Supplier Diversity
There are an estimated 1 billion people with disabilities in the world and the U.S. Census Bureau reports people with disabilities are nearly twice as likely to be self-employed as people without disabilities. Further, a Cargill study states leading procurement organizations generate 133% greater return on the cost of procurement operations, with a higher adoption rate of supplier diversity programs than average performers. Conversely, companies that limit their supply chain flexibility place themselves at risk for poor performance and potential supply disruptions.
Since 2015, Disability:IN: DC Metro has led the efforts to promote entrepreneurs with disabilities to our members. In 2016, Rick Rodgers, The Resource Network, Board Advisory member and certified DOBE®, has led the efforts for our chapter. In 2019, we partnered with the National Center for Disability Entrepreneurship at the Viscardi Center (NCDE).
The Disability:IN® Supplier Diversity program is the leading third-party certifier of disability owned business enterprises (DOBEs® ) and empowers corporations and government agencies to diversify their supply chain with increased contract opportunities.