Albertsons announced this week the expansion of its Supplier Diversity Program. The move reaffirms their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. The retailer is seeking to partner and support innovative and diverse suppliers as Albertsons hosts its second virtual summit this week.

“Albertsons Cos. is dedicated to providing opportunities to diverse suppliers to grow their business and have their products on more shelves,” said Jonathan Mayes, Albertsons Companies SVP, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer. “Through this program, we are able to partner with new diverse businesses that also reflect the diverse communities we serve across the nation.”

One of the biggest challenges for small businesses is access to working capital. Albertsons Cos. offers an expanded early payment program through its partnership with C2FO, a secure online platform that provides funding to qualified, diverse-owned suppliers at significantly lower rates. By making access to working capital more equitable, diverse-owned businesses can alleviate immediate capital challenges.

Albertsons Cos. hosted its first successful virtual event in May 2021 with nearly 1,000 diverse suppliers interested in partnering with the company. For 2022, Albertsons Cos. will continue its work with ECRM, RangeMe, and Quantum to broaden its reach and help identify a diverse group of candidates.Albertsons Cos. is seeking submissions from suppliers that are over 50% owned and controlled/operated by a U.S. citizen and one of the following categories or ethnicities: African American, Asian American, Hispanic, Native American, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender, Service-Disabled Veteran or Female.

For more information or to submit your application by the deadline of February 7, please visit www.rangeme.com/albertsonsdiversitysummit. Acceptance into the Supplier Diversity Program will be announced in April.