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The Greater Des Moines Partnership Announces New Supplier Diversity Training Program

May 26, 2021

GREATER DES MOINES, IA (May 26, 2021) – The Greater Des Moines Partnership has announced a new Supplier Diversity Training Program for small business owners and corporate purchasing agents. The Supplier Diversity Training will start with an introductory session on Tuesday, June 22, about the history and intention of the State of Iowa’s Targeted Small Business program, as well as best practices for starting a Supplier Diversity program. The subsequent training will be a two-track virtual and hybrid program, built with the aim of strengthening supplier diversity efforts for corporations and small businesses. Sessions will focus on corporate demand, small business supplier standards and a chance to meet and greet with a corporate decision-makers.

Track one of the training is for corporate purchasing agents and will include a set of corporate workshops. It will lead attendees through procurement plan updates focusing on supplier diversity efforts from understanding the industry’s best practices to setting up a supplier diversity strategic plan. The second track is for small businesses and will provide a guide on professional development opportunities related to corporate and government contracting, spanning topics from the Targeted Small Business Program to the process of corporate buying behavior and more.

Participants who complete one of the first two tracks will get a chance to participate in a special Meet The Buyers forum event. The programming of the event will aim to serve the supplier diversity goals outlined by the corporate workshop cohort and the needs outlined by the diverse business owner committee.

In addition to the June 22 introductory session, trainings are also scheduled for July 14, July 21, July 28 and Aug. 4, with more planned. Register at DSMpartnership.com/events.

About the Greater Des Moines Partnership

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 24 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and more than 365 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.