Three women seated at a table smile and discuss business at a networking event. One, a business owner, speaks as the other two, potential buyers, smile and listen intently.

Corporate Membership with IWSCC

Page Contents

  1. Why Become an IWSCC Corporate Member?
  2. Member Benefits and Commitments
  3. Our Corporate Membership

Why Become an IWSCC Corporate Member?

The IWSCC is your source for accessing top-tier Veteran- and disabled-owned businesses in Canada. These suppliers have unique perspectives, unmatched problem-solving skills and high levels of resilience that will add value to your company’s bottom line and competitive positioning. As the only certifying body for Veteran- and disabled-owned businesses, IWSCC connects corporate members with Certified Suppliers who have gone through a vetting process. This process guarantees that the business owner can prove they are part of the group they identify with, and that they are able to supply the goods or services they claim to.

Participating as a Corporate Member also goes beyond direct procurement benefits to signaling to Canadians that your company takes diversity and inclusion seriously. Collaborating with like-minded people in our membership and attending events and workshops opens your company up to learnings and business opportunities that you would not have had otherwise. As an IWSCC corporate member, you have the chance to shape the relationship between disabled- and Veteran- owned enterprises and the broader business community.

Why Should You Diversify Your Supply Chain?

Diversifying supply chains is not about proving a mission statement.

It’s about proving that entrepreneurs of diverse backgrounds belong in the business world. When we include more voices in the conversation, we pay tribute to – and benefit from – the idea that diverse experiences provide immense value.

Here are some unique advantages that diverse suppliers bring to the table.

Outside the box thinking.

When you live outside the box, you have to think outside the box. Coming up with innovative solutions is a skill that diverse suppliers have learned through overcoming obstacles every day.

A reflection of the community.

If you’re trying to serve customers, you first need to understand them. Diverse suppliers bring a perspective to the table that is representative of Canada’s diverse population.

Agile and efficient operations. 

Persons with disabilities and Veterans have one very important skill in common: getting the best possible output with the fewest available resources. Their ability to adapt quickly makes the road to success much smoother.

Boost the bottom line. 

A diverse supply chain produces more competition. With more suppliers to choose from, organizations can find the most cost-effective and high-performing businesses to work with. 

A signal to Canadians. 

Diversity should extend beyond employees to third parties and contractors outside of the organization. If your company is serious about their diversity and inclusion efforts, hiring diverse suppliers is one way to prove it.

“As a proud member of IWSCC, we are focused on reducing barriers to business opportunities so that IWSCC Certified Suppliers can grow their business with us. It is important to Rogers that we display our commitment to supplier diversity so that we make long-lasting, positive impacts in the communities across Canada”

Rob Brown: Procurement & Supply Chain Manager, Rogers Communications

Member Benefits Include:

  • Access to a national database of Certified Suppliers
  • Support for member-initiated mentorship programs to elevate young and underserved companies
  • Integration of IWSCC materials and resources into your own programs
  • Promotion of your commitments through IWSCC marketing & communications
  • Sponsorship of national research projects on needs and opportunities for Veteran-Owned and Disabled-Owned businesses.
  • Contribution to forward-thinking, accessible, and socially responsible practices for procurement
  • Identification existing diverse suppliers in your supply chain
  • Filling gaps and strengthening your supply chain with flexible, creative, and adaptable Canadian companies

Member Commitments Include:

  • Connecting with IWSCC Certified Suppliers through virtual and in-person networking events
  • Identifying opportunities to increase spend on Veteran-Owned and Disabled-Owned businesses in Canada.
  • Increasing awareness of the availability and capability of Veteran-Owned and Disabled-Owned businesses
  • Contributing to the business case for Disabled-Owned and Veteran-Owned investment through reporting
  • Safeguarding the integrity of IWSCC’s community members, database, and resources
  • Support for, and promotion of IWSCC’s missions of inclusion, stigma reduction, and equality for Veterans and persons with disabilities.

Corporate Membership Fees

IWSCC annual Membership dues differ between For-Profit or Crown Corporations, and Public (i.e. Government) or Not-For-Profit organizations.
 
a) For-Profit, Private, and Crown Corporation dues are based on annual revenue.
 
b) Not-For-Profit, Public, Government, and Registered Charity dues are based on service area.

If your organization is a for-profit or Crown corporation:

Revenue below $50 million | $5,000 per year

Revenue between $50 million and $100 million | $7,500 per year

Revenue greater than $100 million | $10,000 per year

If your organization is a government or public body, or a not-for-profit or registered charity:

Local or Municipal organization | $5,000 per year

Regional or Provincial organization | $7,500 per year

National or International organization | $10,000 per year

Where Your Money Goes

  • Program Development
  • Operational Costs
  • Training & Education Materials
  • Community Development
  • Networking Events
  • Marketing & Outreach
Become a Member

Still have questions? Not sure if Corporate Membership is right for your organization? Contact us any time at info@iwscc.ca.

Two businesspeople connect at a networking event. A man and woman in business dress sit across a table and smile as they introduce themselves.

Our Corporate Membership