contracts, they aren’t the only reason to get certified. Many companies in different industries also have minority supplier diversity programs, goals, and mandates.

Let Advance Partners Help Your Recruitment Firm Get DEI Certified.

Ready to get your diversity certification? Contact us at any time and we would be happy to walk you through the process.

Risk carefully, grow purposefully and — recruit and staff resourcefully with Advance Partners — fully committed to your forward momentum of your staffing & recruitment company.

Book a Free Consult Explore Our Client Work

Frequently Asked Questions

To attain Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) certification for enterprise organizations or teams, start by researching reputable certifying bodies like the Diversity Collegium or the Society for Diversity. These organizations offer comprehensive DEI training and assessment programs tailored to meet the needs of large-scale enterprises, fostering a more inclusive workplace culture.

A diversity certification for a staffing business means getting officially recognized and certified as a diverse-owned organization, which then allows you to bid to do business with major corporations and government agencies. You can apply for being Minority-owned, Women-owned, LGBT-owned, Veteran-owned, Disabled-owned, etc. The certification process takes some time and has associated costs, but it can also be a differentiator and allow you to grow your business and get new contracts. There are a number of agencies and organizations that certify businesses, so it is important to do your due diligence and pick the one that is best for your business.

Yes, companies can receive funding to hire from minority staffing companies through various channels such as government grants, private sector initiatives, or diversity-focused investment programs. These funding opportunities aim to support diversity and inclusion efforts by providing financial assistance to companies that prioritize hiring from minority-owned staffing firms.

To obtain diversity certification for a business, research certifying organizations like the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) or the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). These entities offer programs to assess and validate a company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices, enhancing its reputation and opportunities for diverse supplier contracts.

Obtaining a diversity certification for a staffing business involves becoming officially recognized as a diverse-owned organization. This recognition can open doors to new opportunities by allowing you to compete for contracts with major corporations and government entities. Businesses can seek certification in various categories, such as Minority-owned, Women-owned, LGBT-owned, Veteran-owned, or Disabled-owned. While the certification process may involve some time and costs, it serves as a significant differentiator that can help expand your business and secure new contracts. Numerous agencies and organizations offer these certifications, so it’s crucial to conduct thorough research and choose the one that aligns best with your business goals.

DEI certification is crucial for staffing firms as it helps them stand out in a competitive market, secure government and corporate contracts that have diversity requirements, and fosters an inclusive workplace culture that can attract a broader range of candidates and clients.

Obtaining a DEI certification can significantly benefit staffing firms by enhancing their reputation, increasing eligibility for certain contracts, and ensuring compliance with client requirements for diversity. The certification can open doors to new business opportunities, particularly with entities that have set diversity spending goals. It also supports broader social objectives by promoting inclusivity and equitable business practices.

To begin the DEI certification process, a firm should:

  • Identify the appropriate certifying body relevant to their business type and industry.
  • Prepare necessary documentation, which may include company policies, diversity practices, and organizational structure.
  • Submit an application and undergo a review process, which might include interviews or site visits.

Advance Partners can assist by providing guidance on the preparation of documents and advising on how to navigate the certification process efficiently.

Requirements for DEI certification typically include:

  • Proof of business ownership and operational control by individuals from underrepresented groups.      
  • Financial records and organizational charts.

Eligibility criteria can vary depending on the certifying body and the specific type of DEI certification being pursued.

Industries that benefit most from DEI-certified staffing firms include government, healthcare, education, and large corporations with robust diversity mandates. These sectors often require their suppliers and partners to demonstrate a commitment to diversity, making DEI certification a valuable asset.

The duration of the DEI certification process can vary, typically ranging from a few weeks to several months, depending on the specific requirements of the certifying body and the completeness of the application submitted by the firm.

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is a document that outlines a firm’s eligibility for diversity certification. It is crucial for DEI certification as it helps certifying bodies assess the firm’s qualifications against set criteria.

Yes, small staffing firms can achieve DEI certification. The size of a firm does not preclude it from obtaining DEI certification. In fact, certification can be particularly beneficial for small firms as it can enhance their competitiveness and visibility in certain industries, helping them to grow and expand their business reach.