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The goal of the Diversity Supplier Forums is to generate employment and improve the general economy of Gwinnett County and the metro Atlanta region by assisting minority and women-owned businesses in obtaining contracts from federal, state and county government and from the private sector.
Many large companies and governmental agencies are actively encouraged to give procurement preference to small, small disadvantaged and woman-owned firms by establishing annual procurement goals, contract set-asides, certifications and technical assistance programs. This forum helps bridge big business and government purchasing opportunities with minority small business firms – a win-win for both.
How Diversity Supplier Forums work:
Diversity Supplier Forums are similar to the Council’s Meet the Purchasers events. Each attending minority company may send as many representatives as it wishes. The event begins with each purchasing representative providing a five-minute overview describing what the company does, what it purchases locally, and its means of interacting with potential vendors. (How does it offer bids? Is it online? Does it prefer to pay for small jobs with credit cards? Do vendors have to qualify, etc?)
After the presentations, attendees take turns talking with the purchasers of their choice. They have the opportunity to network with the purchasing representatives and among themselves.
The Council provides table space for each company to display business cards and a marketing piece.
Remember to bring plenty of business cards and marketing materials!
For companies or government agencies required to do business with minority and women owned businesses, these forums are a great way to promote your organization to the minority-owned and small business community as well as affirm your organization’s support for diversity.
