Are you a small startup or org looking to start your DEI journey or needing more strategic support?

As our co-founder, Alex Suggs, MBA, shared in an earlier post: it is wise and rewarding when startups and small teams invest early on in their DEI efforts despite a small (or nonexistent) budget. The org will undoubtedly reap lasting benefits of investing in their people early on.

➡️ They know that prioritizing DEI now will save them from having to retroactively fix things in the future.
➡️ They know that prioritizing DEI now will lead to products and services that will reach a larger and more diverse consumer base.
➡️ They know that prioritizing DEI now is not only good for business but an opportunity to use business for good.

What's your company's excuse for not dedicating time, money and resources to this work? 🙃

Take your organization to the next level with these steps in our Startup Guide to DEI.

#1 Start with Leaders

Invest in dedicated DEI learning and development for leaders to ensure this work is championed from the top.

#2 Integrate DEI Into Your

Assess the ways your venture is either contributing to or addressing the inequities and injustices we experience in our world today. How can your suggested solution also help society?

#3 Prioritize Processes

Build adaptable people processes that bring structure to your operations. This will ensure biases are mitigated and equity is embedded before expanding your team.

#4 Define Your Core Values

Co-create your company values and DEI vision with your initial employees to inform the behaviors expected of team members, all in support of cultivating a culture of belonging for all.

#5 Keep a Finger On The Pulse

Capture ongoing feedback from employees around feedback, decision-making, power distribution, accountability, psychological safety, and more. Then, co-create tangible solutions that put your people first.

Different DEI has small scale, low budget offerings for whatever stage your startup or business is at. So what are you waiting for?