Supplier Diversity & Inclusion
Supporting and developing a diverse supply chain contributes to strong and sustainable businesses.
Ford’s commitment to engaging minority businesses dates back to 1968 when it initiated an inner-city supplier development program. In 1978, the company officially began its Minority Business Development Program, and the effort has continued to evolve throughout the years.
Program Milestones
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1968
Began as an Inner-city Supplier Development program.
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1976
Minority Supplier Development Department Created.
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1978
Ford’s SD&I Program began one of the first supplier diversity programs in the United States.
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1988
Awarded Corporation of the Year for the first time by NMSDC.
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1997
Ford is a founding member of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.
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1999
Ford’s Tier 2 Program began.
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2005
Ford’s SD&I Program expands to include women owned businesses.
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2013
Ford’s SD&I Program expands to include Veteran Owned Businesses.
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2017
Ford’s SD&I Program expands to include Canadian Aboriginal and Global Women Owned Businesses.
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2018
Ford’s SD&I Program expands to include LGBTQ and Disability Owned Businesses
Business Enterprises
Today, Ford’s Supplier Diversity and Inclusion initiative encompasses more than minority and women owned businesses and has expanded to U.S. small businesses, Veteran-owned businesses, enterprises led by individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ entrepreneurs. The program also embraces global women-owned businesses and Canadian Indigenous-owned enterprises.
Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE®)
A DOBE is a for-profit business that is at least 51% owned, managed, and controlled by a U.S. citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident with a disability regardless of whether or not that business owner employs person(s) with a disability.
Visit Disability:IN for certification information.
LGBTQ-Owned
A business certified by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). Certified businesses are owned by a LGBTQ person(s) who is also a U.S. citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident.
Visit NGLCC for certification information.
Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE)
An MBE is a for-profit business in the U.S. or Canada that is at least 51% owned, managed, and controlled by a member(s) of a qualified minority group. In the case of a publicly owned business, at least 51% of the stock is owned by one or more such individuals.
MBE certification information:
- U.S. citizens go to National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)
- Canadian citizens go to Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC)
Small Businesses
To determine whether or not your business qualifies as small, visit the U.S. Small Business Administration,
For information on small business size, registration and certification visit:
- Small Business Administration, www.sba.gov/size
- The System for Award Management, www.sam.gov
Veteran-Owned Business
A business that is at least 51% owned by a U.S. Veteran(s) who has met the definition of a veteran.
Veteran-owned business and certification information:
- National Veteran Business Development Council, http://www.nvbdc.org/
- U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, http://www.va.gov/osdbu
- Small Business Association, http://www.sba.gov/vets
Women Owned Businesses (WBE)
A WBE is at least 51% owned, controlled, operated, and managed by a woman or women. This means one or more women must have unrestricted control of the business, a demonstrated management of day-to-day operations, and a proportionate investment of capital or expertise.
WBE certification information:
- In the U.S. go to Women’s Business Enterprise National Council
- Outside the U.S. go to WeConnect International
Supplier Diversity Programs
In addition to fostering diversity within its Tier 1 supply base, Ford advocates for diverse suppliers in its supply chain procurement with the Tier 2 WIN — Widening Inclusion Network initiatives. This expansion not only diversifies sourcing options but also bolsters supply chain resilience by promoting competition among vendors, driving improved service and pricing.
Furthermore, Ford has supported strategic alliances and joint ventures among diverse suppliers, enhancing their capabilities and fostering growth. These collaborations empower diverse businesses to enhance capacity, acquire new skills, and fortify the supply chain locally and regionally.
Awards & Recognition
As an industry leader for over 40 years, Ford’s Supplier Diversity and Inclusion program has consistently earned recognition as a benchmark by esteemed certifying organizations and advocacy partners in the U.S., underscoring our unwavering dedication to advancing diversity and inclusion in procurement.
Supplier Diversity and Inclusion 2023 recognitions include:
- WEConnect International, Top Corporations — Platinum Level
- Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, Top 10 Global Champions in Supplier Diversity
- National Minority Supplier Development Council, Corporation of the Year
- Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility, Procurement/Supplier Diversity 5 Star Rating
Contacts & Registration
For questions about Ford Supplier Diversity & Inclusion, email us at sdoffice@ford.com
Having a technical issue with the registration site? Email the tech support team at support@supplier.io