BEI Membership: Driving Equity, Innovation, and Business Success
Across Central Indiana, businesses are rewriting the rules of success by embedding equity and inclusion into their core strategies. Business Equity for Indy (BEI) is at the center of this transformation, an initiative uniting organizations to drive innovation, foster diversity, and build a more inclusive future.
“Being a part of Business Equity for Indy is more than just membership; it’s a commitment to creating meaningful, lasting change in our community,” said Jeffrey Harrison, CEO of Citizens Energy Group, a member company and Chairman of Business Equity for Indy. “At Citizens Energy Group, we’ve witnessed firsthand how BEI’s initiatives drive equity and economic opportunity, empowering businesses and individuals to thrive together. Collaboration through BEI strengthens our city, our workforce, and our collective future.”
Every BEI member starts with a commitment to act—not just to join. With access to BEI’s three pillars—people, Procurement, and Policy—members adopt actionable strategies that align with their business goals and community values.
For professionals like Joy Mason, President of Optimist Business Solutions, the benefits of BEI’s People Community of Practice events have been game-changers. “By implementing best practices we learned through BEI, we’ve seen tangible improvements in innovation and team cohesion. BEI helps organizations move beyond talk to real, sustainable change in attracting, retaining, and advancing Black professionals.”
The business case for diversity is undeniable. Research shows companies with diverse teams are 36% more likely to achieve superior financial performance. BEI members aren’t just embracing equity—they’re reaping the rewards.
For one CEO, BEI’s Procurement Roundtable was the key to unlocking new opportunities. “At Paul’s Kitchen, we believe that true equity starts with opportunity,” shared Chef Paul Dickens. “We’re proud to support BEI’s mission to uplift Black professionals and businesses, ensuring that talent, passion, and hard work are met with the resources needed to thrive. BEI’s initiatives drive equity by providing opportunities for Black individuals in our community, creating a stronger, more inclusive opportunity for all.”
BEI offers two levels of membership—Silver and Gold—each requiring businesses to collect and provide data, adopt strategies from BEI’s pillars, and participate in programs that demonstrate real commitment. While membership is free, the impact is priceless.
Central Indiana’s businesses are coming together to lead purposefully, champion equity, and foster innovation. Through BEI, organizations have access to a powerful network of peers and resources that create lasting change—for their companies, employees, and the community at large.
Are you ready to join them? Take the first step today. Visit Business Equity for Indy’s website to learn more about membership and how your organization can make an impact.
