Criteria to be named a Best-of-the-Best corporation include: the completion of a detailed survey of an organization’s inclusive programs includes Supplier Diversity initiatives, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and workplace engagement opportunities, as well as diverse marketplace and community engagements. Additionally, achievements in the diversity and inclusion space—along with recognition or ratings such as the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, the Disability:IN’s Disability Equality Index, or Diversity Inc.’s Top 50—are weighted and reviewed by a committee of NBIC leaders.

Corporations applying for Best-of-the-Best recognition will find be able to apply for three unique opportunities at the end of the Best-of-the-Best application. These are not required categories, but we encourage corporations to review the requirements and consider applying. 

Please see below for a description of each unique category, and see the Best-of-the-Best application for requirements for submission to each category.

Program or Initiative of the Year

The NBIC will also honor an individual program or initiative. Programs may focus on one diverse segment. Applicants wishing to be considered for this recognition should indicate below and provide a 2-3 page written statement describing the program or initiative. Applicants are encouraged to focus at least one-third of statement on activities and accomplishments taking place in the 2022 calendar year.

Living By Your Values 

The NBIC will also honor an individual program or individual with the Living By Your Values Award. This Award recognizes a Program or Individual whose actions embody the company’s core values. Applicants wishing to be considered for this recognition should indicate below and provide a 2-3 page written statement that delineates the program or individual. Applicants are encouraged to focus at least one-third of the statement on activities and accomplishments taking place in the 2022 calendar year.

Applicants should include:

• Program or individual that exemplifies the companies values

• Delineate Corporate Values in the application

• Describe the Person or Program

• Tie the person’s activities or program to each of the corporate values

• Hours spent engaged with BRG / ERG

• Examples must be within the calendar year

Internal Diversity Advocate of the Year

The NBIC will also honor an individual program or individual with the Internal Diversity Advocate of the Year. This Award is an opportunity to recognize a member of your staff outside of your Supplier Diversity or Diversity, Equity & Inclusion departments who exemplifies a lifelong pursuit of diversity and inclusion. This person may be a member of your ERG/BRG.

Applicants wishing to nominate a person for this award should indicate below and provide a 2-3 page written statement that showcases the nominee. Applicants are encouraged to focus at least one-third of the statement on activities and accomplishments taking place in the 2022 calendar year.

Applicants should include:

• Describe how the nominee exemplifies their commitment to Diversity and Inclusion through engagements at work or volunteerism outside of the office

• Share the nominee's title and department

• Examples must be within the calendar year

Corporate Partnership with the NGLCC is not required to apply for the Best-of-the-Best designation. 

No more than 50 companies will receive the exclusive Best-of-the-Best designation in 2023.

The application consists of a brief questionnaire, three short written statements and the opportunity to upload supporting documentation. All applications must be submitted via this online portal and received no later than close of business on Friday, August 25, 2023 to be considered. This online application will allow you to save your progress and return to complete your submission at a later date.

Please proceed to the Best-of-the-Best application here. 

NGLCC spearheaded the formation of the National Business Inclusion Consortium in 2011, and its members represent a total of over $9 trillion in annual economic strength along with significant contributions to the marketplace and workplace. Companies achieving industry-leading results across diverse segments are eligible to receive the prestigious Best-of-the-Best designation from the NBIC, whose members include the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC); Disability:IN;  National Minority Supplier Development Council; National Veteran-Owned Business Association; United States Black Chambers, Inc.; United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; United States Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce; WEConnect International; Women Impacting Public Policy; and Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.

See more about the NBIC on our website.