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The National Business League and automaker Stellantis announced Tuesday that they are partnering to launch an initial program to develop and support black-owned supplier companies through education, connections and resources.

The goal is to eventually win contracts with these supplier companies. Under the National Black Supplier Development Program, Partner said he has selected 15 Black-owned supplier businesses for this phase. 60% of that he is based in Detroit.

“The program not only provides access to business-to-business, business-to-business, and government-to-government opportunities, it is also a platform for internal networking within the National Business League. He added that an ecosystem would be created that would allow companies to sign contracts with small, black-owned businesses.

The program focuses on two topics: building growth plans and understanding financial stability. The program has a new learning management system that connects suppliers to companies and other businesses. There is also an opportunity for participants to work with his Stellantis.

“Our intention was to first look at what the market is doing – whether there are future opportunities and professional services. What will it take to start this transition to mobility: space?” said Gregory Hawkins, Business Resources Group and Global Integration Manager at Stellantis. “So what we did was choose a supplier that has the ability to deliver what we need today as well as in the future.”

In addition to Stellantis’ support, Comerica Bank, Cummins, DTE Energy, Ford Motor Co., General Motors, Lear, Magna and Toyota are participating in the program as corporate partners.

Participating companies include Boulevard Content, ESG International, BSM Logistics, Goss LLC, Greenwood CRE, ConForm Automotive, JMA Global, Rolling Out Media, Livegistics, Revolt Media, Pro-Tech Group, Superior Innovative Solutions, The Harmon Group, Powerhouse Energy 360 is. and Becha. These companies offer products such as solar for electric vehicles, transportation, insurance, media, cleaning and advertising.

A pilot of the initiative, which Hawkins called Phase 1 of the program, began last year with 13 participating companies.

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“The response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has had a clear impact on black businesses, coupled with black racial unrest that has led to the global Black Lives Matter movement, has sparked this push for black racial equality. said Harris. The goal was to level the playing field and be intentional with a program that would have a significant impact on the inequality that exists in this country. “

Partners are approaching Phase 2 of the program with a kickoff event on Tuesday at the Stellantis Connor Event Center in Detroit. Tier 1 suppliers, automakers, banking and financial partners will participate and will network with new entrants.

Harris said new corporate partners undergo an orientation. “And then we have a template for them to get involved in terms of things like mentorship and coaching, education and training, and access to opportunities within the supply chain,” he said.

Hawkins and Harris have a vision to eventually help over 2.9 million Black-owned businesses nationwide. Hawkins said the network will be available to more companies in the future as partners build a base of suppliers.

“We recognize that everyone behind them has the luxury of benefiting from all of its content, its features, and its network,” Hawkins said. , many of which are now online, but any of our 2.9 million suppliers can enter the platform, understand how to use it, and receive the same education and development.”