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          Massachusetts Apprentice Network Anniversary Celebration

          Join the Massachusetts Apprentice Network for the one-year anniversary of its launch.

          03/27/2023

          9:30am - 11:00am

          Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

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          Read More
        • ...
          BIMA
          BIMA: Gaming’s Present & Future: Creativity, Attention, and Social Connection

          This event will explore why in-game advertising is becoming the next big advertising channel and how companies can tap into the gaming ad space.

          03/28/2023

          5:30pm - 7:30pm

          Mediahub

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          Read More
        • ...
          Events
          2023 Government Affairs Forum: Ronald J. Mariano, Massachusetts Speaker of the House

          Thank you for joining us for our second Government Affairs forum of the year that featured Ronald J. Mariano, Massachusetts Speaker of the House.

          03/30/2023

          9:45am - 11:00am

          Colonnade Hotel

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          Read More
  • Learning & Development
        • Learning & Development

          • Overview
          • Call for Nominations
          • Resources
        • EQ to Elevate Workplace Well-being

          Designed for mid-level managers and supervisors, this new certificate program addresses workplace well-being through unique, innovative, and actionable methods.

          Read More
          Transformational DEI Certificate

          Join our Transformational DEI Certificate! Our comprehensive learning & development offerings are designed to connect and grow strong leaders who lead both inside and out of the office.

          Read More
          Women’s Leadership Program

          Our Women’s Leadership Program enables you to take your leadership to the next level by arming you with the most in-demand leadership toolkit.

          Read More
          How to Be an LGBTQIA+ Ally in the Workplace

          Expand your DEI professional development with a virtual workshop focused specifically on LGBTQIA+ identities and inclusion.

          Read More
  • Economic Inclusion
        • Economic Inclusion

          • Overview
          • Economic Inclusion Committee
          • Fierce Urgency of Now Festival
          • Pacesetters
          • Resources
        • ...
          Economic Inclusion
          Economic Inclusion

          Our Economic Inclusion Committee provides strategic support around research, policies, and programs that are focused on building equal opportunity.

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          Read More
        • ...
          Economic Inclusion
          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Fierce Urgency of Now Festival
          2023 Fierce Urgency of Now Festival

          The Fierce Urgency of Now Festival brings Boston’s diverse young professionals together with business leaders, organizations and their peers to build connection, advance careers and ignite positive change.

          09/12/2023 -

          09/15/2023

          Greater Boston

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  • Policy & Impact
        • Policy & Impact

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          Business Climate
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  • Our Networks
        • GBCC’s Networks

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        • OUR NETWORKS

          City Awake

          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

          Read More
          BIMA

          BIMA (the Boston Interactive Media Association) serves a vibrant community of like-minded professionals from agencies, brands, publishers, and ad-tech companies with business interests in the New England market.

          Read More
          Women’s Network

          For more than 25 years, the Chamber’s Women’s Network has connected female professionals of all background and career levels. Today, our Women’s Network is the largest in New England, strengthening the professional networks of women each year.

          Read More
          MITX

          Through MITX (the Massachusetts Innovation and Technology Exchange), we’re building valuable connections between the people and ideas behind technology and its impact on the future of customer experiences, all to create a community that’s finding tomorrow’s solutions together.

          Read More
          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

          Read More
          Small Business

          We support small business through public policy initiatives, events designed to connect small businesses in Greater Boston to their peers and established business leaders, professional development offerings, and free small business advising.

          Read More
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        • Membership

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        • Our Impact
        • About Us
          Our Impact

          Explore our mission and values to better understand how we are leading the business community forward.

        • Membership Directory
        • Membership Directory
          Not sure if you’re a member?

          Our member directory is your resource to discover, connect, and engage with Boston’s businesses from every industry and sector.

        • For our members

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          • Connect with your Member Services Rep
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  • join
Bostonchamber
Boston Chamber
  • Events
        • Events

          • Overview
          • Events Calendar
          • Chamber Awards
        • ...
          Talent
          Massachusetts Apprentice Network Anniversary Celebration

          Join the Massachusetts Apprentice Network for the one-year anniversary of its launch.

          03/27/2023

          9:30am - 11:00am

          Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          BIMA
          BIMA: Gaming’s Present & Future: Creativity, Attention, and Social Connection

          This event will explore why in-game advertising is becoming the next big advertising channel and how companies can tap into the gaming ad space.

          03/28/2023

          5:30pm - 7:30pm

          Mediahub

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Events
          2023 Government Affairs Forum: Ronald J. Mariano, Massachusetts Speaker of the House

          Thank you for joining us for our second Government Affairs forum of the year that featured Ronald J. Mariano, Massachusetts Speaker of the House.

          03/30/2023

          9:45am - 11:00am

          Colonnade Hotel

          arrow-go
          Read More
  • Learning & Development
        • Learning & Development

          • Overview
          • Call for Nominations
          • Resources
        • EQ to Elevate Workplace Well-being

          Designed for mid-level managers and supervisors, this new certificate program addresses workplace well-being through unique, innovative, and actionable methods.

          Read More
          Transformational DEI Certificate

          Join our Transformational DEI Certificate! Our comprehensive learning & development offerings are designed to connect and grow strong leaders who lead both inside and out of the office.

          Read More
          Women’s Leadership Program

          Our Women’s Leadership Program enables you to take your leadership to the next level by arming you with the most in-demand leadership toolkit.

          Read More
          How to Be an LGBTQIA+ Ally in the Workplace

          Expand your DEI professional development with a virtual workshop focused specifically on LGBTQIA+ identities and inclusion.

          Read More
  • Economic Inclusion
        • Economic Inclusion

          • Overview
          • Economic Inclusion Committee
          • Fierce Urgency of Now Festival
          • Pacesetters
          • Resources
        • ...
          Economic Inclusion
          Economic Inclusion

          Our Economic Inclusion Committee provides strategic support around research, policies, and programs that are focused on building equal opportunity.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Economic Inclusion
          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Fierce Urgency of Now Festival
          2023 Fierce Urgency of Now Festival

          The Fierce Urgency of Now Festival brings Boston’s diverse young professionals together with business leaders, organizations and their peers to build connection, advance careers and ignite positive change.

          09/12/2023 -

          09/15/2023

          Greater Boston

          arrow-go
          Read More
  • Policy & Impact
        • Policy & Impact

          • Overview
          • Leadership Councils
          • Amicus Advisory Board
        • GET INVOLVED IN OUR POLICY FOCUS AREAS

          Business Climate
          Read More
          Climate & Energy
          Read More
          Health Care
          Read More
          Housing & Development
          Read More
          Talent
          Read More
          Transportation
          Read More
  • Our Networks
        • GBCC’s Networks

          • Overview
        • OUR NETWORKS

          City Awake

          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

          Read More
          BIMA

          BIMA (the Boston Interactive Media Association) serves a vibrant community of like-minded professionals from agencies, brands, publishers, and ad-tech companies with business interests in the New England market.

          Read More
          Women’s Network

          For more than 25 years, the Chamber’s Women’s Network has connected female professionals of all background and career levels. Today, our Women’s Network is the largest in New England, strengthening the professional networks of women each year.

          Read More
          MITX

          Through MITX (the Massachusetts Innovation and Technology Exchange), we’re building valuable connections between the people and ideas behind technology and its impact on the future of customer experiences, all to create a community that’s finding tomorrow’s solutions together.

          Read More
          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

          Read More
          Small Business

          We support small business through public policy initiatives, events designed to connect small businesses in Greater Boston to their peers and established business leaders, professional development offerings, and free small business advising.

          Read More
  • Membership
        • Membership

          • Overview
          • Membership Benefits
          • Membership Levels
          • Member Stories
          • Request a Meeting
          • Join Today
        • Our Impact
        • About Us
          Our Impact

          Explore our mission and values to better understand how we are leading the business community forward.

        • Membership Directory
        • Membership Directory
          Not sure if you’re a member?

          Our member directory is your resource to discover, connect, and engage with Boston’s businesses from every industry and sector.

        • For our members

          • Member Resources
          • Member Deals
          • Sponsorship Opportunities
          • Connect with your Member Services Rep
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Pacesetters

A CHAMBER INITIATIVE

Economic Inclusion through Supplier Diversity

Jump to page section

  • Overview
  • Programming
  • For Buyers
  • For Minority Businesses

Our Goal

We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform systemic opportunity for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

MBEs play a key role in wealth creation for the communities from which they are born and operate.
By advancing supplier diversity, procurement practices and spend with MBEs, Pacesetters can become a runway for economic inclusion and closing the racial wealth gap in Greater Boston and the Commonwealth.

Want to Learn More About Pacesetters? Email Us!

Tom Browne
Tom Browne

Senior Director, Economic Inclusion

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Email Tom
Pacesetters 2021 Data
Pacesetters 2021 Data

Presenting the 2021 Pacesetters Data Report

We are pleased to share that Pacesetters increased their spend with local businesses of color by $99.4 million, a 222% increase year over year, and increased spend with statewide businesses of color by $23 million. Utilizing equitable and innovative procurement best practices, Pacesetters tripled their spend with local businesses of color in 2021. As the business community continues to answer the call to action – affirming commitment with meaningful change – we must continue this momentum of increased spend at the local, state, and national levels.

View the Full Report

Our Vision for a More Equitable Commonwealth:

The racial<br />wealth gap
The racial
wealth gap

is closed in one generation

10%
10%

of all business & government contracts go to businesses of color in the Commonwealth within 5 years

20%
20%

of Massachusetts’ largest MBEs generate revenue of $50M or more within 5 years

Right now, businesses of color receive:

<2%

of corporate & government procurement dollars

2x

the loan denial rates

<1%

of venture capital investment

Pacesetters: A Runway for Creating Systemic Opportunity

The Pacesetters Ecosystem:

Join the Pacesetters

Founding Sponsor

Eastern Bank

MBE Champion

Liberty Mutual

Pacesetters

Berkshire Bank Logo
Beth Israel Lahley Health
BCBSMA
Bosotn Childrens Hospital Logo
Boston Planning Dev Agency Logo
Citizens Logo
Comcast
Consigli Logo
Dana Farber Cancer Institue Logo
DentaQuest Logo
Eastern Bank Logo
Emerson College Logo
Encore
Fed Reserve Bank of Boston Logo
Fidelity
Gilbane Logo
Greater Boston Chamber Of Commerce Logo
Greylock Logo
IPG DXTRA Logo
John Hancock
Liberty Mutual
MassDevelopment Logo
Mass Gaming Logo
Mass General Brigham Logo
McKinsey
National Grid
Nitsch Engineering Logo
Northeastern University Logo
Nutter Logo
P&G Gillette Logo
Point32Health Logo
Raytheon Logo
Red Sox Logo
State Street
Suffolk University Boston
University of Massachusetts Logo
Vertex

Business Association Partners

MBR
MassBio
MACP
NAIOP
Alliance for Business Leadership
Western Mass Economic Development Council
Worcester Regional Chamber

BUSINESS SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS

Amplify Latinx
Boston Impact Inititative
Commonwealth Kitchen
Foundation Business Equity
Greater New England
ICIC
Interise
LISC
Small Business Strong

Pacesetters Programming

Click here to watch the videos

Doing Business With... Webinars

This program gives MBEs the chance to hear directly from procurement officers at Pacesetter corporations to learn about their specific processes and expectations, RFP and bidding preferences, contract cycles, and more.

Click here to watch the video

Pacesetter Awards

These awards help shine a brighter light on outstanding efforts and achievements, as well as highlight best practices – both of which lead to economic inclusion for MBEs.

Click here to learn about DEI program

Bias Training

Providing bias training to Pacesetter procurement officers supports their path towards supplier diversity, so they can work with MBEs and the high standard of delivery and innovation that they offer.

Latest from the Chamber

See All
Pacesetters
Pacesetters Doing Business with Liberty Mutual

Pacesetters: Doing Business with Liberty Mutual

Mar 09, 20233:00pm - 4:00pmVirtual

This Pacesetters Doing Business event will allow minority-owned companies to hear directly from procurement officers at Liberty Mutual.
Watch Nowarrow-go
Pacesetters
BPDA & Casablanca Pacesetters Success Story

Servicing the Community Through Partnership: Casablanca Services Inc. and the BPDA

The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA), a Pacesetter since 2021, has successfully contracted with Casablanca Services Inc., an Everett-based minority-owned landscaping firm.
Read Nowarrow-go
Pacesetters
Pacesetters awards 2022

Pacesetters Awards: Champions of Equity 

The last week of June, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce’s Pacesetters Program hosted its inaugural Pacesetters Awards, a celebration of the successes and learnings from the network’s recent supplier diversity efforts and accomplishments.
Read Nowarrow-go

For Buyers: Join Our Network of Corporations Committed to Supplier Diversity

“Together, we can and must create a more equitable business community through individual commitments, accountability, and collaboration” - James E. Rooney, GBCC President & CEO

Discover How Pacesetters Can Support You As a Corporation

For MBEs: Gain Insights and Exposure

The Pacesetters Initiative seeks to provide insights and exposure for MBEs at all stages of development and capacity levels.

Learn More

Related Networks

BIMA (Boston Interactive Media Association) Logo

BIMA

BIMA (the Boston Interactive Media Association) serves a vibrant community of like-minded professionals from agencies, brands, publishers, and ad-tech companies with business interests in the New England market.

Related Subbrand
City Awake Logo

City Awake

City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

Related Subbrand
MITX Logo

MITX

Through MITX (the Massachusetts Innovation and Technology Exchange), we’re building valuable connections between the people and ideas behind technology and its impact on the future of customer experiences, all to create a community that’s finding tomorrow’s solutions together.

Related Subbrand
Small Business Logo

Small Business

We support small business through public policy initiatives, events designed to connect small businesses in Greater Boston to their peers and established business leaders, professional development offerings, and free small business advising.

Related Subbrand

Women’s Network

For more than 25 years, the Chamber’s Women’s Network has connected female professionals of all background and career levels. Today, our Women’s Network is the largest in New England, strengthening the professional networks of women each year.

Related Subbrand

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