Merchology is a Disability Owned Business Enterprise
Supporting inclusive sourcing as a diverse supplier.
What DOBE Certification Means for Merchology
Merchology is incredibly proud to announce that we are certified as a disability-owned business enterprise through Disability:IN’s Supplier Diversity Program. Having been approved by the National Certification Committee, Merchology is a DOBE-certified supplier in the United States. We're proud to be one of only 1,000 DOBE certified corporations and hope to continue expanding opportunities for people with disabilities across industries.
We are committed to diversifying the supply chain. Not only are we a disability-owned business, but we also proudly offer a variety of brands from diverse suppliers. From BIPOC-founded to women-owned brands, we strive to do our part to help our customers shop diverse suppliers and promote disability inclusion and equality.
What is a Disability-Owned Business?
A disability-owned business enterprise (DOBE) is a for-profit business that is at least 51% owned, managed, and controlled by a person with a disability, regardless of whether or not that business owneremploys person(s) with a disability. This definition is provided by Disability:IN is the leading nonprofit resource for business disability inclusion worldwide.
Seeking to show that companies run and succeed on ability rather than being hindered by disabilities, Merchology and the Disability:INorganization aim to expand the scope of inclusivity within the business world.
What does a DOBE Certification Mean?
A DOBEcertification ensures that a company has been vetted and found to be majority owned, managed, or controlled by a person or persons with a disability. This certification is typically researched and certified by a third-party certifier, such as the National Certification Committee, to guarantee transparency throughout the process.
Merchology Owner Spotlight
Merchology's DOBEcertification is related to two of its owners and co-founders, Dick Ward and Ally Ward Delgado. This father-daughter duo both have over 50% hearing loss that is classified as "severe" and hereditary.
Dick's hearing loss is concentrated in lower frequency sounds (thunder, a tuba), while Ally's loss is concentrated in higher frequency sounds (birds chirping, whispering). Both struggle more with sound clarity than volume. Hearing aid technology has drastically improved our business owners' ability to hear and communicate. Their hearing aids even have Bluetooth capabilities!
Disability:IN Supplier Diversity
Disability:IN certifiesdisability-owned business enterprises, including service-disabled and veteran disability-owned businesses, in order to link them to organizations seeking to diversify their supply chains. This program aims to exceed commitment goals for disability business and service-disabled veteran-owned businessinclusion (SDVOSB, or SDV).
By adopting and leveraging inclusion practices, disability-owned businesses gain a competitive edge in the market while raising awareness. This program also helps forward-thinking companies become recognized leaders in the industry for consumers and community leaders who choose to do business with corporations that have a proven commitment to inclusion.
Support Diverse Businesses
As we grow and evolve our business models and our world, let's shine a light on companies aiming to make the world a better, more inclusive place. From small local businesses and restaurants to family-run and disability owned companies that are truly on the rise; shop and support a diverse range of organizations to improve the global market! Check out our Shop With Purpose collection to get started.
Keep This Info Handy!
Is your organization interested in creating diverse supply chains and building a more inclusive supplier network? Download this convenient PDF to share this news with others in your company. We look forward to working with you and supporting your supplier diversity program!
The Disability-Owned Business Enterprisecertification number for Merchology is US00899.
Our expert team is at the ready with tips and advice to help your experience run smoothly. Contact us today with any questions you have about diverse suppliers, premium branded merchandise, or in-house logo decoration.
