Central Indiana is a hub of innovation, industry and community spirit.
It is a place where ambition meets opportunity, where small businesses thrive alongside corporate giants, and where the diversity of its people shapes the character of its neighborhoods. Yet, as we continue to grow and adapt to an ever-changing economic landscape, one truth remains evident: diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) are not just moral imperatives — they are the bedrock of a prosperous and resilient business community.
The case for inclusion is compelling and undeniable. Businesses with diverse workforces and inclusive cultures are more innovative, more profitable and better positioned to navigate challenges.
According to a study by McKinsey & Company, companies in the top quartile for ethnic and cultural diversity on executive teams are 36% more likely to achieve above-average profitability than those in the bottom quartile. But beyond the numbers, DEIB creates workplaces where people feel seen, valued and empowered to contribute fully to their organizations’ success.
This is not a new conversation but requires continued investment and urgency — especially now. Across the country and here in Indiana, shifting political climates and divisive rhetoric threaten to stall progress on inclusion. In some circles, DEIB has been reduced to a political statement. But let me be clear: inclusion is not about politics. It is about business. It is about people. It is about the future we are building together.
In Central Indiana, we are fortunate to have numerous examples of businesses and organizations leading the way in advancing DEIB. Consider the work of Business Equity for Indy (BEI), a coalition of corporate and civic leaders committed to addressing inequities in hiring, procurement, and community investment. BEI’s Procurement Roundtable, for instance, has helped businesses connect with minority — and women-owned suppliers, demonstrating that equity in supply chains can benefit both the buyer and the supplier.
Another example is the Indianapolis Urban League, which has long championed economic empowerment for Black and minority communities. Through programs like Project Ready, the Urban League prepares young people for workforce opportunities while collaborating with businesses to ensure equitable hiring practices. By supporting such initiatives, companies strengthen their talent pipelines and contribute to the region’s economic vitality.
On the small business front, the City of Indianapolis Office of Minority and Women Business Development (OMWBD) plays a crucial role in fostering entrepreneurship. By certifying and promoting minority- and women-owned businesses, the OMWBD helps ensure these enterprises have access to contracts and opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. One shining example is ClusterTruck, a local tech-driven food delivery company that has intentionally partnered with diverse suppliers to meet operational needs while promoting inclusion.
The Indy Black Chamber has a ten-week wealth-building class and a four-week business accelerator that were specifically designed to help Black business owners develop the foundational skills needed to plug into these partner organizations. In partnership with IU Kelley School of Business, the Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council, and the Indy Chamber, we’re actively working to expand these offerings ensuring that African American business owners have knowledge and access to resources that support them from ideation through scale.
These examples show that DEIB is not an abstract ideal but a tangible strategy with measurable outcomes. And while the work of these organizations is impactful, it is not enough to rely on their efforts alone. Every business in Central Indiana has a role to play in advancing inclusion.
At the Indy Black Chamber, we see the potential for Central Indiana to be a national model for inclusive growth. We believe that belonging should not be an aspiration but a reality we build together. And we believe businesses have a unique opportunity — and responsibility — to lead the way.
This work is not always easy, especially amid uncertainty and division. But work pays dividends — in more substantial teams, more resilient businesses and a more vibrant community. Through collaboration with community organizations, supporting minority- and women-owned businesses and committing to equitable hiring and development practices, we can ensure that Central Indiana’s growth is prosperous and inclusive.
Together, we can build a future where diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are not just values but the foundation of our shared success. Let us commit to this work — not because it is easy, but because it is necessary. Inclusion is good for business, good for people and good for Central Indiana.
This post was originally published on here
