Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion​

Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion is more than doing the right thing in which State Business Executives believe it is a strong moral and economic imperative. Diversity spurs innovation and creativity, which lead to greater business success and opportunities. A diverse business community is a key driver of America’s economic success. When businesses recognize and embrace the value of different backgrounds and perspectives, they are better able to create value, serve customers, support employees, remain relevant, and succeed and grow.

Business Leaders must go beyond welcoming to all, equitable for all, and prosperous for all statements or as aspirational business goals- it must put into practice policies regarding hiring, compensation, supplier diversity, and minority business development. SBE, our Board, and members commit to eliminating racial inequities and focus efforts on improving racial equality and economic opportunities for all. To accomplish a more equitable, just, inclusive society, we recommend the following:

• Remove bias in job postings and hiring
• Fairness in compensation and advancement
• Internal methods to assess, measure, and report progress on fostering and maintaining a corporate culture of diversity, inclusion, and respect
• Implementing DEI strategy at both the Board and C-suite levels
• Increased use of minority suppliers 
• Increase in federal minimum wage
• Reform Small Business Administration policies, products, and service to support minority owned businesses
• Congress must address a core driver of racial disparity- the improving early educational opportunities for young black, minority, and economically disadvantaged students