Edited by Dan Perkins

Sources:  Astra Release

On December 21, 2004, Microsoft Corporation was presented with two prestigious awards for its commitment to creating more opportunities for women entrepreneurs.  The awards were issued

Microsoft was named “Top Corporation,” for its dedication of time, talent, and resources to women business enterprises in a seven state region served by by Astra Women's Business Alliance, a West Coast affiliate of the Women Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). The region served by Astra includes Washington, Northern California, Nevada, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska.  Microsoft also received the “Done Deals” award, for creating the most contracts with Astra-certified businesses since November 2003 in the same geography.

“Microsoft is a great example of a corporation that values the creative supply chain solutions women-owned businesses deliver,” said Diane McClelland, co-founder and president of the Astra Women’s Business Alliance.  “Microsoft not only recognizes the value that a diverse supply base brings to the table, but they also respond to the market women represent, as investors and consumers who vote with their dollars, and are loyal to companies that provide opportunities to them."     

WBENC, which was formed to increase corporate business access for women business owners, is working with Microsoft and partner organizations to develop and implement targeted programs that will fuel the success of women-owned businesses.  WBENC is also working to level the playing field and create more equitable opportunities for all small businesses, which the organization believes will bolster the American economy.   

Two of the ways Microsoft has stood behind its commitment to provide increased opportunities for women-owned businesses include providing online interactive training sessions to potential candidates for WBENC certification and referring vendors to Astra and WBENC programs.  Microsoft has also worked to inform corporations and women business owners of the importance of third-party certification through these organizations. 

“Microsoft is thrilled to have received these distinguished awards from Astra, an organization that has made tremendous strides towards the advancement of female entrepreneurs,” said G. Winston Smith, Microsoft’s director of supplier diversity.   

Smith continues, “At Microsoft, we strongly believe in Astra’s mission to enhance opportunities for women business owners to gain greater access to business.  These awards assure us, as a corporation, that our support is having a quantifiable impact in the women business owner community, and encourages us to continue to seek avenues to further assist in the future.”

Last year, Microsoft committed to creating at least five contracts, known as “Done Deals,” with Astra women business enterprises during the subsequent 12 months.  To date, Microsoft has more than exceeded its goal, and has created more contracts with Astra than any other partner Fortune 500 company.  With Microsoft’s help, Astra and WBENC have received increased support from other corporate members such as Starbucks, Boeing, Bon-Macy’s, and Weyerhaeuser, as well as increased the overall number of certified women business enterprises during the past year.

Microsoft’s partnership with the Astra Women’s Business Alliance serves as an example of the corporation’s commitment to building a diverse supplier base. 

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