The Amazon Supplier Development & Impact Program works with Relay carriers of various sizes and backgrounds. Our goal is to provide access to opportunities and inclusive experiences for small and disadvantaged carriers. Those carriers may qualify for networking, workshops, financing opportunities, and more. Interested in participating? Keep reading for more on the advantages and requirements of certification as a small or disadvantaged business.
What are the advantages of being certified as a small and/or disadvantaged business?
- Programs and resources: Depending on where you’re certified, you can get additional support to succeed – workshops, mentorship programs, educational sessions, and other opportunities tailored to your business needs.
- Financing opportunities: Some certification programs provide access to financing opportunities specifically designed to support your businesses. These initiatives can help you secure the funding you need to invest and expand.
- Business development: Participation in the Relay Supplier Development & Impact program unlocks direct access to our team and monthly information sessions highlighting hauling opportunities, savings opportunities, and resources to help improve your business.
- Networking: Certification often comes with access to networking events, matchmaking sessions, etc. to connect with others in the industry. You can build relationships to help grow your business and learn from a community of other similar companies.
What does my company need to be certified as a small or disadvantaged business?
For a disadvantaged-owned 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 (SBA). Amazon Relay accepts SBA registration as well as third-party certifications through the state or private agencies (examples below).
To apply for certifications, you typically need:
- A completed application
- Financial statements
- Proof of disadvantaged or 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 Development and Impact program?
A carrier must be actively certified by a third-party organization to participate in Relay’s Supplier Development and Impact programs. See list of recommended agencies below:
US private agencies:
- 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
- SupplierGateway Enhanced Digital Certification (EDC)
US federal agencies:
- USDOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program (FREE)
- Small Business Administration Registration (FREE)
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) program (FREE)
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) HUBZone program (FREE)
- U.S. System for Award Management (SAM)
US State agencies
- Empire State Development Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development
- State of Connecticut Department of Administrative Services
- State of Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office
- State of Tennessee’s Diversity Business Enterprise program
- The Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity
US city agencies
- California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Supplier Clearinghouse
- City of Chicago
- City of Denver Office of Economic Development
- City of Los Angeles Bureau of Contract Administration
- City of Philadelphia Office of Economic Opportunity
- City of Phoenix Small Business Enterprise and/or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program
- City of Portland, OR Office of Management & Finance Bureau of Revenue and Financial Services
- New Jersey Department of the Treasury Division of Revenue & Enterprise Services Small Business Registration
- The Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) City of Houston
Canadian agencies:
- Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC)
- Canada’s 2SLGBYQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC)
- We Connect International (WBE)
We generally validate your company’s certification within one-two weeks to qualify for Amazon Relay’s Supplier Development and Impact program.
How does Amazon Relay support small and/or disadvantaged-owned businesses?
A few of the advantages of Amazon Relay’s Supplier Development and Impact Program include:
- Direct line of communication with our Supplier Development and Impact team.
- Program-specific office hours and information sessions.
- Certification reimbursement eligibility from WBENC, NMSDC, NVBDC, NaVOBA, NGLCC, and Disability:IN. This includes initial certification and a one-time renewal fee based on your company’s engagement with Amazon Relay.
We’re continuing to develop our Supplier Development and Impact Program, and that includes listening to feedback from Relay carriers on the opportunities that would be most beneficial for them.
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. For more about our efforts against fraud and cargo theft, see our trustworthy transportation page.
