Word of the month = authenticity:
true to one’s own personality, spirit, or character. Authenticity is the perfect word to represent the enhancement of ‘DEI’ with ‘belonging, dignity, and justice’. Read our blog to learn more!
Supplier Spotlight
Micro Assistive Tech Inc. (previously known as MicroComputer Science Centre) is a leading provider of adaptive technology solutions to the Canadian Special Needs Community. We provide customized Hardware, Software, Computers, Communication Switches, Mounting Devices including Support & Training, to the Visually & Hearing Impaired, Mobility challenged and individuals with Learning Differences and Computer Tolerances.
With over 40 years of experience, our relationships with vendors across North America and Europe – including an official ADP authorized partner status – allows us to service our customers across the Education, Government, Health, and Corporate sectors alike. Our dedication to technology research allows us to deliver the optimal solution for all needs, as well as the associated service, support and required training to be successful. Micro Assistive Tech is proud to be recognized as a Diverse Supplier by the Inclusive Workplace and Supply Council of Canada (IWSCC).
Visit Micro Assistive Tech’s Website
Words of Wisdom
This tip of the month is for Corporates.
Over the years we’ve seen ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion’ lose their meaning to overuse and lipservice. The IWSCC is excited to join other advocates in using Belonging, Dignity, and Respect as the new language around inclusion efforts.
If you’re still running DE&I programs, establish a quarterly or bi-annual quality control check to ensure your organization is on track with its goals.
Ask yourself:
- Is there clear language around what exactly DE&I means to our organization?
- Have we received feedback on whether our programs resonate with diverse stakeholders?
- Do we make our programs accessible to everyone?
Corporate Corner
The City of Brampton is committed to creating more opportunities for certified diverse businesses through the City’s Supply Chain Diversity Program. The program offers Certified Diverse Suppliers equitable access to bidding on City procurement projects valued at $25,000 to $100,000.
This means that the City is creating equitable access for small and medium businesses, including but not limited to, women, Indigenous people, visible minorities, veterans, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S-owned organizations and social purpose enterprises, to bid on City procurement projects and do more business in Brampton. There are currently 98 diverse businesses on the City’s Certified Diverse Supplier List and we have seen an increase in the number of diverse businesses bidding on City procurement projects.
We are encouraged by the interest by both diverse businesses and the Brampton community, and the support we have received from Supplier Certification Organizations such as the Inclusive Workplace Supply Council of Canada, as we continue on our journey of creating and honouring a diverse, inclusive and socially conscious municipality.
Visit City of Brampton’s Website
What’s Going On…
New Podcast Episodes!
Episode 3: “Getting Involved With Your Government, With Crestview Strategy”. In this episode, Deidre Guy talks government relations, lobbying, and making an impact with Bryan Detchou from Crestview Strategy.
Episode 4: Championing a cause, growing your network, or innovating within your own organization. All these things and more wouldn’t be possible without our latest topic: Research! Our host Deidre Guy sits down with Jamie Crump to talk about why we need research and how it can help you.
SDAC Event in October
This Fall, the SDAC is hosting a Corporate Education / Supplier Networking event in Toronto. We’ll be inviting corporates and suppliers from CAMSC, CGLCC, WBE and the IWSCC to learn from each other and uncover new business opportunities.
Accessible Procurement Webinar
Deidre Guy and Jeff Wilson spoke about the current landscape around accessible procurement in Canada – or lack of it – at the CAN Connect Forum. The conversation touched on the current support systems in place and about future changes that could address the barriers for folks with disabilities.
Click this link to watch their talk.
The Day on the Hill
On May 17th the IWSCC, along with our fellow certifying councils, spent a day on Parliament Hill! Minister Randy Boissonnault – a past diverse supplier himself – hosted a breakfast where we advocated for including third party certification in the upcoming changes to Canada’s procurement policy. Follow up conversations will happen before the new policy is announced this summer.
Matchmaking Events
Here are our upcoming Match-Made-in-5-Minute Events:
- July 20th – Bell
- Break in August
- September 7th – City of Toronto
- September 20 – City of Brampton
Keep an eye out for Eventbrite emails to register.
Supplier Summer Camp
We are starting a Supplier Summer Camp in place of the Match Made in 5 Minutes events! On July 6, August 10, and August 24, we will offer training from other certified suppliers on how to maximize your certification, find and apply for grants and entrepreneur programs, and how to sell to large organizations.
Contact us for more details!
Canada’s Digital Adoption Program
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is launching the Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP). The CDAP can help get your business online, give your e-commerce presence a boost or help digitalize your business’s operations with two grants.
The Grow your Business Online grant helps small businesses take advantage of e-commerce opportunities.
- Access a network of e-commerce advisors for advice and support
- Get up to $2,400 to buy new e-commerce tools
The Boost Your Business Technology grant helps small and medium-sized businesses adopt new digital technologies.
- Use a free digital assessment tool to evaluate your own digital readiness
- Get up to $15,000 to consult a digital expert and develop a digital adoption plan for your business
- Get up to $100,000 in interest-free loans from the Business Development Bank of Canada to implement your digital adoption plan
- Leverage a subsidized work placement to bring on a recent graduate or student to help with your digital transformation.
Apply for the grants online using this link.
