Many Companies recognise that having a supply chain that is representative of their customer base makes good business sense. It is a business strategy for innovation, creativity and expertise.
The Supplier Diversity business case generally falls into 3 catergories:
Compliance
Compliance can be seen in policies such as the Indigenous Opportunities Policy (Fed Govt.) and the NSW Governments Aboriginal Participation in Construction Guidelines. Compliance opportunities can also be seen in communities with Native Title Agreements such as the Kimberly where companies have targets for engaging Indigenous suppliers as part of major projects on Indigenous owned land.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Corporate Social Responsibility opportunities are evident in many Supply Nation member Reconciliation Action Plan’s These plans often include targets for how they will ensure Indigenous suppliers have the opportunity to be included in their supply chains.
Competitive Advantage
Competitive Advantage is not always about price. Particularly in Australia a competitive advantage may be a local business that operates in a remote location. It may also be about innovation. Competitive advantage of small business generally is the ability to respond quickly and often at much lower cost.
Fivegrants understands that many Australian companies have made a commitment to Closing the Gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people through their Reconciliation Action Plans and Supply Nation membership. We believe that an effective Indigenous supplier program is a key component of these commitments. Our services include:
- Developing your business case for including Indigenous suppliers in your supply chains
- Complete policy and procedures package
- Comprehensive staff training and communication programs
- Supplier matching service
- Supplier development program
- Reporting and measurement tools
We can also assist with the development of supplier diversity programs that include Women owned businesses and Social Enterprises.