Supplier development

Doing business with a broad set of suppliers delivers value. It creates a competitive advantage by linking fresh perspectives and the nimble thinking of small and under-leveraged businesses to our internal business needs. We actively seek to expand relationships with these suppliers, which we view as an untapped source of talent.

Since 2005, the U.S. Small Business Administration has recognized Lilly as “outstanding” in our efforts to promote and maintain a broad potential supplier base. Our program has received numerous awards from our industry, advocacy organizations, the community, and businesses. In 2025, we spent more than $1.7 billion with over 1,500 suppliers classified as small businesses.

We encourage small and under-leveraged businesses to work with us and attract new business to our communities — creating a greater quality of life.

Our program

Our work at Lilly Supplier Development involves engaging and empowering small and under-leveraged businesses through mentorship and advocacy. This facilitates a supplier base more reflective of the community, allowing socially/economically-disadvantaged groups to develop and prosper.

We engage by:

• hosting Lilly Supplier Days annually in Indianapolis, Puerto Rico, and other Lilly locations for small and under-leveraged businesses based on business needs;
• attending advocacy and community events to identify potential small and under-leveraged businesses;
• sharing best practices with industry groups.

We empower through:

• our Lilly Mentor Protégé Program that develops small and under-leveraged businesses by sharing Lilly methodologies and industry best practices while providing a Lilly Executive coach;
• participating in organizations’ mentorship programs;
• sponsoring scholarships for small and under-leveraged businesses.

We impact by:

• connecting potential small and under-leveraged businesses to internal business partners;
• including qualified small and under-leveraged businesses in competitive opportunities and category strategies;
• expanding small and under-leveraged businesses’ economic potential by connecting them with other companies;
• achieving results!

Become a new supplier

• Small Business Enterprise (SBE) as defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA)
  • Self-Certification
• Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB) as defined by the SBA
  • SBA certification or WBENC certification
• Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) as defined by the SBA
  • SBA 8(a) Certification or Self-Certification
• Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) as defined by the SBA
  • SBA Certification
• Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)  as defined by the SBA
  • SBA Certification
• Historically Underutilized Business Zone Business (HUBZone) as defined by the SBA
  • SBA HUBZone Certification
• Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE)
  • National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) Certification

• Disability Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE)

  • Disability: IN or NVBDC Certification

• Under-Leveraged Business (ULB) as defined by Lilly

  ULB’s are enterprises that demonstrate the capacity to deliver competitive goods or services but face barriers to full economic participation. This concept aligns with Lilly’s goal of economic inclusion and with the social determinants of health. Businesses must meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • Economic Stability – Limited access to capital, credit, or financial services;

  • Education & Skills Development – Gaps in access to industry-specific training, certifications or mentorship;

  • Neighborhood & Built Environment – Operating in economically distressed or rural areas with limited infrastructure;

  • Access to Markets – Exclusion from traditional procurement pipelines or supplier ecosystems and/or lack of representation in professional networks or industry associations.

  • Self-Certification

New suppliers FAQ