ProcuraFind® and OMSDC Partner to Boost Small Business Preparedness

As corporate procurement strategies evolve, ProcuraFind® and the Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council (OMSDC) have partnered to enhance the small business supplier pipeline. This collaboration aims to address the growing emphasis on supplier preparedness, capability, and performance in the eyes of corporate buyers.

The partnership focuses on expanding access to the ProcuraFind® Corporate Contract Ready™ (CCR™) Credential, which is designed to help small and midsize businesses (SMBs) better understand the procurement processes and expectations of large corporations. According to Dr. Dawn Nicole McIlwain, Founder and CEO of ProcuraFind®, the credential was created to bridge the gap between potential vendors and corporate buyers, ensuring that businesses are not only accessible but also prepared to compete.

OMSDC, with its extensive network of more than 400 Ohio businesses and 50+ corporate partners, will introduce the CCR™ Credential to its members. This initiative is part of OMSDC's broader goal to help minority-owned businesses grow and strengthen Ohio's economy by ensuring they are ready to participate in corporate supply chains.

The CCR™ Credential is a two-year program that is open to businesses in every industry, with no minimum revenue or years-in-business requirement. Participants receive study materials and have up to 90 days to prepare for a timed, 112-question competency-based examination. The credential spans the full corporate contracting lifecycle, covering procurement knowledge and expectations from registration to contract win, including operational expectations such as pricing and payment terms, risk and compliance, cybersecurity and data privacy, and the role of technology and artificial intelligence in modern sourcing.

Businesses that complete the requirements earn the designation Corporate Contract Ready™ Certified Business. The credential is available through OMSDC for $299. For businesses interested in participating, more information can be found at https://ohiomsdc.org/corporate-contract-readiness-procurafind/.

ProcuraFind® works year-round with corporate and public-sector partners through supplier sourcing, educational programming, matchmaking, and business connections. The CCR™ Credential was developed to help businesses navigate the complexities of corporate procurement and demonstrate their readiness to corporate buyers. This partnership reflects a broader shift in how supplier development is being approached, with both organizations aiming to help more businesses demonstrate knowledge, preparedness, and business capability alongside traditional pathways to opportunity.