New program seeks to help local businesses taking action to address workforce inequity

Business Equity for Indy has launched a first-of-its-kind Workforce Pilot program to support local businesses with hiring a diverse workforce.

Vice President of Policy and Strategy, Taylor Hughes said companies will have access to resources that help them take action to address inequity in the workforce.

“We will be a 30-company cohort and a two-year program to help companies select and prioritize some of those best practices that they want to work on and hook them up with subject matter experts,” Hughes said.

Hughes said the program is designed to support companies with many strategies to reduce disparities and drive equity.

“It will align with the value proposition, it will align with their sense of mission, but it will also be an important way to enhance the way they do business,” Hughes said.

The program is supported by Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation and the Lumina Foundation.

“Disparities in education and employment hinder individuals’ ability to prosper, businesses’ ability to thrive, and the vitality of our community,” said Claire Fiddian Green, president and CEO, Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation in a statement.

The BEI Workforce Pilot will begin in the fall of 2022.

Businesses can apply to take part in the pilot here

Contact WFYI Morning Edition newscaster and reporter Taylor Bennett at tbennett@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @TaylorB2213.