Mentor-protege program designed to enhance, expand supplier diversity
OneZone has announced a Mentor-Protege Program, in partnership with The Gideon Group, a local MBE/WBE consulting partner, to enhance and foster the continued success rates of XBE firms, specifically in Hamilton County. The primary goal of the program is to better improve XBE companies’ access to procurement opportunities through locally sourced contracts.
Russell
“As an organization centered on business advocacy, it is critical we better understand and establish programming to grow and develop relationships with our XBE businesses and how they can best compete in our local marketplace,” said OneZone Chamber of Commerce CEO Jack Russell.
XBE businesses refer to Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE), Women-owned Business Enterprise (WBE), and Veteran-owned Business Enterprises (VBE). The OneZone Mentor-Protege Program will develop working relationships between XBE firms and prime contracting firms with a proven track record of success.
Dove-Pittman
“Hamilton County is a thriving community and has a myriad of business opportunities for those of all backgrounds and experiences,” said Terry Dove-Pittman, Founder/CSO, and Enterprise Strategist at The Gideon Group. “We are excited to be a part of such an amazing initiative that not only fosters economic development, but also creates a movement of commonality, unity, and inclusiveness.”
The program is slated to launch in January 2022. To be eligible for the OneZone Mentor-Protege Program, each XBE firm must meet the designation as a small business based on State and County definitions. They must also be owned by community members who are deemed underserved or disadvantaged, with annual revenue less than $2 million. OneZone, with The Gideon Group, will continue to update the Fishers and Carmel business community as this program builds to launch.
For more information about OneZone events and initiatives, visit OneZoneChamber.com.
About The Gideon Group
The Gideon Group is an Indianapolis-based brand-house and creative agency specializing in social micro-enterprise startup enterprise and nonprofit brand development. The Gideon Group turns great ideas into powerful brands and partners with start-up micro-enterprises, social enterprises and nonprofits who know they need to enhance their brand in order to achieve the success they seek.