Are You Engaged: 3 Tips for Connecting with MBEs as a Corporate Partner
If you read our recent blog on the importance of attending EMSDC events, you know that “EMSDC’s corporate partners are committed to supplier diversity, and they are looking to make the most of their membership by building strategic business relationships, alliances, and joint ventures for success.” Events hosted by the Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council, such as ROAR, the Choice Awards, and the upcoming Golf Invitationals and Clinics, facilitate connections that are valuable for both MBEs and our Corporate Partners. As such, it is vital for both parties to engage in any and all networking opportunities to reap the benefits of membership and supplier diversity. Beyond event participation, here are some additional tips for connecting with MBEs as a corporate partner.
Take advantage of resources to forge business relationships.
As a regional council of “the largest national organization whose certification is uniformly recognized by Corporate America,” the EMSDC team and Board of Directors works hard to advance economic equity and access to the American Dream. We foster the development of MBEs throughout Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware to better align them with corporations. Corporate Partners have access to our comprehensive online database of certified minority vendors, listed by industry. This database offers you a complete listing of the region’s MBEs, many of whom have been recognized for their quality products and services. Other resources include personalized matchmaking services, educational sessions, peer-to-peer mentoring, industry-specific benchmarking, and more.
Think outside the box and be available to expand your reach.
The Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council wants to expand our reach within each of our corporate member organizations, but we can’t do it alone. As a Corporate Partner, you need to think outside the box to expand your reach as well! Typically, the main point of contact is the Supplier Diversity Lead (if there is one), but there are many other individuals and “big decision” makers (i.e. buyers, department managers, etc.) that should be available in an organization to not only effectively uncover potential business opportunities, but also build mutually beneficial relationships with certified MBEs. Connecting MBEs with Supplier Diversity representatives is a good place to start, but it should not stop there.
Become a Sponsor to help support critical EMSDC programs.
Sponsorship provides a great means of broadening your competitive edge and expanding your brand while supporting the mission of the Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council. In recent years, corporate sponsorship has become the fastest growing type of marketing in the United States, for companies both large and small. To learn more about our Partnership Packages and opportunities for sponsorship, click here. If you would like to sponsor our 2024 Youth and Entrepreneur Scholarship Golf Invitational in Pittsburgh this July, click here. If you are not yet a Corporate Member, we invite you to join us or make a tax-deductible donation, and stay connected on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
The mission of the Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council (EMSDC) is to stimulate and support economic development with minority-owned businesses throughout Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware, in an effort to initiate growth and opportunity through Supplier Diversity channels. As an affiliate of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), we certify and connect MBEs with member corporations that are committed to supplier development and want to purchase their products, services, and solutions.