The Importance of Supplier Diversity
Enterprises and government agencies are still prioritizing supplier inclusivity as part of their procurement strategies. Why? Because working with certified local and diverse partners doesn’t just check a compliance box, it fosters innovation, strengthens communities, and builds more resilient supply chains.
According to Forrester, organizations that invest in supplier diversity see greater agility, increased access to new ideas, and enhanced brand reputation (Forrester). In IT procurement, this is especially impactful, where the right partner can deliver both cutting-edge solutions and measurable business value.
For enterprises across Indiana and the Midwest, partnering with local certified small business IT providers like AIS means meeting supplier inclusivity goals while also solving critical technology challenges.
Why Supplier Inclusivity Matters in IT
- Supply Chain Resilience & Risk Mitigation: Partnering with local small business partners can reduce dependency on a small number of suppliers, which helps organizations better weather disruptions (e.g. natural disasters, geopolitical risk, supplier shortages). Having local or regional sourcing options enables increased agility.
- Innovation & Creativity: Bringing in suppliers with different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences tends to drive innovation. Small Business suppliers often challenge the status-quo and deliver novel solutions. Studies have found that companies with inclusive supplier networks report improved product/service innovation.
- Improved Cost Structure & Competitiveness: Increasing the pool of potential suppliers often leads to greater competition, which can improve pricing, quality, and terms.
- Brand Reputation & Customer Trust: Organizations that emphasize inclusive supply chains often build stronger brand loyalty and reputation; especially in communities and among customers who value social impact and community engagement.
What to Look for in a Small Business IT Partner
When selecting an IT partner, procurement leaders should evaluate:
- Certifications: Verified Women-Owned, Minority-Owned, Veteran-Owned, or other national and state credentials.
- Proven Track Record: Case studies and references of past performance.
- Technical Capabilities: Ability to deliver and scale in their technical disciplines such as IT managed services, cybersecurity, cloud, and enterprise solutions.
- Scalability: Capacity to grow with your organization’s needs while remaining agile.
How AIS Delivers as a Certified Partner
AIS is proud to be a nationally certified and Indiana certified Minority-Owned Business, serving enterprises and government organizations across Indiana and the U.S. We bring a unique blend of inclusive and small business value + enterprise-grade IT expertise across:
- Enterprise Services: RFID solutions, application development, data analytics, and intelligent automation.
- IT Managed Services (MSP): Service desk, infrastructure support, fractional CIO services, and cybersecurity solutions.
- Cybersecurity: Assessments, MFA, monitoring, and compliance-focused strategies tailored to your organization’s needs.
By choosing AIS, enterprises increase the resilience in their supply chain while advancing positive impact in the small business community. With AIS, enterprise organizations gain a partner who understands the challenges of enterprise and government organizations along with a proven track record of delivery and service excellence.
Conclusion: Compliance + Competitive Advantage
Supplier inclusivity in IT isn’t about meeting quotas, it never has been, it’s about building smarter, stronger, and more resilient supply chains. Enterprises and government organizations that embrace small business partners gain cost savings, innovation, resilience, and stronger community impact.
Looking for a certified IT partner that brings both supplier inclusivity value and enterprise IT expertise?
Connect with AIS today to learn how we can help you achieve your business goals while advancing your IT strategy.