Our Jumpstart Program
We provide a select number of FREE 30-minute consultation calls each month for business owners who self-identify as Black, LGBTQ+, and/or women. We can discuss business or marketing strategies, create a task list and/or provide resources to help you jumpstart the next phase of your company! Fill out our consultation form here to get started.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in Leadership
SmartFriend is focused on driving a more diverse future in business leadership. Out of 5.9 million small businesses in the US, only 3% are owned by Black people and 43% are owned by women.*
Multiple case studies show genuine diversity and inclusion efforts can create better business results.
“An inclusive culture empowers diverse talent to think differently and share their experiences and perspectives, which is a key driver for innovation, development and engagement.” -Inclusive Employers*
“Companies with a diverse workforce are 35% more likely to experience greater financial returns than their respective non-diverse counterparts.” -Forbes*
SmartFriend loves working with business owners of ALL backgrounds. However, we recognize the need to authentically support and lift up leaders who come from traditionally underserved backgrounds.
Resources on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging:
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/small-business-statistics/
https://innovationmanagement.se/2010/11/24/why-diversity-is-the-mother-of-creativity/
https://www.inclusiveemployers.co.uk/about/what-is-workplace-inclusion/