Supplier Diversity and Inclusion
Bringing our values into action
Cisco's success is built on a culture of inclusion and integrity. We hold ourselves and our suppliers to the highest standards for responsible procurement business practices.
Supplier diversity
Cisco’s Supplier Diversity Program is dedicated to enhancing the presence and expenditure with businesses owned by individuals from diverse backgrounds including people of color (POC), women, military veterans, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
At Cisco, diverse businesses are defined as:
- at least 51 percent-owned by a member of one of the disadvantaged groups, or
- certified by a recognized 3rd party agency, or
- operating in a designated economic zone.
By fostering economic opportunities for these underrepresented groups within our supply chain, we expand our impact on diversity, equity, and inclusion beyond our internal operations. This not only strengthens our connection with current and potential employees, customers, and consumers but also amplifies our commitment to inclusivity.
Investing in supplier diversity is not just a moral imperative but also a smart business decision. A procurement strategy that embraces inclusivity broadens the supplier pool, fostering competition that drives innovation, enhances quality, reduces costs, and fortifies supply chains, especially crucial during uncertain times.
We partner with third-party organizations supporting diverse businesses. These groups offer resources to aid your business growth:
- National Minority Supplier Development Council (MBE)
- Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBE)
- California Public Utilities Commission (MBE, WBE, DVBE, LBGTBE)
- Small Business Administration (VBE, DVBE, HUBZone)
- National Veteran Business Development Council (VOB, SDVOB)
- National Veteran-Owned Business Association (VBE, SDVBE)
- WEConnect International (WBE)
- National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (LGBTBE)
Cisco works with several suppliers, many of whom are diverse businesses. Diversity among these suppliers is an important priority, but please keep in mind that registering does not necessarily:
- Automatically qualify your company to be a part of any request for proposal or quote
- Guarantee award of a contract
- Classify your company as an approved or preferred supplier
Tier 2 participation and reporting
The Cisco Supplier Diversity Program was created to help ensure a good faith effort is made to optimize contract opportunities for diverse suppliers that provide products and/or services to Cisco and our key suppliers.
- Tier 1 supplier diversity spend represents the direct relationship between Cisco and our diverse suppliers.
- Tier 2 gives Cisco insight into the diversity efforts of our key suppliers. We encourage Cisco suppliers to support our supplier diversity initiative by reporting their spend on products and services provided by underrepresented socioeconomic groups.
Promoting diversity
Training offerings
At no cost to our partners and suppliers, Cisco offers inclusive company culture training along with micro lessons and is continually building the library of offerings over time. You can access the training library at: supplier-exclusive learning portal.
Note: When accessing the training, the learner will be required to complete a brief registration form. For the "Employer of Record" field, the learner should input the name of the Cisco supplier organization, not "Cisco."
The Multiplier Effect: Accelerating careers for diverse talent
The Multiplier Effect (TME) pledge empowers leaders to sponsor a person different from themselves, support their career advancement, and challenge their peers to do the same. Sponsors leverage their influence, position, and social capital to advocate career advancement for diverse talent. Sponsorship is not automatic—it is organic, dynamic, and rooted in respect and trust.
Sponsorship is a critical success factor in the advancement of diverse talent. Why sponsorship matters:
- People with sponsors are 23% more likely to advance in their careers.
- Leaders who sponsor are 53% more likely to advance in their career.
- Taking the TME pledge is one of the ways leaders can showcase their personal commitment in championing and advocating for diverse talent.
- Research shows that employees of color and women are less likely to be sponsored in organizations.
Use the power of sponsorship to amplify the voice and careers of underrepresented groups.
From our CEO
Chuck Robbins, Chief Executive Officer
"Cisco's commitment to diversity is a core part of our culture. As technology transforms every company, city, and country, and more people, places, and things become connected, it is more important than ever to consider and incorporate the many viewpoints and cultures from the places in which we do business.
Cisco's Supplier and Partner Diversity Program provides us with insight to better enable our business model and seize future opportunities by creating channels of social and economic opportunity with customers, partners, and suppliers. Our program represents an integrated and collaborative network that includes our direct and indirect supply chain, resellers, suppliers, and partners, all of whom offer a broad range of skills that the marketplace demands to stay competitive.
Our Supplier and Partner Diversity program has proven to be a clear competitive advantage for Cisco, helping us drive innovation and collaboration. We are proud that this program enables us to incorporate the many diverse ideas and viewpoints that are critical to our success."
Engage with Cisco
Are you a supplier with questions about diversity training?
Are you a supplier with questions on The Multiplier Effect (TME)?
Are you a diverse-owned company interested in doing business with Cisco?
Register your diverse business at the Cisco Supplier Portal. When submitting your completed company profile, please provide specific details about your capabilities and differentiators under the company description section.