The new Fusion Alliance will help Delaware small businesses with DEI

Access to equity training is an equity issue.

While most large corporations have diversity, equity and inclusion policies designed to create a more equitable environment for all employees — or even DEI professionals on staff — small and mid-sized businesses usually don’t have the resources. This can lead to workforce challenges, employee retention issues and an impacted bottom line.

That’s why participants of the forthcoming Fusion Alliance will have the opportunity to work with a DEI consultant to develop and implement DEI policies, practices and action plans. The program has a goal to help government agencies and small and mid-sized companies become better workplaces for employees regardless of their race, gender, disability and more.

It comes via a partnership between Delaware Racial Justice Collaborative (DRJC), New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Delaware.

“Delaware’s workforce is increasingly diverse and multi-cultural, and the data suggest that this will only grow in the years ahead,” said DRJC Director Raina Allen in a statement. “That means that DE&I must be a strategic priority for every organization. In particular, governments and small and mid-size businesses are searching for affordable ways to incorporate DE&I principles and practices in their growth plans, but many lack the resources and infrastructure to do so. The Fusion Alliance is an innovative approach to offering these businesses all the resources and advantages of an in-house DE&I professional, on an outsourced basis.”

New Castle County Chamber President Bob Chadwick also noted that another goal is to advance biz growth in Delaware.

“We not only have a societal need to do this work, but developing diverse and inclusive teams will also be a key to future business success and profitability,” he said. “So we are pleased to partner with the DRJC and United Way to provide small to medium sized businesses with the tools they need to accomplish this.”