Supplier Diversity Program
At Cottage Health, we are committed to nurturing an inclusive and diverse business environment that extends beyond patient care. We believe in creating opportunities for diverse suppliers and empowering businesses to thrive. Our Supplier Diversity Program is designed to promote economic growth, increase supplier engagement, and contribute to the overall well-being of our community.
Cottage Values
Inclusivity: We value diversity in our supplier base and actively seek to work with businesses owned by women, minorities, veterans, LGBTQ+, and individuals with disabilities. We believe that a diverse supplier network brings new perspectives, innovative ideas, and strengthens the local economy.
Opportunities for Growth: By becoming a diverse supplier for Cottage, you gain access to a wide range of opportunities to showcase your products and services. We are dedicated to fostering long-term relationships with our suppliers and providing support to help you grow your business.
How to Become a Diverse Supplier
To be eligible for our Supplier Diversity Program, your business should be certified as a diverse supplier.
We recognize certifications from reputable organizations such as the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), Small Business Administration (SBA), and other recognized certifying agencies.
Cottage Health will recognize certification by:
- National Minority Supplier Development Council
- Small Business Administration
- Women Business Enterprise National Council
- National Women Business Owners Corporation
- U.S. Business Leadership Network-Disability Supplier Diversity Program
- Any other local, regional, or national organizations or commerce groups that certify diversity classifications and like businesses
Registration
Download the Cottage Health Supplier Add form and follow submission instructions on the form.
You can also request the form or ask questions by contacting
supplierdiversity@cottagehealth.org.
To be eligible for our program, your business must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by individuals from a diverse group
- Have proper certifications and documentation to verify diverse ownership
- Licensed and capable to provide products or services that align with our procurement needs
- Demonstrate financial stability and operational capacity
The following categories of diverse suppliers are recognized by Cottage Health’s Supplier Diversity Program:
- Disabled business
- Disadvantaged business (DISAD)
- Disabled veteran-owned business (DVBE)
- Historically black colleges and universities and minority institutions (HBCU)
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Owned Business (LGBTE)
- Minority-owned business (MBE)
- Service-disabled veteran-owned business (SDVBE)
- Small disadvantaged business (SDIS)
- Veteran-owned business (VBE)
- Woman-owned business (WBE)
Proposal/Bid Opportunities: Once registered as an approved supplier, diverse suppliers are eligible to bid on opportunities that match their capabilities. Our team will review the proposals and select suppliers based on quality, price, ability to deliver as promised, and commitment to diversity.
Relationship Building: If selected as a supplier, we will work closely with you to build a strong, long-term partnership. We believe in open communication, collaboration, and providing feedback to foster continuous improvement.
Contact Us
Join Cottage Health’s Supplier Diversity Program and become part of a community that values your unique contributions. Together, we can create a more inclusive and prosperous healthcare ecosystem. Contact our Supplier Diversity team today to learn more and get started.
Cottage Health's Supplier Diversity Program is subject to change and modification as per business needs and industry standards.