Meaning ● Diversity and Equity Strategy, within the scope of Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs), embodies a deliberate, formalized plan designed to cultivate an inclusive workplace where every employee, irrespective of their background, possesses equitable access to opportunities, resources, and the potential for career advancement. In practice, for growing SMBs leaning into automation and sophisticated systems implementation, a robust Diversity and Equity Strategy mitigates bias in hiring algorithms, ensures diverse teams contribute to product design that appeals to a wide customer base, and enhances overall employee retention, leading to a more stable and innovative business environment. Strategically, this encourages a diverse workforce reflecting a broadened talent pool and ultimately boosts SMB performance via a wider range of perspectives. An emphasis is placed on equitable practices; for example, SMBs may focus on fair salary assessments across different roles. Ultimately, a good strategy helps with regulatory compliance and increases attractiveness to potential investors.