YBI Expands Services to Warren with New Supply Chain Diversity Director
WARREN, Ohio — The Youngstown Business Incubator has expanded their services to include a program aimed at supplier diversification.
The goal of the program is to engage with the region’s anchor institutions, (e.g. hospitals, universities, government, industry) to diversify their supply chains to spur the redevelopment and rebirth of the local economy.
With its partners at the Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC), YBI staff works with socially and economically disadvantaged businesses to secure contracts, access loans/capital, and receive a variety of certifications necessary for state and federal procurement programs.
Karrington Griffin, the newly appointed Director of Supply Chain Diversity, will work directly with anchor institutions to incorporate small, local businesses into their supply chains. “Now more than ever, supplier diversity is a vital part of a company’s success,” says Griffin. “It’s my job to help those small businesses scale and transition to partner with larger companies starting or improving their supplier diversity program.”
Another focus of the program will be to help Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs), especially from economically disadvantaged populations, adopt new technologies to increase competitiveness, assist in customer acquisition, and create the infrastructure to successfully apply for bid opportunities, loans, etc.
Working with the Fowler Center for Business as an Agent for World Benefit at Case Western Reserve University, CWRU students will be provided training to assist businesses across the project area to “tech enable” their businesses.
These services include online accounting services, Search Engine Optimization, “No Code” websites and “app” development, social media/marketing, use of video conferencing services, creating online sales and marketing platforms, etc.
The first event, Brick and Mortar to Click and Order will be held on September 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event is open to any small business looking to tech-enable their business.
This event will help connect you to a broad network of diverse businesses who have successfully built tech-enabled supply chains and learn about the best practices that can be used.
The first 10 companies to register receive license free headshots. Registration will also enter your company into a raffle to receive a free marketing package.
Register at: Brick and Mortar to Click and Order
Those interested in learning more about what the YBI has to offer are invited to visit www.ybi.org/.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
