Objective
The Same Sky ID3A Jam aims to unite community stakeholders and Black businesses for collaborative problem-solving, ideation, and the creation of a supportive supplier diversity ecosystem. The objective is to facilitate an environment where BIPOC businesses can thrive.
Scope
The scope of the ID3A Jam encompasses brainstorming solutions and ideas, fostering connections, and building a network to empower BIPOC businesses. The end result will be a comprehensive report featuring findings and actionable recommendations aligned with the project’s scope and goals.
Results
The Same Sky ID3A Jam is anticipated to generate insights, recommendations, and a report that will contribute to a thriving supplier diversity ecosystem. Participants from diverse backgrounds will network, connect, and develop strategies to enhance inclusivity in Springfield businesses. This case study highlights the approach, challenges, and outcomes of the ID3A Jam.
Our Approach
1. Provide a platform for BIPOC businesses to share needs, insights, and support requirements.
2. Foster networking, connection, and celebration among Black businesses, organizations, policymakers, and thought leaders.
3. Develop strategies to enhance inclusivity in business contracting within Springfield.
4. Design innovative tools and resources to support growth of Black-owned businesses.
5. Learn from BIPOC small businesses to design an ecosystem that promotes their success.
6. Formulate policy and implementation strategies for a robust BIPOC business ecosystem.
7. Devise vendor development strategies to empower BIPOC small businesses.
8. Create accessible on-ramps to corporate supplier diversity programs for BIPOC entrepreneurs.
9. Discuss accountability measures and benchmarks for Springfield Anchor Institutions’ impact purchasing commitments.
Cohorts/Market Segments
A diverse range of stakeholders participated, including Springfield BIPOC businesses, organizations, policymakers, funding organizations, anchor institutions, entrepreneurship programs, and economic development organizations.
Welcome Desk and Station Sections
Participants were greeted at the welcome desk, providing check-in forms, event agendas, name tags, and materials for each station.
Problem
BIPOC businesses in Springfield face barriers in accessing resources, contracts, and opportunities for growth and success.
Solution
The Same Sky Idea Jam is designed to address these challenges by creating a collaborative space for BIPOC businesses, organizations, and stakeholders to share insights, ideate solutions, and develop recommendations to promote supplier diversity and support the growth of BIPOC businesses.
Results
The Same Sky ID3A Jam yielded the following outcomes:
– Captured empathy maps for BIPOC businesses and anchor institutions, enhancing understanding between cohorts.
– Mapped the supplier diversity pipeline, identified on-ramp strategies, and explored ways to enhance business-institution relationships.
– Mapped ideal candidate profiles for BIPOC businesses to engage with anchor institutions.
– Explored marketing channels, communications, and resource needs to promote the supplier diversity ecosystem.
Tangible Changes
– Enhanced understanding and collaboration between BIPOC businesses and anchor institutions.
– Identified strategies for strengthening the supplier diversity pipeline.
– Defined criteria for ideal candidates to engage in business with anchor institutions.
– Explored communication channels and resource needs for effective supplier diversity promotion.
This short case study highlights the Same Sky Idea Jam’s objectives, scope, approach, challenges, and outcomes. It underscores the importance of fostering a thriving supplier diversity ecosystem and enhancing collaboration between BIPOC businesses and various stakeholders.
