Join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on 12/17 at 12:00pm ET for Equality of Opportunity In Action: Strengthening Supplier Diversity.

There are 8 million minority-owned firms in the United States, a 38 percent increase since 2007. Yet those firms face a number of systemic challenges that often keep contracts out of reach.  Even minority suppliers with demonstrated track records, millions of dollars in revenue and global footprints face these hurdles.  American companies are as diverse as its citizens, and no singular strategy exists to expand supplier diversity. But there are measurable steps businesses of all sizes can take to build a more inclusive supplier base and vendor relationships.

This conversation will bring together corporations, minority-owned businesses, and policy experts to discuss and share best practices for improving supplier diversity. This event is the first in a series of deep dive discussions illustrating the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Equality of Opportunity Initiative.  The Initiative is a partnership of more than 500 chambers and associations across the country, aimed at pursuing policy and private sector solutions to bridge underlying racial divides that contribute to broad, systemic inequalities in society.  Through these conversations, we’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and understanding necessary to help all Americans earn their success, rise on their merit, and live their American Dream.