b'CGLCCRamping Up Inclusion for Two-Spirit-LGBTQ-Run Businesses Will Drive Lasting ChangeWith $22 billion a year in economic activity,becoming intentional about strengthening the supplierdiversity of 2SLGBTQ+ businesses just makes senseBy Zachary Pendley, CGLCCW e know that Canada is through the EY Entrepreneur Accessgenerate a new kind of long-term value 3home to more than 28,000 Network. 1Patrick often says, If you can one grounded in the positive impact we Two-Spirit and LGBTQ-ownedsee it, you can be it. I couldnt make on the world.and -operated businesses, which generateagree more. We know that supplier diversity more than $22 billion in economic activity.Becoming more deliberate about theprograms transform the working world Despite the tremendous economic andway our organizations procure servicesfor the better by cultivating inclusion. social boost that these businesses create,by seeking out businesses like PatricksThe real question is, how do we dig in to many continue to face discriminationcan help drive the kind of systemic changedeliver on that promise?and prejudice. Whatever your industry,that makes a meaningful and measurable however youre focused, its time to impact, long after Pride month wraps up. GET INTENTIONAL ABOUT extend inclusion through supplierWhen we intentionally draw vendorsSUPPLIER DIVERSITYdiversity programs. and suppliers from a more diverse talentBusinesses have already woven inclusion By leveraging existing networks andpool, we transform the trajectory ofinto the very fabric of their culture, 4 tapping into the community, Patrickhistorically underrepresented businessesand thats a great thing. With that Hunter Art & Design is expanding hisand their leaders. What does that lookfoundation in place, the next bestbusiness by taking advantage of corporatelike? Socioeconomic progress andstep is to build on what youre already supplier diversity programs. An Ojibwayentrepreneurial growth; professionaldoing internally to create a procurement artist, graphic designer and entrepreneurnetworks that are more accessible to morepolicy that specifically addresseswho identifies as Two-Spirit, PatrickCanadians; increasingly resilient and2SLGBTQ+ businesses.works with the intent of creating aagile supply chains 2bolstered by diverse broader awareness of Indigenous cultureperspectives; innovative ideas and newCREATE RIGOROUS and iconography. solutions, born of fresh thinking. FRAMEWORKS TO SUPPORT He believes that by collaboratingAll of this is good for people,PROGRESSpublicly with Canadian companies, hecommunities and businesses. WhatsIntentions are only as good as the policies can create more mainstream visibilitymore, becoming intentional aboutand frameworks that back them up. At EY, for Indigenous people. Today, Patrick2SLGBTQ+ supplier diversity strengthenswere always evaluating our procurement is making a name for himself in thetrust with employees, customers,strategy to ensure it aligns directly with corporate world, working with majorinvestors, regulators and communities.our purpose of building a better working banks, NHL teams, media conglomeratesThis matters a great deal in a marketworld. We use precise language about our and national organizationslike ourswhere stakeholders expect businesses tocommitment to seek suppliers certified as 10| QBiz CANADA | Issue 22022'