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.
How We Help Staffing Firms with DEI Certification
If your staffing firm is eligible for a diversity certification, we can help. Most Fortune 500 U.S. corporations set aside portions of their total supply chain spend for supplier diversity fulfillment, and frequently seek out qualified staffing suppliers. We offer one-on-one assistance to help you leverage your diversity advantage.
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
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 DEI Certification?
There are many benefits to DEI Certification for staffing firms such as:
- A competitive edge for winning business
- Good PR for your staffing business
- Sales and marketing differentiator
- Ability to attract great talent
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 we 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.
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.
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.
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.
