Diversity Certification for Your Business (NOW A WEBINAR)

Across the state of Massachusetts, government entities and private companies are looking to do business with certified diverse businesses. But what does it mean to be a certified business and how does one obtain that certification?

In this workshop, business owners will learn about the different types of diversity certifications available and how to apply for them, how having a diversity certification may be a useful tool to help market their business, and what the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO) does to encourage the participation of diverse businesses in the State procurement process.

This workshop is geared towards business owners who may fall into one or more of these categories:

• Minority business enterprise (MBE)

• Woman-owned business enterprise (WBE)

• Veteran-owned business enterprise (VBE)

• LGBT business enterprise (LGBTBE)

• Service-disabled veteran business enterprise (SDOVBE)

• business enterprise (DOBE)

About the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office (SDO)

The SDO’s mission is to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in state contracting for businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, service-disabled veterans, those with a disability, and LGBT individuals, as well as small Massachusetts businesses. The SDO certifies these businesses and manages several programs that help them enhance their marketability when bidding on public contracts.

SDO Website

Registration is required to attend this webinar. The Zoom link will be emailed to registrants prior to the webinar.

This informative workshop is offered at no cost and is being sponsored in partnership with the North Shore Alliance for Economic Development and the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD).

Presenter

Amanda LaCroix

Amanda LaCroix is the Director of Programs and Engagement for the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office (SDO), overseeing SDO’s diverse and small business outreach and engagement strategy as well as the Supplier Diversity Program (SDP), Small Business Purchasing Program (SBPP), Municipal Construction Affirmative Marketing Program (MCAMP) and Persons with Disabilities in State Contracting and Construction Program. After a decade in the private sector, Amanda began working for the Commonwealth in July of 2020 and joined SDO in 2021. While the term “supplier diversity” didn’t enter her lexicon until a few years ago, Amanda has long been a supporter of diverse, local, and small businesses and is glad to be able work with an organization whose mission aligns with her values.
When she isn’t at the office, you can find Amanda running a road race at Disney World, spending time in the garden with her cat, Isaac, or on an East Coast road trip to attend a concert.