About the Supplier Diversity Initiative
The NGLCC Supplier Diversity Initiative (SDI) serves as the exclusive third-party certifying organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer-owned Certified LGBT Business Enterprise® (Certified LGBTBE®) suppliers.
The NGLCC SDI offers certification to LGBTBEs, as well as a host of opportunities to enhance LGBTQ-owned business’ visibility to corporations seeking to do business with LGBTQ suppliers. Corporations can search for Certified LGBTBE® suppliers through our exclusive LGBTQ supplier database, as well as meet face-to-face with potential suppliers at NGLCC SDI matchmaking events, which are held across the country throughout the year. Certified LGBTBE® suppliers may also be eligible for scholarship programs, mentorship and leadership training, and other business development tools to help your business grow.
What inspired the NGLCC SDI?
The NGLCC SDI was inspired by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), and their missions to create opportunities for women and minority-owned businesses within corporate supply chains. The NGLCC was joined by first Founding Partner IBM, as well as Wells Fargo & Company, JPMorgan Chase, Motorola, Travelport, Intel, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, American Airlines, American Express, Lehman Brothers, and Ernst & Young to create the NGLCC Supplier Diversity Initiative.
Is certification as a diverse supplier unique to LGBTQ companies?
No. In fact, certification as a Certified LGBTBE® is one of many national certifications available for diverse businesses. The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) has been the national certification organization for racial and ethnic minority business enterprises (MBEs) for more than 35 years and has resulted in tens of billions of dollars in procurement contracts throughout its history for its certified members. Additionally, the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) is the major certifying body for women business enterprises (WBEs). The NGLCC and its Corporate Partners saw a need for a LGBTQ diversity certification to create business development opportunities for Certified LGBTBE® suppliers. To meet this need, the NGLCC Supplier Diversity Initiative was founded as the exclusive certifying organization for LGBTBEs.
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Diversify Your Supply Chain
If you are a corporate representative interested in adding LGBTBEs to your diverse supply chain, reach out to our Corporate Relations team.
