FAQs
FAQs
General FAQs
Q: What is the Platinum Supplier Program (PSP)?
A: The PSP is an in-depth program designed to empower WBEs (WBENC Certified Women Business Owners) with tools, strategies, and networking opportunities to enhance their competitiveness in corporate procurement. The program includes workshops, hands-on training, a one-on-one “Mock matchmaker” meeting with a corporate representative to review their newly created or refined Capability Statement, and an opportunity to pitch their business to 15 – 25 Corporate representatives and receive live feedback on their day of graduation. After graduation, the WBE can apply for the in-person PSP Pitch Showcase at the Annual Regional WBEC-West Conference.
Q: When does the PSP Cohort take place?
A: There are three Cohorts a year and the program runs from:
Cohort 1: January 17th – March 19th WBEs only
Cohort 2: April 11th – June 4th WBEs only
Cohort 3: September 12th – November 13th DBEs—any certified diversity business owner
with workshops held on scheduled days during this period.
Q: What is the cost of the program?
A: The total cost for the PSP Workshop is $350.
Eligibility and Requirements
Q: Who is eligible to participate?
A: The first two PSP programs for 2024 are dedicated to WBENC-certified WBEs seeking to engage in corporate supplier diversity programs. For the third PSP session, this will be open to all certified diverse business owners.
Q: Do I need to attend all sessions to graduate?
A: Yes, participants must attend all workshops to qualify for the final graduation and mock matchmaker & pitch session.
Q: Do I need prior knowledge or experience in supplier diversity to join?
A: No prior experience is required. The program is designed to provide foundational knowledge and practical strategies for success.
Q: Can I repeat the PSP Program?
A: Yes. Many participants take the program annually to revisit their capability statements and annual plans.
Course Content
Q: What topics will the PSP cover?
A: The program includes:
- Day 1: Overview of the PSP program, homework guidance, and virtual meeting tips.
- Day 2: Comprehensive Understanding of WBENC, WBEC-West, Supplier Diversity and Corporate Procurement
- Day 3: Strategy for competitive advantage - The power of capability statement and pitching. Developing competitive capability statements and pitching techniques
- Day 4: PSP How to Win: Prospecting, pitching and negotiation strategies.
- Day 5: Reviewing and refining capability statements with trainers and a presentation from a procurement and/or business expert on their corporation’s operations & procurement processes.
- Day 6: Building and rebuilding sales pipelines in a virtual environment.
- Day 7: Graduation, mock matchmaking, and corporate pitching.
Q: Does the PSP Program cover government contracts?
A: The PSP Program primarily focuses on contracting with America`s largest corporations, many of which sponsor WBEC-West and WBENC. However, WBEC-West offers a separate PSP program dedicated to government contracting
Q: Will I receive a certificate or recognition?
A: Yes, graduates will receive a certificate of completion two weeks after graduation, a digital copy of the PSP logo for their usage and a mention in the WBEC-West Newsletter
Logistics and Support
Q: Are the sessions online or in-person?
A: All sessions except Graduation are conducted online via Zoom for accessibility and convenience. Graduation is virtual on the Virtual Fusion Platform.
Q: What are the session timings?
A:
- 3 sessions on Fridays run from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM PST.
- 3 sessions run from Friday 9:30am to 12:30pm (or earlier)
- Graduation takes place from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM PST.
Q: Who should I contact for additional questions?
A: Please email Jaymee Lomax, RVP of WBEC-West, at [email protected] or Community Development & Engagement Coordinator, Renita [email protected] for more information.
Registration and Payment
Q: Are there refunds if I cannot complete the program?
A: Refunds are not available.
Q: Is there financial aid or discounts available?
A: Two scholarships—Anna Siefert and Melanie Rae (2025-2030)—are available. Contact [email protected] at WBEC-West for more information
Additional FAQs
Q: What are the advantages of having a PSP Certificate?
A: Graduates Certificate boosts your credibility, enhances procurement opportunities, and provides valuable insights on effectively communicating with supplier diversity professionals and industry experts. It also equips you with the tools to create a meaningful capability statement and a polished 90-second pitch.
Q: What happens if I can’t attend a live session? Will there be a recording available?
A: No, sessions are not recorded. However, submitting your homework will provide valuable insights into areas for improvement. Facilitators occasionally stay 10 minutes after class to answer questions when time permits, offering additional support.
Q: How many hours per week should I expect to dedicate to the program?
A: Approximately 5-10 hours per week
Q: Are there any opportunities for one-on-one mentoring during the program?
A: While the program focuses on group coaching, participants receive personalized feedback on key elements like capability statements and pitches. With 15 other WBEs in the cohort, you’ll benefit from diverse insights, shared experiences, and collaborative learning. This group dynamic fosters a supportive environment where you can grow alongside your peers, gaining valuable perspectives from both facilitators and fellow WBEs.
Q: What happens if my business isn`t fully prepared with a Capability Statement or Value Proposition?
A: The program includes sessions to help you develop and refine these materials.
Q: Will there be opportunities to practice pitching before the final event?
A: Yes, pitch sessions are included in the curriculum. Additionally, a PSP lead is selected to facilitate group practice sessions for those who want to continue refining their pitch before graduation. This group setting provides valuable peer feedback and extra preparation.
Q: Can I have a copy of the training slides and the final slides with all our answers?
A: No, the slides are proprietary to the program and may include cohort-specific information, which is confidential and not shared outside the workshop.
