The National Business League and automaker Stellantis revealed they are partnering to launch a program to develop and support black-owned supplier companies. The National Black Supplier Development Program will assist businesses with development through education, resources, and networking, with the end goal being to connect the companies with contracts. Stellantis will also be offering opportunities for participants to work with the company.
The inaugural National Black Supplier Development Program launched a pilot program called Phase One last year with a total of 13 participants. Phase Two will kick off soon with an event at the Stellantis Connor Event Center in Detroit. The program has selected 15 Black-owned supplier businesses to participate; 60% of them are based in Detroit.
The program will focus on helping the companies build a growth plan, understand financial stability, and includes a learning management system that will connect suppliers to companies and other businesses.
Participants will receive a variety of opportunities to work with Stellantis and corporate partners Comerica Bank, Cummings, DTE Energy, Ford, General Motors, Lear, Magna, and Toyota.
Ken Harris, President and CEO of the National Business League, said the Covid-19 pandemic had a “demonstrative impact” on Black business, “coupled with the Black racial unrest that led to a global Black Lives Matter movement – that sparked this black racial equity push.”
“Our goal was to level the playing field and be intentional with a program that would have a significant impact on the disparities that exist in this country,” Harris added.
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