Supplier Guide
Meet the Buyers Prep Guide
BEBC organizes structured buyer introduction sessions between certified Black-owned suppliers and corporate procurement teams. This guide covers everything you need to show up prepared, make a strong impression, and follow up effectively.
What is a Meet the Buyers Event?
BEBC Meet the Buyers events are structured introduction sessions designed specifically for certified Black-owned suppliers to meet corporate procurement professionals in a focused, professional setting. Unlike a trade show, these are not open booths — they are scheduled 1-on-1 or small-group conversations with active procurement officers who have agreed to attend and engage.
Corporate attendees typically include supplier diversity managers, procurement directors, and category managers from mid-to-large Canadian organizations — many of whom have active mandates to expand their certified diverse supplier base.
Why this matters
Getting in front of a procurement professional is often the hardest part of B2B sales for smaller suppliers. BEBC removes that barrier. Arrive ready to make the most of it.
Before the Event
Research each corporate buyer
Look up their procurement, sustainability, and supplier diversity reports. Most large Canadian corporations publish these publicly. Know their industry, approximate procurement scale, and any supplier diversity commitments they have made. This gives you a real conversation-starter.
Prepare a 1-page capability statement
A capability statement is a one-page document that covers: what your business does, your certifications (BEBC, CAMSC, WBE, etc.), 2–3 key clients or contract examples, your NAICS codes, and your contact information. BEBC staff can review a draft — email programs@bebcsociety.org at least one week before the event.
Confirm your BEBC certification is current
Log in to my.bebcsociety.org to verify your certification status and update your profile. Corporate buyers may ask for your certification reference number on the spot.
Your 60-Second Introduction
Lead with the problem you solve — not your company name. Buyers meet dozens of suppliers. What they remember is relevance. Practice until you can deliver it naturally in under 60 seconds, and always leave room for questions.
Formula
"[Business name] helps [buyer type] with [specific service/product]. We're BEBC-certified, [other certifications], and have delivered [brief proof point]."
Example: "Brightline Cleaning helps facilities managers in healthcare and education maintain certified clean environments. We're BEBC-certified and CAMSC-verified, and we currently service three hospital campuses in the GTA under a three-year facilities contract."
Questions to Ask Buyers
A good conversation is a two-way exchange. These questions help you learn what the buyer actually needs and position your follow-up accurately.
- 1
What are your current procurement priorities for this year?
- 2
Who is the right person to follow up with after today?
- 3
What does your typical vendor evaluation process look like?
- 4
Are there any upcoming contracts or RFPs in our service category?
- 5
What would make a supplier stand out in your evaluation?
What to Bring
Capability statement
Bring at least 10 printed copies — one-page, clean, current.
Business cards
If you have them; digital contact share is also fine.
BEBC certification letter
A printed or digital copy confirms your verified status.
Work samples or case studies
One or two brief examples relevant to the buyers attending.
BEBC participant portal login
Confirm your profile is current before the event at my.bebcsociety.org.
Following Up (Within 48 Hours)
Send a brief personalized email referencing your specific conversation.
Attach your capability statement as a PDF.
Connect on LinkedIn with a short personalized note.
Log the contact in your CRM with notes from your conversation.
If they mentioned an upcoming RFP, set a calendar reminder to follow up again closer to the release date.
Pro tip: The window between day 1 and day 3 after an event is when you are most memorable. Don't wait a week — a prompt, professional follow-up message sets you apart from most other attendees.
Template Follow-Up Email
Copy and personalize this template — the more specific the better. Generic emails get archived; specific ones get replies.
Email Template
Subject
Following up — [Your Business Name] at BEBC Meet the Buyers
Body
Hi [Name],
It was great connecting at the BEBC Meet the Buyers event on [Date]. As discussed, [Your Business] specializes in [service/product] for organizations like [theirs].
I've attached our capability statement for your reference. Please don't hesitate to reach out if any opportunities arise — I'd love to support [their organization]'s procurement goals.
Best,
[Your Name]
[Title], [Business Name]
[Phone] | [Email]
Questions about Meet the Buyers events?
Contact our programs team for event dates, registration, and capability statement feedback.
Contact programs@bebcsociety.org