Sponsored by the FCC Media Bureau, the Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment/Digital Empowerment and Inclusion Working Group and Internet Association
AGENDA: April 28, 2021
- Symposium Panels – 12 noon – 3:45 pm EDT
- Networking Session 1 – 4:00 pm – 5:15 pm EDT
- Networking Session 2 – 5:30 pm – 6:45 pm EDT
The Digital Empowerment and Inclusion Working Group of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment (ACDDE), ACDDE member Internet Association, and the FCC’s Media Bureau will co-sponsor a Tech and Communications Diversity Opportunity Symposium and Virtual Fair on Wednesday, April 28, 2021, from 12:00 noon to 6:45 pm. EDT. FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel will welcome the Symposium participants. Prior registration is required.
The Tech and Communications Diversity Opportunity Symposium and Virtual Fair will provide information, resources, and support to diverse communications businesses (DCBs), including those focused on legacy communications industries (e.g., radio, television, telecommunications, cable, and satellite), and those engaged in technology-oriented industries seeking business opportunities as vendors, suppliers, or partners with tech and communications companies or government agencies. DCBs include small businesses, minority- and ethnic-owned, women-owned, Veteran-owned, LGBTQ-owned, and disabled-owned businesses.
The Symposium will include two informative panels from 12 noon – 3:45 pm (EDT). The first panel, Your Tax Dollars at Work: Government Programs and Initiatives, will feature a discussion with representatives from federal, state, and local government agencies on financing and procurement opportunities and trends, highlighting diversity requirements and standards; training, education, and consulting opportunities; and mentoring, incubation, and apprenticeship programs. The second panel, For We Have Promises to Keep: Private Sector Programs and Initiatives, will showcase representatives from private sector companies and organizations that will also discuss procurement opportunities and trends, highlighting diversity requirements and standards, as well as Tier II efforts and opportunities; training, education, and consulting opportunities; mentoring, incubation, and apprenticeship programs; new and updated funding sources; and discounted or special services and plans for DCBs.
The final component of the program, a Virtual Fair from 4:00 pm to 6:45 pm, will feature one-on- one confidential consultations during which small and diverse communications business owners will receive individualized advice on supplier and vendor strategies (Tier I and Tier II); financial support for small and diverse communications businesses; training, educational or consulting programs/initiatives; discounted or special services and products for DCBs; and mentoring, incubation or apprenticeship programs/initiatives. The Virtual Fair is open to DCB owners, managers, and employees.
The companies, organizations and government agencies scheduled to participate in the Virtual Fair include:
Accompanying Capital: Accompany Capital creates a pathway to self-sufficiency for immigrant and refugee entrepreneurs in New York City by providing access to affordable credit, empowering with financial education, and offering training in best business practices and technology. For more than 20 years, they have provided strategic financial and capacity-building services developed with a focus on the needs of immigrants and refugees. They work individually with each client, in their own language whenever possible, providing them with the capital they need, and also the caring support and guidance that have become synonymous with who Accompany Capital is. https://accompanycapital.org/about-us/
AT&T: As a broadband connectivity provider, AT&T’s high-speed fiber and wireless broadband networks connect people and businesses across the U.S. As a software-based entertainment provider, AT&T delivers compelling entertainment experiences through HBO Max and AT&T TV. As a modern media company, AT&T’s unique blend of businesses work together to provide its customers around the world with connectivity, technology, entertainment, news, advertising and more. https://about.att.com/pages/corporate_profile
Beasley Media Group LLC: a subsidiary of Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc., is a multiplatform media company providing advertising and digital marketing solutions across the United States. Beasley owns 62 radio properties located in 15 large and medium markets across the country, as well as capabilities in audio technology, esports, podcasting, ecommerce, and events. The company reaches more than 20 million consumers on a weekly basis. Beasley is looking for qualified candidates interested in pursuing a variety of positions within the organization ranging from finance and sales to on-air talent, programming, digital content/sales, management, and support opportunities. For additional information, please go to: https://bbgi.com/job-board/
Charter Communications, Inc. is a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator serving more than 31 million customers in 41 states through its Spectrum brand. Over an advanced communications network, the company offers a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet®, TV, Mobile and Voice. For small and medium-sized companies, Spectrum Business® delivers the same suite of broadband products and services coupled with special features and applications to enhance productivity, while for larger businesses and government entities, Spectrum Enterprise provides highly customized, fiber-based solutions. Spectrum Reach® delivers tailored advertising and production for the modern media landscape. The company also distributes award- winning news coverage, sports, and high-quality original programming to its customers through Spectrum Networks and Spectrum Originals. To learn more about Charter’s Supplier Diversity program, please visit https://corporate.charter.com/supplier-diversity
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that is principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with over 56 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. Comcast delivers broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, Peacock, NBC News, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Products and Services of Interest, and Relevant Links: Comcast is interested in products or services related to the cloud, network, inside plant, marketing technologies, retail store support and mobile. Comcast is unable to accommodate IT staffing vendors at this time. Please visit Comcast’s Supplier Diversity website, https://corporate.comcast.com/values/diversity-equity-inclusion/supplier-diversity, to learn more about Comcast’s Supplier Diversity program. Vendors interested in doing business with Comcast can register their companies using Comcast’s secure Supplier Diversity Portal at https://comcast.supplierone.co/registration
The District of Columbia’s Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) supports the development, economic growth, and retention of District-based businesses, and promotes economic development across the District and can be found online at https://dslbd.dc.gov. Some of the many programs DSLBD’s team oversees include the Certified Business Enterprises (CBE) Program, trainings, and counseling for District entrepreneurs, managing several small business grant programs, supervising the Main Streets and Clean Teams, and working across agencies to support District businesses seeking to work with the Federal and District government agencies.
Intelligent Waves LLC is a service-disabled veteran-owned small business providing end-to-end information technology solutions to public and private sector clients worldwide. Supporting customers through IT transformation, they collaborate, innovate, and integrate technologies that enable operational agility for resilient and secure communications. Their mission is to enable secure, end-to-end information sharing and communications from any technology, anywhere. https://intelligentwaves.com/
Minority Business Development Association, U.S. Department of Commerce: The mission of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is to promote the growth of minority-owned businesses through the mobilization and advancement of public and private sector programs, policy, and research. MBDA has accomplished this mission by funding a network of centers that provide Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) a variety of business assistance services. https://www.commerce.gov/bureaus-and-offices/mbda
National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation: The NAB Leadership Foundation works with current and aspiring leaders in broadcasting to build a more diverse, innovative, and vibrant future for the industry by investing in our greatest resource, our people. NABLF seeks and depend on support from broadcasters, corporations, foundations and individuals for the development and presentation of programs, events, and initiatives. The industry’s future depends on great people, and the Leadership Foundation is where the future gets started. To learn more, visit https://www.nabfoundation.org.
The Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) is the trade association representing the Northern Virginia technology community. As one of the nation’s largest technology councils, NVTC serves companies from all sectors of the industry, from small businesses and startups to Fortune 100 technology companies, as well as service providers, academic institutions, foreign embassies, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. More than 500 member companies make up the NVTC membership and look to the organization as a resource for networking and educational opportunities, peer-to-peer communities, policy advocacy, industry promotion, fostering of strategic relationships, and branding of the region as a major global technology center. https://www.nvtc.org/NVTC/About/NVTC/
PayPal: is a leading technology platform and digital payments company headquartered in San Jose, California, that enables digital payments on behalf of consumers and merchants worldwide. In addition to supporting its Supplier Diversity Program, PayPal supports small and medium businesses through capital and loan programs. Additionally, in 2020, Paypal committed $535M to support advancements in social justice and racial equity focusing on supporting Black businesses, strengthen nonprofit partners, invest in minority-led banks, credit unions and early-stage funds, and deepen the commitment internally to equality. As a technology company, Paypal seeks technology vendors that will support its global operations and provide Paypal with high-quality products and services that will keep its operations safe and efficient. PayPal Supplier Diversity website: Welcome to Supplier Diversity! (paypal.com)
T-Mobile Inc. is America’s supercharged Un-carrier, delivering an advanced 4G LTE and transformative nationwide 5G network that will offer reliable connectivity for all. Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, and Sprint. T-Mobile’s mission is to provide access along with fair and equitable opportunities for all its suppliers while growing a robust supply chain that reflects its Un-carrier diversity and values. For more information about T-Mobile’s Supplier Diversity Program please visit: https://www.t-mobile.com/our-story/working-together/suppliers/supplier-diversity
Verizon: is one of the world’s leading providers of technology, communications, information and entertainment products and services. The company offers voice, data and video services and solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security, and control. Supplier diversity and inclusion is a business imperative for Verizon. In 2020 alone, Verizon spent, directly and indirectly, over $5 billion in goods and services with diverse suppliers, including people of color, women, veteran, service-disabled veteran, LGBT, and disability owned businesses. Verizon is committed to mentoring, promoting, and engaging with diverse businesses in its supply chain, and believes that diverse businesses create the greatest economic impact in local communities, as well as offer innovative, high quality and cost-effective solutions for Verizon to better serve its customers. Verizon Supplier Diversity: https://www.verizon.com/about/our-company/supplier-diversity
The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA): represents and advocates for the ecosystem of wireless businesses that develop, build, own and operate wireless infrastructure. Members include wireless carriers, infrastructure providers, and professional services firms that collectively own and operate telecommunications facilities across the Nation and around the globe. WIA administers robust apprenticeship and diversity programs. In 2017, the U.S. Department of Labor named WIA as the National Sponsor of the Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP). The objective is to expand the industry’s multi-employer apprenticeship model to meet employers’ occupational and skills development needs. As such, WIA assists employers with program development services and provides incentive funds for employers that adopt registered apprenticeship programs. WIA leads the industry in hosting national diversity networking events for its members to accelerate business-to-business opportunities for wireless companies, including minority and women suppliers, HBCUs, HSIs, TCUs and the organizations that support them. WIA’s annual full day successful Supplier Diversity Summit brings together all of these with our members, minority speakers, panelists, and presenters to leverage relationships, create pathways and remove barriers to economic growth and collaboration. WIA’s website is available at https://wia.org/
