Empowering Supplier Diversity with LN Westgate

At LN Westgate, we aim to empower supplier diversity within organizations, creating equitable opportunities for small and diverse suppliers to thrive. We believe that an inclusive supply chain not only drives more substantial business outcomes but also fosters innovation, community growth, and economic resilience. Our vision is to build a future where procurement is not just about cost savings but also delivering value through diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The problem we address is a common challenge in procurement and supplier diversity departments. While many companies recognize the importance of supplier diversity, they often struggle to integrate small and diverse suppliers into their supply chains. Internal stakeholders can be hesitant to make room for new, smaller suppliers due to concerns over risk, costs, or compliance, creating significant barriers to change. This hesitancy not only limits the opportunities for diverse suppliers but also prevents organizations from reaping the full benefits of a diverse supply chain, including enhanced innovation, competitive advantage, and improved community relations. Our work isn't just about finding diverse suppliers; it's about equipping companies to bring their internal stakeholders to the table with the flexibility needed to make supplier diversity a reality.

The market for supplier diversity consulting and program implementation is significant and rapidly growing. In the United States alone, corporate procurement expenditures exceed $8 trillion annually. With businesses increasingly recognizing supplier diversity as a strategic advantage, the demand for effective diversity programs continues to rise. Additionally, evolving social and regulatory pressures are pushing companies of all sizes to adopt more inclusive practices. LN Westgate is uniquely positioned to guide organizations through this journey, tapping into a market that has vast potential for growth and impact.

At the core of LN Westgate’s offering is our expertise in facilitating supplier diversity steering committees. These committees are essential for driving internal buy-in and fostering collaboration across departments. We work with our clients to build the "leeway" they need to introduce small and diverse suppliers into the mix, overcoming internal resistance and promoting a culture of inclusion. Our approach goes beyond checking a box; we create customized, hands-on strategies that result in sustainable and impactful supplier diversity programs. In addition, we provide our clients with access to a network of vetted, diverse suppliers tailored to their specific procurement needs, making it easier for them to implement change.

We are seeking funding to scale our services and broaden our impact. With this funding, we plan to enhance our supplier database, develop educational materials and workshops, and expand our steering committee facilitation services to reach more organizations. Additionally, a portion of the funds will go towards marketing efforts to raise awareness about the importance of supplier diversity and the benefits it brings to businesses and communities alike. By supporting this campaign, you contribute to a movement that seeks to create a more inclusive, equitable supply chain landscape.

Our team at LN Westgate is led by Lisa Westgate, a seasoned procurement and supplier diversity expert with nearly 25 years of experience. Having worked across industries and with organizations of varying sizes, Lisa profoundly understands the challenges and opportunities of building diverse supply chains. She is supported by a passionate team of professionals specializing in procurement strategy, supplier diversity, and stakeholder engagement. Together, we bring extensive expertise, a robust network, and a commitment to creating lasting change in the marketplace.

We are incredibly grateful for your support. By backing our campaign, you are not just investing in LN Westgate; you are investing in a future where diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of every business’s success. Your contribution empowers us to continue our mission of creating opportunities for small and diverse suppliers, ultimately driving innovation and economic growth. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. Together, we can transform procurement and build a more inclusive world.