Supplier Diversity
Doing business with a diverse set of suppliers delivers value. It creates a competitive advantage by linking fresh perspectives with the nimble thinking of small and diverse businesses to our internal business needs. We actively seek to expand relationships with these types of suppliers, which we view as an untapped source of talent.
Since 2005, the U.S. Small Business Administration has recognized Lilly as “outstanding” in our efforts to promote and maintain supplier diversity. Our industry, advocacy organizations, the community, and businesses have awarded our supplier diversity program. In 2022, we spent more than $685 million with 1,100 suppliers classified as small businesses and $640 million with approximately 500 large or small suppliers classified as minority-owned, woman-owned, disability-owned and/or LGBTQ+-owned businesses.
Our Program
Our work at Lilly Supplier Diversity involves engaging and empowering diverse and small businesses through mentorship and advocacy. It drives data-driven impact and a supplier base more reflective of the diverse community, allowing socially and economically disadvantaged groups to develop and prosper.
We engage by:
hosting Lilly Supplier Days annually in Indianapolis, Puerto Rico, and other Lilly locations for small and diverse suppliers based on business needs;
attending advocacy and community events to identify small and diverse suppliers;
sharing best practices with industry groups.
We empower through:
our Lilly Mentor Protégé Program that develops small and diverse suppliers by sharing Lilly methodologies and industry best practices while providing a Lilly Executive coach;
participating in advocacy organizations’ mentorship programs;
sponsoring scholarships for small and diverse suppliers;
leading community and advocacy boards and committees.
We impact by:
advocating for small and diverse supplier-friendly policies and practices;
promoting small and diverse suppliers to internal business partners;
requiring the inclusion of qualified small and diverse suppliers in competitive opportunities and category strategies;
expanding small and diverse suppliers’ economic potential by connecting them with other companies;
achieving results!
Diversity and inclusion are business imperatives at Lilly. We are committed to be the best organization we can be and that will not be possible without fully embracing diversity. We want to attract the best talent, work with the very best suppliers and deeply understand ALL of the patients who need our medicines. The Lilly supplier diversity program is an important component of our comprehensive diversity agenda.
David A. RicksChair and CEO, Eli Lilly and Company
Become a Small/Diverse Supplier
We require that a business be certified as a “small” or “diverse business.” We prefer to use the expertise of third-party certifying organizations, so our staff can focus on maximizing opportunities for diverse businesses. Below are the various certifications Lilly accepts:
Learn about our Tier 2 Reporting Process.
Diversity in Suppliers FAQ