Supplier Development
At Southern California Edison (SCE), we understand the value and importance of building and maintaining a base of qualified diverse suppliers. Small and diverse businesses bring new and creative solutions in their delivery of materials and services which help us better serve our customers. Because this is a fundamental part of the way we do business, we work closely with new and existing small and diverse business enterprises (DBEs) to expand their opportunities within and outside of SCE. By providing guidance and support as needed, our goal is to prepare suppliers to compete more successfully for new business. The following are several of our supplier developmental opportunities:
SCE Supplier University (SCESU)
The SCE Supplier University (SCESU) is a new supplier development initiative that will offer a wide array of development opportunities including mentoring, workshops and experiential learning. SCESU consists of a Mentorship Program and a broader Learning Center designed to provide support to suppliers of varying development needs and across multiple maturity levels.
Mentorship Program
The SCE Supplier University (SCESU) is our supplier development program designed to build the capacity of our diverse vendors. This individualized program will help to provide participants with the information, processes, and tools necessary to grow their business to the next level.
Selections for the next Mentorship Program will be notified in January 2012.
Prior to selection, you may be included to participate in an interview. If selected for the mentorship program, you will be expected to participate in mentoring/coaching sessions with Edison Business Unit, Supply Operations, and Supplier Diversity personnel, in addition to outside business consultants. These sessions are free of charge. In addition, Edison may ask you to participate in an Executive Management Education program at a major university sponsored by Edison.
It should be noted that admission to the Mentorship program does not constitute being an Edison approved vendor, nor does it guarantee a contract with Edison.
This 18-month program has a three tiered progressive learning curriculum aimed at suppliers poised for growth. Candidates for this program have demonstrated a history of solid performance and are ready to take their business to the next level.
- Tier 1: Leading Edge Work shops & Coaching offer classroom-style instruction tailored to meet the specific develop need of the participants
- Tier 2: Executive Entrepreneur Development Program is SCE sponsorship at a university based entrepreneur development program for a member of the participating firms
- Tier 3: Mentor Protégé Program provides participants with coaching and support from a “Power Team” of SCE procurement, Supplier Diversity and Development and business unit representatives, as well as an executive business development coach
Our program is unique in that it provides a customized curriculum targeting the participating suppliers’ specific areas of opportunity for improvement. Additionally, the suppliers will have a dedicated “Power Team” to provide ongoing support and to provide transparency to both SCE and business processes.
Learning Center
The multilayered Learning Center has four programs designed to offer a broad range of development opportunities for suppliers.
Business Edge Workshops classroom style training sessions on a range of topics such as how to write a marketing plan and sales growth strategies. These sessions are hosted at multiple locations across our service territory to provide maximum access to small and diverse business owners.
Thank you to those suppliers for participating in the 2011 Business Edge Workshop Series. The 2012 Business Edge Workshop Series will be posted at a later date.
Demonstration Center
Demonstration Center events provide experiential learning to well-qualified DBE vendors in new and emerging technologies. In this creative training environment with multiple locations, suppliers receive invaluable information from industry leaders. Participants are equipped with knowledge and expertise from SCE’s procurement and business unit professionals on how to prepare quality bids on technology applications relevant to SCE.
Special thank you to those suppliers who participated in our last Civil Construction - Tubular Steel Pole Footings and Transmission Tower Foundations Demonstration Center. Look for more information on future Demonstration Centers to be held in 2012.
DBE Targeted Programs
These programs are designed to reach out to new DBE suppliers in underrepresented ethnic/product categories that meet our needs.
Southern California Edison Supplier University (SCESU) has partnered with Turner Construction as a sponsor of the Turner School of Construction Management. Prospective suppliers who are minority, woman, and/or service disabled veteran owned firms (DBEs) and who possess a California Contractor’s License are encouraged to attend. Although we strongly encourage prospective suppliers to attend the program, participation does not guarantee a contract with either SCE or Turner Construction.
Established in 1969, Turner developed and implemented a Construction Management Training Program for M/WBEs (DBEs). This seven-week course is taught by professional Turner staff volunteers and includes such topics as Risk Management, Construction Estimating, Safety and Effective Marketing. It has helped attendees win major contracts, often to work with or for Turner, and has also helped them build networks among themselves, leading to fruitful joint ventures and long-term business relationships.
Information on the next Turner School of Construction will be posted at a later date.
Targeted Capacity Building
This program is for the supplier not quite large enough for the Mentorship Program, but ready to leverage development support to expand their product or service capabilities. For example, this program provides technical assistance in areas that would help the supplier become more competitive in contract bidding.
DBE Symposium
Semiannually, SCE hosts one-day development events to bring together current and potential suppliers to provide resources, access, and tools for becoming a more successful supplier. Throughout the day, SCE personnel, business coaches, and community representatives present topics such as improving business operations, upcoming business opportunities, how to grow your business, and how to do business with SCE.
An event such as this, not only helps SCE develop supplier business relationships, but also promotes the growth of these businesses through workshops and sessions designed to increase overall business knowledge and promote partnerships.
Program Testimonials
Supplier Spotlight
Yvonne Castillo-Wasson, President of Pacific Graphics Inc. (PGI), has directed the growth of PGI from a small printing shop to a printing communications firm. PGI started its business relationship with SCE over 10 years ago printing business forms. Today, PGI is one of our key business resource suppliers offering an array of graphic design services under their 3-year contract secured in our competitive bidding process. At SCE, we look for suppliers that share our values. PGI has proven to be a valued business partner by investing the time to understand our needs and develop our business relationship.
Ms. Castillo-Wasson's business success and community contributions have been acknowledged by various organizations. Most recently, she was awarded the 2009 "Women's Business Enterprise Industry Award" by the California Public Utilities Commission.
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