What is a BLN?

Promoting the benefits of a diverse workforce and customer base that includes people with disabilities

The Business Leadership Network is designed to assist employers in attracting more people with disabilities as customers and employees.

History:

The Business Leadership Network (BLN) began as a national initiative of the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities in 1994. The BLN was developed to assist employers to attract more people with disabilities as customers and employees. Currently there are 40 BLN's across the United States and nearly 50 chapters. The Sioux Falls BLN is one of the largest and most active coalitions to in the national network.

How it works:

Business and community leaders are invited to join our local network. In partnership with the State of South Dakota - Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) and other important community employment agencies, SF-BLN staff work with individual employers to develop a local BLN Steering Committee to help guide BLN development activities. Training, technical support and other resources are then provided to help encourage improved hiring results within the disability community.

Benefits of the BLN:

• Obtain valuable information on developing a diverse workforce and customer base that includes people with disabilities.
• Build effective connections between employers, community partners, government agencies, and people with disabilities
• Network with business and community leaders, educators, community organizations, government agencies, and people with disabilities