The Amazon Supplier Diversity and Inclusion Program works with Relay carriers of all sizes and backgrounds. Our goal is to provide more equitable access to opportunities and inclusive experiences for small and diverse carriers. Those carriers may qualify for networking, workshops, financing, and more. Interested in participating? Keep reading for more on the benefits and requirements of certification as a diverse or small business.
What are the benefits of being certified as a diverse and/or small business?
- Access to new work: Many organizations, government agencies, and corporations have diversity initiatives and supplier diversity programs. By getting certified as a diverse company, you can open up booking opportunities with these potential clients.
- Competitive advantage: Certification demonstrates your company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, which can attract clients and partners who prioritize it in their procurement processes.
- Networking: Certification often comes with access to networking events, matchmaking sessions, etc. to connect with others in the industry. You can build relationships to grow your business, and learn from a community of other small and diverse companies.
- Reputation: Certification signals to stakeholders that you value an inclusive business environment, which can result in more work.
- Training and resources: Depending on where you’re certified, you can get additional support to succeed – workshops, mentorship programs, and more tailored to the needs of small and diverse businesses.
- Financing opportunities: Some certification programs provide access to financing opportunities specifically designed to support diverse and/or small businesses. These initiatives can help you secure the funding you need to invest and expand.
What does my company need to be certified as a diverse or small business?
For a diversity certification, your company must be at least 51% owned, operated, controlled, and/or managed by a:
- Minority
- Woman
- Veteran
- Service-disabled veteran
- Person with a disability
- Member of the LGBTQ+ community
Amazon Relay also supports companies that qualify as a small business according to the size thresholds established by the Small Business Administration. Third-party organizations provide a carrier’s certification as a diverse or small business (examples below). To apply, you typically need:
- An application
- Financial statements
- Proof of diverse/small business status
- Validation of ownership/operational control of business, etc.
Which certifications does my company need to be eligible for Amazon Relay’s Supplier Diversity and Inclusion programs?
A carrier must be actively certified by one of these third-party organizations to participate in Relay’s Supplier Diversity and Inclusion programs:
- Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
- National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)
- National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC)
- National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA)
- Disability:IN
- National LGBT Chamber of Commerce
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) program (FREE)
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) HUBZone program (FREE)
- USDOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program (FREE)
- U.S. System for Award Management (SAM)
We generally validate your company’s certification within one week to qualify for Amazon Relay’s Supplier Diversity and Inclusion program.
How does Amazon Relay support small and/or diverse-owned businesses?
A few of the benefits Amazon Relay’s Supplier Diversity and Inclusion Program can offer include:
- Direct line of communication with our Supplier Diversity and Inclusion team.
- Program-specific office hours and information sessions.
- Certification reimbursement eligibility from WBENC, NMSDC, NGLCC, and Disability:IN. This is a one-time renewal fee based on your company’s engagement with Amazon Relay.
- Potential eligibility for sponsorship to Supplier Diversity Conferences or Amazon conferences.
We’re continuing to develop our carrier Diversity and Inclusion programs, and that includes listening to feedback from our carriers on the opportunities that would be most beneficial for them. Last year, Amazon’s overall commitment to supplier diversity has led to:
- $4.3 billion spent with certified diverse suppliers in the US
- 30,000 jobs supported by Amazon’s supplier diversity spend
- $2.8 billion in wages earned from Amazon’s certified US supplier diversity spend
Sound good? Apply to Relay
As a Relay carrier, Amazon can connect you with certification agencies and reimburse the certification fees in some cases. Check out Relay’s carrier requirements to make sure we’re the right fit for your business. Then, you can start your sign-up on desktop or the Relay Mobile App on iOS or Android.
Disclaimer: Amazon does not tender loads through any third-party load boards. Any Amazon loads posted on third-party load boards will only be tendered directly to approved and onboarded carriers via the Relay web portal or Relay mobile app. If you are interested in hauling loads for Amazon, sign up and book directly on relay.amazon.com.
