No application fee is required.
Recognizing the unsung heroes of supplier development
The Supplier Development Champions program is a groundbreaking initiative that recognizes innovation, inclusion, impact, transparency, and integration of supplier development programs within organizations. Organizations based in the U.S. with at least 750 U.S.-based employees are eligible. All applicants will receive a report with their Supplier Development Champions score. The top-scoring organizations will receive an award of distinction and recognition at USPAACC’s CelebrASIAN Business + Procurement Conference on June 3-5, 2025, in Oxon Hill, MD.
Our 2024 Champions
Vanguard
Vanguard
Vanguard
Vanguard
Vanguard
Visionary
Visionary
Visionary
Visionary
Visionary
Visionary
Visionary
Visionary
Visionary
Visionary
What is the Supplier Development Champions (SDC) Program?
Powered by USPAACC, the Supplier Development Champions (SDC) program is an award initiative designed for US-based corporations and nonprofits to evaluate and enhance their supplier development programs. SDC assesses year-over-year progress, providing a framework for nurturing true growth and long-term development.
What sets SDC apart is its emphasis on recognizing the unsung heroes of supplier development—those who go beyond spending to focus on inclusion, impact, and integration within the community. It also serves as a network for corporate and nonprofit entities to access valuable resources, strengthen their programs, and contribute to the broader goals of economic empowerment and global supply chain resilience.
The program equips participants with tools to refine their supplier development strategies while supporting the certification and advancement of the small businesses that make these programs possible, fostering stronger partnerships and more inclusive economic growth.
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HOW WE MEASURE SUCCESS
Innovation
We’re looking for organizations that are thinking outside the box to target underserved business owners.
Inclusion
How is your organization targeting underserved business owners who represent your organizations core values?
Community Impact
How has your organization's efforts influenced economic opportunity and growth for underserved communities?
Transparency
How did your organization, both publicly and internally, inform and generate awareness of its commitment to supplier development?
Supplier Development
How does your organization promote growth and sustainability among diverse suppliers, beyond just increasing spend?
Founding Sponsors
Chamber Partners
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will have access to my information?
All information submitted as part of the application will be redacted and fully anonymized through a multi-layered redaction process before being shared with the judging committee. USPAACC is committed to maintaining strict confidentiality and ensuring the anonymity of all applicants throughout the judging process. No identifying information will be disclosed to judges or the public during the evaluation phase.
Additionally, the data provided in your application will never be shared externally or used for any purpose beyond this program. USPAACC takes the protection of your information seriously and ensures that it remains confidential at all times.
Please note that organizations selected as Supplier Development Champions will be publicly recognized during the CelebrASIAN Gala. This recognition will highlight their achievements but will not include any specific data or sensitive details submitted as part of the application.
When will USPAACC inform me of my results?
Applicants will be notified of their results via email in May 2025. This will allow awardees to adequately plan their registration and travel arrangements to attend the award ceremony.
When are applications due?
All applications are due by April 11th, 2025.