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GilbaneConnects Outreach for Small and Disadvantaged Businesses

May 13, 2021
Yvette Stevens
Meaningful diversity and inclusion efforts must extend beyond performative actions and move toward concrete and equitable opportunity. Our GilbaneConnects outreach and engagement strategies exist to strengthen the diversity and competitiveness of our supplier pool. Our commitment to this effort goes beyond meeting mandated goals; it’s about building relationships and supporting pathways to success for diverse and disadvantaged businesses. Our success is measured by the opportunities we’ve created.

Making Connections Through BidConnectUSA™

BidConnectUSA™ is a powerful networking platform for businesses and government agencies. It facilitates the strengthening of connections between small and diverse business owners with procurement professionals through online networking and outreach events, as well as webinars and training.

Recently, Gilbane partnered with BidConnectUSA™ to utilize their centralized platform to provide small and diverse business owners with the latest information on all our GilbaneConnects business outreach events, as well as upcoming subcontracting opportunities across the country. By using this platform, we take an important step in making connections with disadvantaged firms.

“Yvette Stevens has shown profound commitment to small and diverse businesses within BidConnectUSA™. Since December 2020, through her significant efforts, Gilbane has held over 20 online events for various subcontracting opportunities and have brought in nearly 300 contractors as new members to BidConnectUSA™. Gilbane has added several links on their website to encourage contractors to join BidConnectUSA™ so that they can easily connect and communicate with them. We look forward to having a long and successful business relationship / partnership with Gilbane.”
– Jacqueline and Taurean Peterson, BidConnectUSA™

BidConnectUSA™ provides small business owners with:

Online Events

Through BidConnectUSA™, Gilbane representatives hold regular outreach events for specific projects, pre-bid meetings, “live” bid opening results, as well as webinars on “Doing Business with Gilbane.”

On Demand Access

Subcontractors receive on demand, 24/7 access to all events videos.

Unlimited Contacts

With the scalable platform, small business owners can grow their networks to meet their needs.

Discussion Board

Through this centralized, consistently monitored platform, business owners can start discussions, ask questions, and receive timely answers.

To learn more about BidConnectUSA™ or to register for the platform, please click here.



About Authors
Yvette Stevens is vice president, director of economic inclusion and community affairs. In this national leadership role, she leads the planning and execution of Gilbane’s corporate economic inclusion strategies to support our commitment to marketplace inclusion and diversity. Yvette builds partnerships with MBE and WBE firms and drives outreach for workforce development. She is also a champion for UJIMA, Gilbane’s employee resource group for our community of Black/African American employees.
Read more posts by Yvette Stevens