KANSAS CITY, MO — In partnership with Evergy and Ralph G. Moore & Associates (RGMA), Burns & McDonnell held its Accelerate program graduation. Accelerate is a supplier diversity business development program that provides mentorship and training to help advance small and diverse-owned businesses within their communities.
Topics throughout the six-month program ranged from understanding economic viability to developing strategies for structuring deals to boost diverse spending.
“We continue to support our small and diverse supplier relationships, providing tools, resources, and opportunities for continued collaboration and success,” said Tammy Martin, Business Diversity Program Director at Burns & McDonnell.
Leaders from nearly 40 small and diverse-owned businesses received an opportunity for mentorship, with each participant partnered with a sponsor from Evergy or Burns & McDonnell.
“These businesses bring unique perspectives and ideas that are critical for driving innovation and economic growth, while also supporting corporate responsibility and resilience,” said Valerie Coyazo, Lead Supplier Diversity Manager at Evergy.
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Over the last five years, Burns & McDonnell has had a total business diversity spend of $2.3 billion and has worked with over 2,600 small and/or diverse-owned businesses. Over the last five years, Evergy has had a total business diversity spend of $1.1 billion and has worked with over 800 small and/or diverse-owned businesses.
This year, Burns & McDonnell and Evergy facilitated the training at various locations led by their business diversity champions. The training was developed by Ralph Moore, who has redefined business diversity for more than 40 years and who has developed the RGMA program.
“The Accelerate program provides participating diverse suppliers with a forum for sharpening their skills, which enhances their ability to deliver goods and services that contribute to their clients’ operational excellence,” Moore said.
