Why You Should Become a Certified Diverse-Owned Business as a Carrier

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Opportunities for diverse-owned businesses have never been more abundant!

Data finds that DE&I in the workplace increases profitability; differing backgrounds, ideas, and experiences are proven to contribute to better business strategies, leading companies to increase their internal and external diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) efforts. According to research from Bain & Company and Coupa, corporate spending on diverse suppliers rose an average of 54% in recent years.

So, what is a diverse-owned business?

Diverse-owned businesses are those companies that are at least 51% owned and operated by members of historically underrepresented groups, including:

If you belong to one or more of these groups, consider taking the step to secure your certification!

What is diverse-owned business certification?

Certified diverse-owned businesses have proven to meet the specific requirements for a diverse category. There are numerous certifications and methods of obtaining proof and there is no one size fits all. It’s important to find the

Certifications are issued by federal, state, or local government agencies, or even third parties. Each type of diversity certification has its unique criteria, and some organizations may require an on-site facility visit.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has everything you need to class yourself accordingly. Plus, additional information on how to grow your business.

Certification is worth it. EASE is happy to help you get there!

What are the benefits of getting certified as a diverse-owned business?

Grow your business: Companies that have diversity goals strive to work with diverse businesses. According to the Billion Dollar Roundtable, 28 of current Fortune 500 companies spend at least $1 billion annually with diverse-owned businesses.
Be seen: When you become certified, your business is entered into searchable ‘diverse-owned’ databases that allow potential customers to seek out partners who can serve their operational needs.
Access capital: Certification can give you more opportunities for financing through banks, venture capital firms, and other financial options reserved specifically for certified diverse-owned businesses.
Expand your network: When you earn certification, you’ll gain access to a network of opportunities to form partnerships, grow your professional reach, and more.
Qualify for awards and recognition: You’ll become eligible for special honors that set you apart and increase your appeal.
Get the support you need: Many certification organizations offer networking events, mentoring, training, conferences, and further resources and tools to help you grow and enhance your business.

Market Outlook for Diverse-Owned Businesses

Diverse carriers make up a small portion of the logistics industry – but companies with diversity goals are on the rise!

According to Zippia, there are more than 689,930 professional truck drivers in the U.S., but only 17.9% are Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% are female, 14.4% are Black or African American, and 4% of all professional truck drivers are LGBTQIA+. Veterans make up 10% of all truck drivers, but 25% of all veterans are professional truck drivers – that’s one out of every four veterans.

EASE has set out to connect diverse carriers to the opportunities that our customers have reserved just for you.

Join EASE’s Certified Diverse-Owned Carrier Program

At EASE, we are passionate about building a diverse and inclusive carrier network. EASE has launched a Certified Diverse-Owned Carrier program to recruit diverse-owned carriers for dedicated lanes and exclusive opportunities.

When you sign up for this program, you will be eligible for the following:

Access to consistent priority lanes. In other words: some lanes are reserved for diverse carriers, and you get priority pick of those lanes!
FREE quick pay.
Certification reimbursement, based on volume.