FAQ

WHAT IS SUPPLIER DIVERSITY?

Supplier diversity is a proactive business program which encourages the use of minority-owned, women owned, veteran owned, LGBT-owned, service disabled veteran owned, business vendors as suppliers.

WHO ARE CONSIDERED DIVERSE BUSINESSES?

Diverse businesses are for-profit businesses that are 51% owned, operated and controlled by minorities, women, LGBT and veterans. These companies are certified as diverse suppliers by third party certifying organization.

WHERE CAN I GET CERTIFIED?

There are a number of agencies that certify MVWBE businesses in the state of Illinois –
Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council – http://chicagomsdc.org
Elite Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Network – http://ilelitesdvob.com
Illinois Unified Certification Program – http://idot.illinois.gov/doing-business/index
Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council – https://www.midstatesmsdc.org
Women’s Business Development Center –https://wbdc.org

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE IUBDC?

The mission of the IUBDC is to serve the Illinois utilities as a forum for best practice sharing and information exchange with the focus on advancing the growth and utilization of utility-based diverse businesses in the state of Illinois.

WHO ARE THE IUBDC PARTNERS?

The founding members of the IUBDC are Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Illinois American Water, Aqua Illinois, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas and Peoples Gas.

WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF THE IUBDC?

The Council’s vision is to advance the effectiveness of business diversity initiatives among our respective utility companies, and to encourage diverse businesses to forge effective working relationships with utilities to help develop a strong economy and a productive environment for growth and access to diverse businesses. The Council will provide education, information, and technical assistance, as an active resource for utility stakeholders on issues of business diversity.