Empowering Businesses: The Impact of Choosing Diverse Suppliers

I’m excited for the conversations to come at the National Minority Supplier Development Council Annual Conference & Exchange about innovative and transformative solutions to develop diverse suppliers. Ahead of the conference, I’ve been reflecting on the importance of supplier diversity. It’s something 壳牌 is building into our operations and is important for the competitiveness and long-term health of our businesses.

At a time when risks to our supply chains continue to rise from global conflicts, extreme weather, and health crises, diversifying the suppliers we work with is a smart investment that can improve the resilience of our business operations. And while a more diverse supply chain is good for business, it’s also the right thing to do.

Including and developing diverse suppliers helps everybody be part of a changing energy system. We’re intentionally working to change the profile of our supply chain to reflect and uplift the communities in which we live and work. Expanding our supplier partners to include historically under-represented and small businesses seeks to drive innovation and competitive advantage and creates a tapestry of local opportunities that fuel the aspirations of the communities we serve.

Supporting Small Business Owners

An important part of Shell in the US’s supplier diversity initiative is partnering with NGOs to develop and support programs that help businesses grow. We’ve also implemented unique Diverse Supplier Partnership Programs to empower capable, diverse suppliers who in turn make our supply chain more resilient. Working at Shell, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the trajectory of capable business owners as they grow into significant suppliers.

One inspiring success story is Lee Jackson , Founder and CEO of Jackson Offshore Operators LLC . Lee’s story is a great example of how entrepreneurs can, with access to the right opportunities and support from companies, build their businesses and invest back into their communities. Hearing about the growth of Lee's business and his positive influence on his community reaffirmed my belief in Shell’s supplier diversity programs' significant role in fostering a more equitable energy transformation.

Powering Progress Through Partnerships

In addition to selecting a more representative group of supplier partners, we work alongside partner organizations to uplift entrepreneurs in our communities.

The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) is a great example. Empowering women in business and #STEM has been a passion of mine since college. My dad was an engineer, and between my brothers and me, I was the one who followed in his footsteps. He was my number-one cheerleader and became a champion for women in engineering. Creating opportunities for other women in business and STEM is why I’m passionate about this partnership with WBENC.

Since 2017, 175 women and minority-owned business leaders have immersed themselves in the Energy Executive Program , an executive education experience that Shell helped to develop and co-sponsor through our partnership with WBENC and other industry peers. Helping female and minority entrepreneurs build sustainable business models is an incredibly rewarding thing to do.

Everybody can be Part of a Changing Energy System

Collaborating with historically underrepresented groups and small businesses in the local communities that we serve has a lasting impact on future generations and spurs the innovation, competitiveness and resiliency necessary to meet the energy needs we have today and those of tomorrow.

In the US, Shell has doubled its spending with diverse suppliers since 2020. By intentionally investing in diverse and small business vendors and suppliers and partnering with community organizations, we can break down barriers, encourage new business growth opportunities, and share in the benefits of the energy transformation.

I’d love to hear your comments about the diverse small business owners and organizations working on the frontlines of your local communities to drive innovation.