March Spotlight: Women-owned businesses and suppliers

March is Women's History Month and Entegra is celebrating the contributions of women-owned businesses, as well as the positive impact minority business enterprises make on the lodging industry overall.

Win-Win: Brand reputation and loyalty

Consumers today are increasingly conscious of the social and environmental impacts of their purchasing decisions, driving business leaders to focus on CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) including working with women and minority-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, veteran-owned businesses and other diverse suppliers.

Companies point to diversity, equity and inclusion as a top 3 driver of their future success In the 2023 Women in the Workplace study by McKinsey and LeanIn*, these three areas of focus were identified as being most important to the future success of the companies surveyed:

• Fostering diversity, equity and inclusion: 73%
• Effective people management: 59%
• Fostering a culture of innovation: 45%

By working alongside a women and minority owned business , lodging establishments enhance their brand reputation as inclusive organizations. This positive brand image not only attracts guests who prioritize ethical choices but fosters loyalty and repeat business.

Entegra suppliers: Women-owned businesses by the numbers

As a GPO (Group Purchasing Organization), Entegra’s suppliers deliver a wide range of essential operational solutions, from menu development to staffing, FF&E and more. There are 150+ woman-owned suppliers in the Entegra Local and Direct Savings Program and National Savings Program across 45 categories.

Here is just a sampling of women-owned businesses available to lodging clients that reflects Entegra’s range and commitment to women-owned suppliers.

National

Truly Good Foods - Snacks
A family-owned business run by two sisters — the daughters of the original husband-and-wife founders — Truly Good Foods is certified in the Women’s Business Enterprise Council (WBENC) and the Women-Owned Small Business Program (WOSB). Offering more than 3,000 snacks including 60 bulk snack mixes, Truly Good Foods operates nationwide and is headquartered in Charlotte, NC. 

American Fashion Network – Apparel | Uniforms
With certifications including Women-Owned Small Business Program (WOSB), Women’s Business Enterprise Council (WBENC) and Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE), AFN crafts uniforms, workwear and corporate apparel, is headquartered in Syracuse, NY, and manufacturers all of its products in the USA.

Regional/Small Business

Sip and Sonder – Coffee
Created by two lawyer friends, this L.A.-based roaster is a Black women-owned coffee brand with a portfolio of coffeehouses and coffee roastery. The company accesses its coffee through direct trade, so they know the stories of the people and the communities their coffees come from. With a flagship store in L.A.’s Inglewood, the brand offers both branded Sip & Sonder coffee products as well as wholesale coffee.

Women-owned suppliers from a wide range of categories

Entegra clients have access to wide range of woman-owned businesses and suppliers in all the major lodging industry categories:

Together, Entegra’s efforts go beyond business success towards shaping a future that’s more inclusive and promising for everyone.

Want to learn more? Check out our Supplier Diversity Program.

Call 833-977-1765 or contact us to get more information about putting Entegra’s lodging sourcing solutions and added value services to work for you.

^{*Source: Women in the Workplace 2023 report | McKinsey}