BOISE, Idaho — Albertsons Cos. is expanding its supplier diversity program as part of an ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, the company said on Thursday. The company, which is seeking to partner and support innovative and diverse suppliers, is hosting its second virtual summit this week.

“Albertsons Cos. is dedicated to providing opportunities to diverse suppliers to grow their business and have their products on more shelves,” said Jonathan Mayes, Albertsons’ senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer. “Through this program, we are able to partner with new diverse businesses that also reflect the diverse communities we serve across the nation.”

One of the biggest challenges for small businesses is access to working capital. Albertsons Cos. offers an expanded early payment program through its partnership with C2FO, a secure online platform that provides funding to qualified, diverse-owned suppliers at significantly lower rates. By making access to working capital more equitable, diverse-owned businesses can alleviate immediate capital challenges.

Albertsons Cos. hosted its first successful virtual event in May 2021 with nearly 1,000 diverse suppliers interested in partnering with the company. For 2022, Albertsons Cos. will continue its work with ECRM, RangeMe, and Quantum to broaden its reach and help identify a diverse group of candidates.

Albertsons Cos. is seeking submissions from suppliers that are over 50% owned and controlled/operated by a U.S. citizen who fits in one of the following categories or ethnicities: African American, Asian American, Hispanic, Native American, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender, Service-Disabled Veteran or Female.

The deadline for submissions is February 7. Suppliers who want more information or plan to submit an application by the deadline can click here. Acceptance into the Supplier Diversity Program will be announced in April.