FloridaSupplierAccelerator

Alumni

Frequently Asked Questions

DEI SUPPLIER ACCELERATOR IN THE NEWS

Cleveland Clinic is committed to leveraging its purchasing power and resources to improve the economic health of the business community in South Florida and the Treasure Coast. The Florida Supplier Accelerator mentorship program is designed to expand the knowledge and impact of small and local suppliers in this area.

Business development coaching and guidance on navigating the large corporate sourcing process

One-on-one access to Cleveland Clinic leaders and subject matter experts

Networking opportunities with Cleveland Clinic decision makers and suppliers.

A multidisciplinary business review process that provides actionable feedback for business growth and development

A $10,000 cash prize upon successful completion of the program.

The Florida Supplier Accelerator will be presented in a hybrid format — virtually, with some in-person meetings. Computer access and video streaming capabilities are necessary for participation in the program.

What is the cohort program?

The cohort is a six-month program that provides:

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Business development coaching and navigation of the large corporate sourcing process

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One-on-one access to leaders and subject matter experts from Cleveland Clinic.

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Networking opportunities with decision makers within Cleveland Clinic and our Tier I suppliers

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Multidisciplinary business review process that provides actionable feedback to develop and grow your business

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A $10,000 cash prize upon successful completion of the program

What is the overall structure of the program?

The program consists of two parts.

Part I: Ten semifinalists are selected to participate in the pitch competition, where they will have the opportunity to showcase their businesses to a panel of judges.

Part II: Five finalists will be selected to join the six-month training and development cohort.

What is the expected time commitment if I am chosen as a semi-finalist?

Should you be selected as a semi-finalist, you will have the opportunity to showcase your business. This process will take place two weeks after applicants are selected and applications close. The pitch competition is a full day commitment. Should you be selected as a finalist, and advance to the cohort program, the commitment will be about six hours a month of meeting time for six months. Additionally, you will need to assemble and present a business plan and develop a standard RFP response.

How do I apply for the program?

All applicants must complete the application screening questions to determine eligibility. For the application to be properly filed, you must submit the electronic application and any supplemental documents. Additionally, you must agree to the terms and conditions to complete your submission. Other instructions related to the review of your application will be provided after you submit your completed application.

What documents are required for my application?

A current third-party ownership certification is required. Upon request, the Florida Supplier Accelerator team will offer guidance for applicants requiring certification.

What are the qualifications to apply?

The following criteria are required to be considered for the program:

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You must have a for-profit business that qualifies as small, veteran-owned / disabled veteran-owned, disabled-owned, or is in historically underutilized business zone (HUBZone) and must have a third-party certification. Any third-party certifications acknowledging your ownership status are acceptable.

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Self-certification is not accepted.

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Upon request, Florida Supplier Accelerator team will offer guidance for applicants requiring certification.

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Your business must be headquartered within the following Florida counties: Broward, Indian River, Martin, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach or Saint Lucie.

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Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

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Since this program is facilitated in a hybrid format — virtually with some in-person meetings — computer and video streaming capabilities are necessary for participation.

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Please ensure you will be able to commit the time required to complete this program before you apply. Participants may anticipate bi-monthly meetings from June through November.

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Must be able to travel to Cleveland Clinic Florida locations for in-person events.

How long does it take to hear back from the Florida Supplier Accelerator decision committee regarding my application?

All applicants will be notified of their status by the end of May 2026.

Are there any fees to enter?

No, we do not require you to pay a fee to enter. We do expect you to participate and commit to the length of the program if you are selected.

Do I have to provide an official copy of my certified business document?

Yes, please upload your current certification in your application. If you are unable to upload it, please email your certification to algerij@ccf.org within a week of submitting your application to be eligible for the Supplier Accelerator finalist cohort.

What is expected of my business if I participate in the cohort program?

Suppliers are expected to attend and engage in the program upon selection and will be excused from the program if participation is not fulfilled in a timely and responsible manner.

What if I am not a certified business and cannot upload a certification? May I still apply?

Yes, you may still apply without a valid diversity certification. However, you must have a valid active third-party diversity certification* by April 18, 2025 to be eligible for the Florida Supplier Accelerator finalist cohort.

What are the benefits of the program?

Benefits include (and are not limited to):

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Mentorship

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Network growth

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Further business exposure

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New skills applicable to business

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Cash prize upon successful completion of the program

Does this program provide an opportunity to do business with Cleveland Clinic?

No, this program is open to all businesses that meet the eligibility criteria regardless of our current sourcing needs. If we have a business opportunity open that aligns with goods or services your business provides, you may be considered for it, but this program does not guarantee business with Cleveland Clinic.

Is there a cash award?

Yes, upon successful completion of the cohort, each participant is awarded $10,000.*

*Please note: Generally, the U.S. federal government taxes award money, no matter the amount.

FOR PLACEMENT ONLY

"It's the aspiration to do better. We are united in our commitment. We are defined by our ability to provide exceptional care in an exceptional way. As an integrated healthcare system, we will deliver uniform and safest care to every patient, every day at every Cleveland Clinic location - regardless of geography."

TOM MIHALJEVIC, MD

CEO & PRESIDENT - CLEVELAND CLINIC

Speaker

Tom Mihaljevic, MD

CEO and President

Cleveland Clinic

"Through your dedication, there has never been a greater awareness of what makes Cleveland Clinic shine. And we are shining brighter than we have ever before. Guided by our mission: caring for life, researching for health and educating those who serve."

– Tom Mihaljevic, MD

ELIGIBILITY

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Business ownership certification required. Businesses that qualify as small, veteran-owned / disabled veteran-owned, disabled-owned, or is within a historically underutilized business zone (HUBZone) must have a third-party certification. Any third-party certifications acknowledging ownership status are acceptable. Self-certification is not accepted.

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Certification: Businesses that qualify as diverse owned must have a third-party diversity certification or be willing to obtain a third-party certification* before the start of the program. Any third-party certifications* acknowledging your diverse status are acceptable. Please note: Self-certification is not accepted.

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Business Location: Organizations must be headquartered within one of the following Florida counties: Broward, Indian River, Martin, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, or Saint Lucie .

DIVERSE OWNED BUSINESS DEFINITIONS

Diverse owned business categories:

1.

Minority Owned Business (MBE)

a.

African American, Black: A U.S. citizen having origins in any of the Black racial groups of Sub-Sahara Africa. Caribbean natives of African descent are also eligible.

b.

Latinx, Hispanic: Those whose origins are in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Central and South American, or other Spanish or Portuguese cultures.

c.

Native American: A native of Alaska or Hawaii, or certified member of a federal or state recognized Indian tribe.

d.

Asian Pacific: Those whose origins are in the Pacific Islands, China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Thailand, Burma, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore or Philippines.

e.

Asian-Indian: Those whose origins are in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives Islands, Nepal or Sri Lanka.

2.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender Owned Businesses (LGBT)

3.

Veteran Business / Disabled Veteran Owned Business (VBE / DVBE)

4.

Woman-Owned Business (WBE)

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For additional information or questions,

please contact Cleveland Clinic Event Marketing.

eventmarketing@ccf.org | 216.444.2800

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