What is supplier diversity?

At H-E-B, we believe that our suppliers should be as diverse as our customers. We are proud to have a supplier diversity program that ensures we are selling goods and utilizing services from a wide variety of businesses. As a former small business ourself, we recognize and celebrate the value that small businesses, local businesses, and minority-, women-, LGBT-, veteran-, and disabled-owned businesses bring to the marketplace.

What types of business does H-E-B support through the supplier diversity program?

H-E-B supports small businesses, and businesses that are 51 percent or more owned, operated, and managed by someone who fits in one or more of following categories:

Woman who is a US citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States

Minority who is a US citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States

Veteran who is a US citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States

Disabled person who is a US citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States

Disadvantaged person who is a US citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States

LGBT person who is a US citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States

The diversity program also supports businesses that are located in a HUBZone. These businesses must operate and employ individuals residing in a Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone), as defined by the US Small Business Administration (SBA).

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At H-E-B, we believe that “Each and Every Person Counts”, recognizing the diversity of cultures, beliefs and backgrounds drives innovation. We are providing diverse suppliers an equal opportunity to compete and succeed. In many cases leveraging the usage of diverse suppliers helps to increase sales, supply chain sustainability and brand loyalty.

Director of Diversity and Inclusion and Supplier Diversity

Supplier Success Stories

Learn how H-E-B works hand in hand with suppliers in our supplier diversity program to deliver products that exceed our customers expectations.

How to participate

Businesses seeking to participate in H-E-B's supplier diversity program must be officially certified as 51% or more owned, operated, and managed by minorities, women, LGBT individuals, or veterans, or operate in an SBA-certified HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone).

Businesses seeking to be recognized as a small business by H-E-B must self-certify that they meet the federal requirements for a small business. If you are uncertain whether you meet the federal requirements, please visit the US Small Business Administration’s website for more information. Small business may also self-certify that they are a diverse-owned small business.

Some of the certifications we accept are highlighted below, but the H-E-B Supplier Diversity Program will accept many state, county, or city certifications. Please contact Supplier Diversity if you have questions about other approved third-party certifications and agencies/organizations.

Email Supplier Diversity

H-E-B board memberships and partners

Women's Business Enterprise National Council

A national organization that certifies women-owned businesses (WBE).

Visit WBENC.org

National Minority Supplier Development Council

A national organization that certifies minority-owned businesses (MBE).

Visit NMSDC.org

National Veteran Business Development Council

A national organization that certifies veteran-owned businesses.

Visit NVBDC.org

United States Business Leadership Network

A national organization that certifies disabled-owned businesses (DBE).

Visit disabilityin.org

National LGBT Chamber of Commerce

A national organization that certifies gay/lesbian-owned businesses (LGBTBE).

Visit NGLCC.org

U.S. Small Business Administration

A government agency that sets standards for disadvantaged and HUBZone small businesses.

Visit SBA.gov

Houston Minority Supplier Development Council

HMSDC is a vital link between major corporations and minority business enterprises (MBEs).

Visit HMSDC.org

Southwest Minority Supplier Development Council

The Southwest Minority Supplier Development Council (SMSDC) is the minority business owner’s direct link to corporate America.

Visit SMSDC.org

DFW Minority Supplier Development Council

Focused on facilitating business connections between our buying entity members (corporations and public-sector agencies) and certified minority-owned businesses.

Visit DFWMSDC.com

Texas association of African American chambers of commerce

Ensuring that African American Business Owners receive a fair share of the economic prosperity of Texas.

Visit TAAACC.org

TAMACC

To be the premier advocate for Texas Hispanic Businesses, leading the driving force of our emerging economy.

Visit TAMACC.org