Accenture’s Supplier Diversity Mentoring Program Takes Flight

Accenture (NYSE:ACN) has launched the second, expanded class of its Diverse Supplier Development Program. The mentoring program, which teams qualified diverse suppliers with Accenture executives to develop strategies that strengthen the protégé companies’ capabilities, has grown from 9 to 16 suppliers from across the United States.

The new class includes small minority- and women-owned business enterprises as well as a lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender (LGBT) business. All of the companies have met the requirements for participation in the program, including an existing business relationship with Accenture, proof of current skills and capabilities and a record of historical performance, financial viability and diversity status.

"Accenture is committed to promoting economic growth in the communities where we work and live,” said Cheryl Harris, senior executive and director of Supplier Diversity. "With the expansion of this program, we can help an increased number of diverse suppliers develop strategies and best practices that can grow their businesses. At the same time, we strengthen our network of qualified suppliers that know our business practices.”

Established in 2006, the program requires an 18 month commitment and includes a kick-off meeting of all participating protégé companies and Accenture mentors; monthly in-depth meetings between mentors and protégé companies’ leaders; and quarterly training symposia, where diverse suppliers are exposed to Accenture knowledge capital, learn how to apply it to their businesses and discuss topics ranging from sales and marketing to e-commerce and workforce development.

To learn more about Accenture’s Supplier Diversity Program and the Diverse Supplier Development Program visit http://www.accenture.com/Countries/USA/About_Accenture/USSupplierDiversity.htm.

About Accenture

Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company. Combining unparalleled experience, comprehensive capabilities across all industries and business functions, and extensive research on the world’s most successful companies, Accenture collaborates with clients to help them become high-performance businesses and governments. With approximately 180,000 people serving clients in over 120 countries, the company generated net revenues of US$23.39 billion for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2008. Its home page is www.accenture.com.