Diverse certified contractors are businesses in which 51% of the shares are in the hands of an individual or a group that belongs to an underrepresented demographic. These groups can range from minority-owned enterprises, women-owned enterprises, and businesses owned by minority groups such as veterans and LGBTQ individuals.
Contractor diversity certifications act as proof that your company meets inclusion program requirements, thereby opening the door to business opportunities that may not be available to non-certified contractors. Hiring diverse certified contractors has a myriad of benefits. Some of these include:
Allow for Innovation
The more diverse a team is, the more the team has access to new and varying perspectives. If you are looking to cultivate creativity, working with people from different cultures or people with unique abilities can be invaluable to your business. If you continually use the same contractors, you risk stymieing the creative benefits you could be receiving.
Since most diverse contractors tend to be smaller than their counterparts, they are often more agile, innovative, and responsive than their competitors. It is, therefore, best to capitalize on the depth and breadth of innovation that occurs when you have a certified diverse supply base. Furthermore, working with small teams helps your business to develop solid collaborative relationships intrinsic to diverse teams.
Tax Incentives
Working with certified diverse contractors will inevitably get you some well-deserved federal tax benefits. The government is committed to supporting diversity and is constantly channeling money where its mouth is. Even more exciting is that some counties grant tax incentives for women-led companies. What’s more, tax liabilities are significantly reduced for projects funded with federal, state, and loans.
Enjoy High Reliability
Partnerships between companies are risky. Many things could go wrong. However, you can mitigate the risks by partnering with a certified diverse contractor. 90% of diverse certified contractors have shown to meet or exceed their client’s expectations.
Ease of Talent Acquisition
At least two-thirds of all job seekers want to know their employer’s perspective on diversity before they consider working there. Top talents want to work in an environment that fosters diversity, this could be through hiring employees from diverse backgrounds or hiring a diverse contractor.
Networking
Choosing to partner with a certified diverse contractor can have a profound impact as the efforts epitomize their commitment to the economic growth of the surrounding communities. Hiring a diverse contractor creates more job opportunities, fosters equity, and ultimately contributes to building a healthier community. It reinforces the sense of community as we are all working towards a greater quality of life for all.
Flexibility
As mentioned earlier, most diverse contractors are either medium or small-sized. These contractors tend to be more flexible than bigger organizations. For that reason, they can focus on their customers and do not have to go through many people when an issue arises.
Improve Corporate Image
More than ever, companies are subject to high and intense scrutiny. When poor business practices come to light, stocks plummet and bad press takes center stage. With that in mind, companies are moving towards diversification, not only for their economic benefits but also for a positive image.
Work with Applied Development
Applied Development is a certified diversability service provider. At the core of our services, we champion the rights of people with diverse abilities. We offer an array of services, ranging from sign language interpretation to reader services to advocacy and outreach. We partner with clients to ensure Section 508 compliance and complaint resolution.
We have the following certifications:
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) certified business
- SBA Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone)
- Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
- Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB)
- Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB)
- Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
Looking to work with a diverse certified contractor? Call us at (410) 571-4016 or contact us online to help your company with strategies that build trust and growth.