Gathering the business perspective on DEI

Recently, the Minnesota Chamber Foundation, in partnership with local and regional chambers, conducted a series of six focus groups in Willmar, Austin, Shakopee, Brainerd, Duluth and Saint Paul. Business and community leaders, as well as chamber leaders, were asked to discuss their views on the state of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in their community and their business from the perspective of a business leader. Participants consisted of 57 business and community leaders, representing 52 different businesses and community organizations, serving in a variety of roles within their organization (including but not limited to business owners, business leaders, DEI leaders and human resources leaders). 

These discussions were designed to provide a baseline assessment of where we are at as a state in terms of advancing workplace inclusivity and gather qualitative information from business leaders and community partners to assess the following outcomes:

• Understand the overall perception of DEI from the perspective of business and community leaders
• Conduct a baseline assessment to understand where Minnesota businesses are in terms of fostering inclusive workplaces
• Understand the current barriers preventing advancement of DEI practices in businesses across the state
• Identify the greatest opportunities and greatest need from the business community in terms of advancing DEI workplace practices

Focus group results showed that Minnesota business and community leaders understand that they play a significant role in the successful advancement of DEI statewide and have a desire to do more. Their greatest needs are support and access to talent pools, the creation of innovative solutions to create a talent pipeline, community connections, and help “getting started.”  

The Minnesota Chamber Foundation plans to meet the needs of the business community by providing DEI support and resources, creating a DEI Playbook to support implementation, serving as a connection point for diversity, equity and inclusion-focused Minnesota businesses and community partners, and helping businesses both get started and build cultures of inclusion to support and value a diverse workforce. 

CHAMBER FOUNDATION PRIORITIES