Organization sees success supporting disabled-owned and veteran-owned businesses

Over the last year, the Canada Inclusive Workplace and Supply Council of Canada (IWSCC) has witnessed success with its mission to support disabled-owned and veteran-owned businesses. 

The Canadian non-profit organization helps business owners work through the certification process and expand their business opportunities by providing ongoing education and mentorship. 

Over the last year, IWSCC has helped veteran and disabled entrepreneurs by creating conditions for equal access and opportunity, reducing the stigma within the workplace by drawing attention to the value of building relationships with their individual companies. 

Both corporate and public-sector members are advised on procurement best practices to encourage inclusiveness and diversity. 

Aleksandar Poposki, owner of Aces Project Development Inc, said, “It is a great experience to work with IWSCC. Being a business owner with disability for over 17 years, I have never received such exposure to high-level functions and opportunities as through IWSCC. Not only do they provide such connections, but they also give tips and advice on how to approach each opportunity and maximize every interaction.”

Veteran owned businesses often provide goods and services that are outside of those typically found in the Supplier Diversity world to date. IWSCC offers a unique networking and sales opportunity for the right businesses.

Co-founder, Deidre Guy said, “this past year has seen a definite rise in the number of Canadian organizations looking to add Veteran owned business to their supply chain. The capabilities Veterans bring to entrepreneurship promote innovation, adaptability, and reliability – all things people want in their supply chain.”

 IWSCC  is dedicated to helping Veterans and differently-abled entrepreneurs by creating conditions for equal access and opportunity and highlighting the opportunities and value of relationships with these companies.

With this formal designation of RBC, it assures organizations that procurement opportunities are going to businesses that have been pre-certified as at least 51 per cent owned and operated by veterans or persons with disabilities.

Last year, the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) was announced as the first founding member of the Inclusive Workplace and Supply Council of Canada (IWSCC) to support disabled-owned and veteran-owned businesses around the nation.

“The IWSCC can thank RBC in large part for their continued growth and success. RBC, with the leadership of Kiruba Sankar, walks the talk in their support of Supplier Diversity.  It’s gratifying for Veterans to recognize that a large organization like RBC has an interest in their success,” Guy added.

RBC’s support has allowed the IWSCC to advance their mission with corporate members, and increase the number of diverse businesses represented by the organization.