Frequently Asked Questions
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1. What supplies are frequently requested?
2. How does a minority supplier do business with a corporation through the Diversity Supplier Program at the Partnership?
3. I completed the registration process, but I did not receive any confirmation emails. Is my company in the database?
4. What happens after I register for the Partnership's Diversity Supplier program?
5. Whom do I contact if I have questions about my registration?
6. Where do I find more information on certifications in order to meet the Partnership's Diversity Supplier Program certification requirements?
7. How do I determine if my business is an MBE?
8. What are some benefits of the program to corporations?
9. What is involved with the required quarterly reports?

1. What supplies are frequently requested?
   Corporations will have supplier needs for various products and services. An example includes the following: office supplies, printing, catering, landscaping, and construction.
2. How does a minority supplier do business with a corporation through the Diversity Supplier Program at the Partnership? To be considered for business with a corporation through the Diversity Supplier Program, your company must meet M/WBE certification and registration requirements. If your company has met our requirements, please fax your certification letter to (716) 852-2761, attn: Diversity Supplier Program to register with our program.

   *Please note that once you complete the Supplier Registration page on the Partnership's web site, all communication and/or submitted data is owned by the Partnership and governed by our privacy policy.

3. I completed the registration process, but I did not receive any confirmation emails. Is my company in the database?
   After you have completed your registration, you should receive a confirmation e-mail stating your registration status is accepted. If you did not receive this confirmation, please contact diversity@thepartnership.org or call (716) 852-7100 x 431 for possible technical issues.

   * See above

4. What happens after I register for the Partnership's Diversity Supplier program?

   For MBEs:
   After you've completed your registration, your information will be entered into the Partnership's database. When there is a sourcing opportunity, Partnership staff will access this database to search for suppliers. If your company's products and/or services match the products and/or services requested by a corporation, you will be contacted by Partnership staff. Please ensure that your profile includes all of your company's capabilities. You should renew your registration information on an annual basis in order to have your comprehensive information available for consideration.

   For Corporations:
   Your company information will be entered in to the Partnership's database. You should renew your registration information on an annual basis.

5. Whom do I contact if I have questions about my registration?
   If you have a technical question, you may contact the Partnership by sending an e-mail to diversity@thepartnership.org or call (716) 852-7100 x431.
6. Where do I find more information on certifications in order to meet the Partnership's Diversity Supplier Program certification requirements?
   • National Minority Supplier Development Council - www.nmsdc.org
   • Small Business Administration - www.sba.gov
   • Department of Transportation - www.dot.gov
   • Erie County/City of Buffalo joint certification - www.erie.gov
   • Empire State Development - www.empire.state.ny.us
   • Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority - www.nfta.com
7. How do I determine if my business is an MBE?
   Use the criteria under definition of M/WBE as a basis for determining M/WBE status. The Partnership recommends certification through a NMSDC affiliated regional council, WBENC or (any recognized certifying agency) (See certification requirements)
8. What are some benefits of the program to corporations?
   The following are just a few of the benefits of implementing a pro-active Minority Business Development program.
   • Minorities form an important part of the U.S. consumer base and are the fastest growing segment.
   • W/MBE's help stimulate economic growth by hiring minorities.
   • Doing business with minorities reinforces corporate responsibility. It is the right business decision.
   • o Minority organizations are allies to corporations, and most successful Fortune 1000 companies have M/WBE programs.
   • Outstanding MBE programs attract good PR and favorable publicity.
9. What is involved with the required quarterly reports?

   For corporations: Report Form

   For MBEs: Report Form

   All reporting will be requested on a quarterly basis. If your reporting is compiled on an annual basis, please advise the diversity contact person during the first quarter diversity@thepartnership.org.