A supplier/vendor diversity program is the proactive, strategic procurement of goods and services from a diverse cross-section of business owners, including (but not limited to) people of color, women, people who are disabled, the LGBTQ community, and veterans. Often overlooked, this innovative group of business owners can play a vital economic role in the expansion of a nonprofit’s supply chain and the extension of community ties. Learn more about the importance of supplier diversity programs in the following articles: Making Every Dollar Count Through Inclusive Procurement and 3 Reasons Why Every Company Needs a Supplier Diversity Program
Supplier diversity is one of the key equity gaps identified in the Racial Equity in Kentucky’s Nonprofit Sector Report. This page provides several resources, including links to state and local directories that nonprofits may use to find minority-owned businesses to contact for bids, contracts, and other opportunities. We will continue to update this page with resources as we find them. If you find helpful resources, please share them with us!
POLICIES
- Policy example: Minnesota Council on Foundations
- Sample language for supplier diversity commitment: "Through the individuals we employ and service providers we engage, we have an impact on the local economy. In our commitment to equity and inclusion, we will work proactively to provide economic opportunities for diverse communities at all levels of our organization. We will apply an equity lens to our search for vendors, prioritizing local businesses as well as those led by individuals representing diverse constituencies when practicable."
- A Quick Guide to Building a Supplier Diversity Policy
STATEWIDE DIRECTORIES
- *NEW* Kentucky Minority-Owned Business Database (hosted by the Kentucky Chamber Foundation Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)
- Minority and Women Business Enterprise Certification Program (MWBE) - Spreadsheet of Certified Businesses
- Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
- Directory of Certified Businesses – Kentucky
- Directory of Certified Businesses – Indiana (reciprocal program)
LOCAL DIRECTORIES
Louisville
- Minority, Woman, or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (MWDBE) - Click here for information on how to download the directory
- Noir Black Chamber of Commerce - Business Members list
- Buy Black Louisville Directory
- Louisville Independent Business Alliance - Black-Owned Businesses Directory
- Black Owned Louisville Directory
Lexington
- The Lextropolis Black Business Directory
- Commerce Lexington Minority Resource Guide & Directory
- Lexington Minority Business Enterprise Program – email Sherita Miller at smiller@lexingtonky.gov for the list of businesses
If your community has a directory or other resources we can share with nonprofits across Kentucky, please share it with us!
