September 12, 2023- Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals have selected five local diverse businesses to complete their annual six-month mentorship program called the Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI) Supplier Accelerator. This program aims to expand the knowledge and impact of local businesses headquartered in Northeast Ohio and owned by traditionally under-represented entrepreneurs, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, minorities, veterans and women.
Participating companies receive a $10,000 prize at the end of the program that provides business coaching, one-on-one access to health system leaders and networking opportunities with Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals decision makers and suppliers.
The DEI Supplier Accelerator first commenced in 2022 with five participating companies that were chosen from a pool of 19 applicants. In June 2023, the second iteration of five supplier finalists were selected from a pool of 48 applicants – a 153% increase. These five finalists will participate in the mentorship program that will run through November 2023.