The Future of Business Is Inclusive

The Future of Business Is Inclusive

The Importance of Inclusive Business Practices

Imagine stepping into a room where your voice is truly heard—where your ideas don’t just echo into the void but are met with nods of encouragement, thoughtful discussion, and real action. A workplace where barriers are replaced by opportunities, and authenticity is not just tolerated but celebrated.

We have the power to create spaces like this.

As the fight against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives grows louder in many organizations, the need to push back—louder, bolder, and more intentionally—has never been more urgent. Because when we build spaces that welcome everyone, we don’t just change individual lives—we strengthen entire communities.

For my small business, The Crafty Queer, inclusion isn’t an afterthought—it’s the foundation. From sliding-scale pricing to ensuring my products are accessible and affirm a wide range of identities, every decision I make comes back to one question: Who does this create space for? Because it’s never just about offering products and services—it’s about creating an environment where every individual, regardless of identity or ability, feels welcomed, heard, and valued for who they are.

What Inclusive Business Practices Look Like in Action

These examples showcase how businesses and organizations of all sizes can lead the charge in advancing equity—including corporations that have remained steadfast in their commitment to inclusion despite growing pressure to roll back DEI initiatives.

⚖️ Creating equitable opportunities:

Creating equitable opportunities means not only hiring diversely, but ensuring that everyone has the tools they need to succeed. Grassroots groups like SNaP Co (Social Network and Advocacy for People of Color) are paving the way by investing in the leadership and political power of people of color, focusing on career development, mentorship, and empowerment. IBM demonstrates their commitment to equity by offering scholarships, mentorship, and career advancement programs to underrepresented minorities in tech. At its core, creating equitable opportunities means ensuring that all individuals, regardless of identity or ability, have access to the resources and support they need to succeed. True equity ensures that all individuals, regardless of identity or ability, have meaningful access to opportunities for growth and success.

♿️Building accessible products: 

Accessibility isn’t just about ramps and captions—it’s about designing with intention. The GLITS Safe Housing Project, which provides trans-led, safe spaces for marginalized trans individuals, sets an example by prioritizing accessibility in every aspect of their housing, from physical accessibility to social support structures. Larger tech companies have also been seen making advancements in accessibility, such as Microsoft with its release of the Xbox Adaptive Controller, designed specifically for gamers with limited mobility and Apple devices that are designed with visual and hearing impairments in mind  These efforts highlight how intentional design can foster inclusion, independence, and dignity for all.

🤝Engaging with the community: 

Engaging with the community goes beyond transactions—it’s about creating meaningful connections and an environment where people feel supported, seen, and valued. The Transgender Law Center (TLC) actively engages with the trans community by offering legal advocacy, organizing community-based support, and raising awareness about systemic issues affecting trans people. The cosmetic company Lush regularly uses its stores and platforms to promote social causes and partner with grassroots organizations. The trans-owned small business, Trans Figure Print Company, gives 10% of profits to various mutual aid efforts that benefit trans people. Engaging with communities through action and advocacy helps establish deep connections and ensures marginalized groups receive the support they need. 

✊ Challenging systemic inequities: 

Businesses have a responsibility to use their platform for good. That means actively dismantling discriminatory practices and speaking up against injustice. Patagonia is a company championing environmental and social justice through funding grassroots movements, protecting Indigenous land rights, and even suing the U.S. government over harmful policies. The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is another organization that actively works to fight against systemic inequalities and bigotry. Through litigation, education, and advocacy, they work to ensure that policies across the country don’t disproportionately harm marginalized communities. These companies show that speaking out isn’t just a moral duty—it’s a powerful tool for driving change.

Essential Practices for an Inclusive Business

Building an inclusive business doesn’t require a huge budget—it starts with intentional choices. No matter your size, these practices help create a welcoming and equitable space for employees, customers, and communities.

🎤 Representation in Leadership – Ensure decision-making reflects diverse voices, whether in a leadership team, worker co-op, or community-driven collective.

💬 Inclusive Decision-Making – Involve employees, collaborators, and community members in shaping policies and business practices that impact them.

🔍 Transparency & Accountability – Set clear inclusion goals, track progress, and keep your team and customers informed about your commitments.

💸 Fair Pay & Compensation – Strive for equitable pay, even in small teams. Transparency and regular assessment of wages help address disparities.

🛑 Affinity & Support Spaces – If formal Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) aren’t feasible, create informal spaces for connection, peer support, and advocacy.

🌱 Mentorship & Peer Support – Offer mentorship in a way that fits your structure, whether through direct guidance, skill-sharing, or mutual aid networks.

📢 Ongoing Feedback – Regularly seek input through direct conversations and surveys, including anonymous options to ensure feedback is honest and actionable.

🎓 Education & Learning – Commit to ongoing learning around equity, inclusion, and bias. This can be through free resources, workshops, or shared community knowledge.

⚕️ Inclusive Benefits – Offer benefits that support employees' diverse needs, like mental health resources, disability accommodations, and gender-affirming care.

🏡 Work-Life Balance – Support your team’s well-being by offering flexibility, recognizing personal needs, and fostering a sustainable work culture.

📑 Accessible Communication – Use clear, inclusive language, provide alternative text for media, and ensure resources are accessible to a diverse audience.

🤝 Community Engagement – Support underrepresented communities through partnerships, mutual aid, hiring practices, or donating a portion of proceeds to relevant causes.

The Power of Intentional Inclusivity

Creating an inclusive business isn’t just about policies—it’s about actively shaping a culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, a grassroots collective, or a growing company, the choices you make today can have a lasting impact on the people you serve and the communities you’re part of.

The power of inclusive business practices lies in their ability to transform not just individual lives but entire communities. Building a more just and equitable future starts with intentional choices, no matter the size of your business or organization. Those who invest in diversity today—whether through hiring, community partnerships, or equitable policies—will help shape the future of their industries and movements. When we foster belonging, we spark innovation, strengthen communities, and create lasting impact.

The future of business is inclusive. Let’s build it together.

Additional Learning & Resources

To help deepen your understanding of inclusive business practices and how they impact individuals and organizations, here are a variety of resources. These materials provide actionable strategies and research to strengthen your DEI efforts. 

📖Articles on Inclusive Business Practices:

📑 Research and Reports:

📚 Resources on Queer and Trans Inclusion:

💸Funding & Support for Marginalized Business Owners:

📘 Books on Inclusive Leadership:

  • Inclusion on Purpose: An Intersectional Approach to Creating a Culture of Belonging at Work – Ruchika Tulshyan
    Provides actionable steps for creating inclusive, intersectional workplaces.

  • The Inclusive Leader: Taking Intentional Action for Justice and Equity – Dr. Artika R. Tyner
    Practical guidance for leaders to foster justice, equity, and inclusion in organizations.

  • The Purpose of Power: How We Come Together When We Fall Apart – Alicia Garza
    Explores collective power and solidarity in social justice movements, by Black Lives Matter co-founder.

  • Building For Everyone: Expand Your Market With Design Practices from Google’s Product Inclusion Team – Annie Jean-Baptiste
    Offers inclusive design practices to expand business reach and accessibility.

  • Reconstructing Inclusion: Making DEI Accessible, Actionable, and Sustainable – Amri B. Johnson
    Practical solutions to make diversity, equity, and inclusion sustainable in organizations.

  • Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor – Layla F. Saad
    A workbook for challenging personal and organizational racism.

🛍️Shop & Support BIPOC-Owned Bookstores Online

Supporting BIPOC-owned bookstores not only promotes diverse voices but also strengthens communities and creates inclusive spaces for readers. Here are some great online bookstores where you can shop.

References:

The following webpages were used to research each company's inclusion efforts as well as to confirm that they are still in practice.

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