InBIA Launches Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Effort

InBIA is taking steps to improve its approaches to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, both in terms of internal operations and in the services it is offering ESO members to foster inclusive and equitable communities. Working with a consultant, the organization will conduct a comprehensive assessment of current DEIA practices, identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement in DEIA initiatives, and develop actionable recommendations to enhance DEIA practices throughout the organization, fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment. 

For the last several years, InBIA has been focused on facilitating inclusive and equitable entrepreneurship ecosystems, particularly through the e.Builders initiative started in 2017 to highlight thriving and inclusive ecosystems, three practitioner playbooks published in 2019, and now its Equitable Communities Initiative, a community of practice designed to help entrepreneur support professionals identify and implement proven practices and strategies for supporting entrepreneurs of color. 

The goals of this DEIA Capacity Building Initiative include: 

• Enhancing competencies of InBIA’s staff, board members, and volunteers to effectively deliver programmining and support
• Fostering collaboration with external organizations and communities to amplify the impact of these efforts, ensuring broader reach and engagement
• Reviewing and implementing updates to InBIA’s policies and procedures to remove bias and promote equity and incusion 
• Cultivating a sense of community and shared purpose so staff, board members and volunteers all feel valued, respected, safe and included
• Raising awareness and deepening understanding of DEIA issues among InBIA’s staff, board members, and volunteers through education and training
• Promoting diversity in leadership at all levels of the organization, ensuring all voices are heard and valued in the decision-making processes

InBIA is seeking a consultant with a demonstrated track record of conducting DEIA audits and a deep understanding of trends in this field to conduct this audit and work with the InBIA staff, board members, and volunteers in improving practices. Interested consultants should click here for the full request for proposals and reach out to Charles Ross at cross@inbia.org with any questions. 

As this process unfolds, InBIA will keep the community updated on the changes the organization will make to become more equitable and inclusive. We look forward to leveraging this work to support local practitioners in their efforts to foster equitable entrepreneurship in communities across the country and globe. 

All proposals are due by Monday, September 23, 2024. Click here for answers to frequently asked questions.