Women entrepreneurs across Atlantic Canada are leveraging supplier diversity programs to strengthen their businesses, build meaningful partnerships, and access new opportunities in the corporate sector. Through our Supplier Diversity Program, business owners say they have gained valuable mentorship, clearer business strategies, stronger professional networks, and access to contracts and procurement opportunities that are helping to drive business growth.
For many of these entrepreneurs, those opportunities are made possible through the support of corporate partners like RBC, which has done business with several participants in the program.
As RBC’s Global Lead, Supplier Inclusion, and a supporter, presenter, and mentor for the Supplier Diversity Program, Jessica Grey advances strategies that connect diverse-owned businesses with procurement opportunities across the organization. Through her work, she helps create pathways for underrepresented entrepreneurs to participate in RBC’s supply chain.
“What I enjoy most about this work is seeing the direct impact that access, education and opportunity can have on the growth of small and medium-sized businesses. Whether it’s coaching suppliers, connecting them to opportunities or helping them better understand corporate procurement strategic sourcing processes, the goal is always to create meaningful economic impact while supporting RBC’s business objectives.” Says Jessica
For Meghan Raza, founder of Ascension Living, the experience highlighted the importance of connection and tools to help her grow her business. Her company focuses on Psychological Health and Safety for organizations, while also supporting established women entrepreneurs through one-on-one leadership work.
“Ascension Living is a dual-sided practice based in Prince Edward Island, built on a single conviction: organizations cannot outperform the internal state of the people leading them,” Meghan explains.
Meghan’s corporate work helps leadership teams move beyond reactive management approaches by embedding psychological safety into day-to-day operations. Through her eight-week “Psychologically Safe By Design” program, organizations focus on building healthier workplace cultures from the leadership level outward.
Meghan shares that the CWB Supplier Diversity Program helped open doors to new relationships and opportunities she may not have otherwise encountered.
“The network of women is the part that stays with me, serious business owners who are building with intention and who show up for each other in a way that doesn’t always exist in broader business communities.”
“The mentorship and access to procurement leaders through the program accelerated my growth and gave me direct exposure to conversations that are often difficult to access independently.”
Looking ahead, Meghan plans to continue expanding her Psychological Health and Safety programming while growing her one-on-one practice for women business owners.
“When you address the identity-level patterns underneath, the ones that make structural problems stick even when experienced people are genuinely trying, that’s when culture actually shifts.”
Her advice to businesses considering supplier diversity certification is to begin the process early.
“Get certified before you think you need it. The organizations actively looking for certified diverse suppliers are not waiting for you to be ready; they’re building pipelines now.”
Meghan also reflected on the importance of finding community as an entrepreneur, particularly after relocating to Atlantic Canada.
“Being connected to a community of women who are further down roads I’m still on, who are generous with what they know, and who are genuinely invested in each other’s success, that’s not something you can build on your own.”
For Tate Engineering Inc. founder Roxanne Tate, the program provided practical tools to better position her company within supplier networks. Tate Engineering specializes in engineering, project management, and energy consulting, helping clients solve complex operational and facility development challenges.
“Our clients describe us as a knowledgeable, results-focused, and trusted partner,” Roxanne shares.
For Roxanne, one of the program’s biggest benefits was helping her refine how the company presents its services to potential buyers.
“The focused sessions helped me develop a strategy to leverage certification.”
She noted that developing a capabilities statement and practicing pitches helped clarify the company’s value proposition and identify where the business fits within supplier tiers.
“I think being confident with where you fit in the supply chain is an important factor of success.”
The opportunity to practice pitches in a supportive environment also stood out as a major takeaway for Roxanne.
“When you can get people who do not know your business to understand what you’re capable of in under two minutes, you’ve got something valuable.”
This year, Roxanne is focused on building long-term relationships with select corporate and government prospects rather than pursuing volume.
“I’m taking the quality over quantity approach as I seek to build long-term relationships that generate repeat business and referrals.”
She encourages businesses interested in supplier diversity opportunities to honestly assess whether they are prepared to meet corporate expectations.
“Contracts are earned and you need to be able to deliver to their standards.”
For One Day Affair Inc. founder Shannon Boland, she says that the program helped elevate her company’s visibility within the corporate event industry. One Day Affair specializes in wedding and corporate event planning, design, and décor, and is also known for its luxury faux floral rentals. The company’s sister business, One Day Social Affair, operates an event venue for intimate celebrations and corporate gatherings.
“From initial concept through to flawless execution, every detail is thoughtfully curated,” Shannon shares.
Shannon explained that the program created opportunities to connect with corporate clients and strengthen the credibility of the women-owned Indigenous business.
“The credibility and recognition that comes with being a diverse supplier has helped us to stand up and compete with organizations that we didn’t think would be possible as an event-based company.”
She also highlighted the value of building relationships with fellow entrepreneurs throughout the program.
“Connecting and collaborating with other inspiring women entrepreneurs also played a key role as we all navigated through the program.”
Shannon recommends businesses clearly define how their services align with corporate clients while remaining authentic to their brand.
“It is important to understand not only what you offer, but how your services can fit into a corporate environment in a way that is both authentic and sustainable for your business.”
For her team, that meant refining processes and strengthening systems to better support corporate partnerships without compromising creativity.
She also emphasized the importance of selective growth.
“Don’t try to fit into every opportunity. Focus on the partnerships and opportunities that genuinely align with your values, strengths, and long-term vision.”
From RBC’s perspective, supplier inclusion is about much more than procurement. “Diverse suppliers bring innovation, agility, unique perspectives and competitive solutions that strengthen supply chains and contribute to better business outcomes,” Jessica explains. “When diverse-owned businesses grow and succeed, they create jobs, stimulate economic development and contribute to more resilient communities. Supplier inclusion is not simply about who we buy from; it’s about helping to build a stronger and more inclusive economy.”
“The impact of programs like CWB’s Supplier Diversity Program extends beyond individual businesses. By helping entrepreneurs understand procurement processes, strengthen their readiness and build relationships with corporate buyers, the program is helping transform potential into opportunity and contributing to the long-term success of women-owned and diverse businesses.”
Looking ahead, RBC remains committed to helping advance Supplier Inclusion by continuing to expand engagement with diverse suppliers, strengthening supplier development efforts, and helping create opportunities that support long-term business growth.
“Our vision is to continue helping to foster an inclusive supply chain that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. By working collaboratively with suppliers, industry partners and advocacy organizations, we can help build a stronger and more resilient business ecosystem for the future.”
Now in its fifth year, the CWB’s Supplier Diversity Program continues to create opportunities for women entrepreneurs across Atlantic Canada to grow their businesses, strengthen their confidence and access corporate supply chains that may have once felt out of reach. By combining mentorship, networking and direct connections to procurement leaders, the program helps women business owners build the tools and relationships needed for long-term success.
“Representation may open doors, but true access builds enduring legacies. Above all, leadership should elevate every space it occupies; leaving it better than it was found, with a lasting trace of inspiration.” Jessica concluded.
You can learn more about our program here.