What is one reason for encouraging purchases from small and disadvantaged businesses in the GPC program?

Encouraging purchases from small and disadvantaged businesses in the Government Purchase Card (GPC) program plays a crucial role in supporting local economies and diversifying suppliers. By prioritizing these businesses, the GPC program helps ensure that a wider variety of suppliers can participate in government contracting opportunities, which promotes economic growth in communities that may rely more heavily on these smaller enterprises.

This approach not only supports job creation and local empowerment but also encourages innovation and competition within the market. When small and disadvantaged businesses thrive, they contribute to a more resilient supply chain, reducing dependency on larger corporations and fostering a more inclusive economic environment. This can ultimately lead to improved performance and responsiveness from suppliers, as well as more tailored services and products that meet the unique needs of government agencies.