“Diversity Inc.” is an Erasmus+ cooperation partnership (KA220-VET) focused on promoting inclusion and diversity in the workplaces of micro and small entities, both businesses and non-profit organisations. The project builds on EU priorities in the field of inclusion and anti-discrimination and recognises that the smallest organisations often lack the financial and human resources to design and implement structured diversity policies. Its ambition is to offer practical, easy-to-use solutions that can be integrated into daily work without the need for costly external consultancy.

The overall objective of “Diversity Inc.” is to support micro and small entities in becoming safe, inclusive and productive workplaces. The project raises awareness among managers and staff about the many dimensions of diversity – such as gender, ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, age or disability – and provides concrete guidance on how to address unconscious bias and discriminatory behaviours. In doing so, it fosters a culture of mutual respect, belonging and equal opportunities for employees with diverse backgrounds and identities.

At the core of the project is the development of a free online Diversity and Inclusion Awareness Tool (DIAT). Using DIAT, managers and staff in micro and small entities will be able to self-assess their current knowledge, attitudes and practices related to inclusion. Based on the results, the tool will point users towards personalised Learning Pathways that combine digital learning resources, real-life examples and practical exercises tailored to their specific needs and roles within the organisation.

To ensure sustainability and wider outreach, “Diversity Inc.” will also establish and train a network of certified Area Ambassadors. These will be experts and representatives of intermediary organisations (for example VET providers, training centres, business networks or chambers) who will promote the approach, support micro and small entities in using DIAT and the Learning Pathways, and stimulate peer learning and exchange of good practices. In this way, the project strengthens the link between vocational education and training and the real needs of the labour market.

The expected results include better informed managers and teams, more structured approaches to diversity and higher employee engagement in micro and small entities across Europe. The open and free access to DIAT and the Learning Pathways will enable a large number of small organisations to take concrete steps towards more inclusive workplaces, even when resources are limited. In the long term, the project aims to contribute to greater innovation, increased productivity, improved talent attraction and retention, and enhanced competitiveness of Europe’s micro and small enterprises.