By Karen Wallace
EVP, Economic Inclusion

The AIM Business Connect supplier diversity initiative has provided introductions leading to contracts between AIM member organizations and some of the best and brightest Massachusetts companies owned by women, people of color, veterans and members of the LGBTQ community.

Established in 2022, ABC now includes a roster of 100 minority owned companies ranging from technology startups to caterers. AIM works privately to match requests for proposals from purchasers with companies that can become a valuable part of the supply chain. The business connections include DRB Facility Services working with Rockland Trust and Elegant Stitches providing products to Eastern Bank

“We are delighted that AIM members enjoy access to a vibrant marketplace of buyers and sellers who represent the full variety of the Massachusetts economy,” said Brooke Thomson, President and CEO of AIM.

“We urge members to discover a world of potential suppliers ready to meet your needs and diversify your supply spend.”

The connections formed through ABC have brought together companies that might never have otherwise done business. Granola and oat-bar producer 88 Acres of Canton found help communicating with their workers who speak different languages.

“88 Acres’ partnership with AIM has provided opportunities to connect with other businesses to help us meet our business needs. Specifically, we were introduced to ATP Translation Services, which has helped us better communicate with and train our multilingual workforce,” the company said in a statement.

Another ABC vendor said: “As a startup small business, we are so grateful for the opportunity to be members of AIM.  It has helped tremendously with networking and securing new accounts.

“At every AIM event without fail, I run into someone that I’ve been developing as a client, and having the ability to move the conversation from email to in-person is invaluable.  In total during our two-year membership, AIM has directly or indirectly led to 15% of our overall revenue.”

Prominent AIM members such as Point32 Health and Mass Development have worked with ABC to identify diverse vendors to whom they can proactively send requests for proposals.

AIM is dedicated to fostering economic empowerment for all, with a specific focus on uplifting BIPOC, women, LGBTQ+, disabled, and veteran-owned enterprises. By joining us in this mission, you not only contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable business landscape but also build a deep supply-chain bench and play a vital role in promoting economic opportunity for under-represented communities.

Please contact me if you would like to create lasting impact and a brighter future for all.