Support for Philadelphia's Diverse Small Business Network
As expressed by University of Pennsylvania President, Dr. Amy Gutmann, “We must, as a country and community, resolve to find better ways forward to understand and address systemic racism and closely related economic, educational, political, and social inequities. We must work together to build more hope for the future. That work begins at home, in our beloved University.”
Penn supports its local, diverse, and small business suppliers and is committed to expanding access to and participation in procurement opportunities, allowing for growth in scope and impact, and amplifying the presence of excellent yet marginalized businesses within Penn’s procurement network. Visit the Economic Inclusion Network page to learn more about the important work being conducted.
Supplier Diversity & Inclusion Program
Located in West Philadelphia, Penn is a part of one of the most demographically diverse and culturally rich neighborhoods in Pennsylvania. The University’s long-standing commitment to local and diverse procurement was launched in the 1980s with the Penn’s Buy West Philadelphia initiative, which was aimed at advancing local purchasing efforts.
The University’s Supplier Diversity & Inclusion Program serves to ensure:
1. Procurement processes and systems identify and promote local and regional diverse suppliers.
2. Relationships with valued local diversity business organizations are cultivated and networks expanded.
3) Goals are strategically set.
4. Impact is measured, and the program is held accountable through a system of ongoing feedback and communication.
The Supplier Diversity & Inclusion Program seeks meaningful connections between suppliers and University Buyers, valued collaboration among business and civic organizations and peer institutions, and a deep and abiding commitment to further extend Penn’s economic footprint into a vibrant and diverse local and regional community.
Penn’s intentionally inclusive procurement efforts continue to deliver positive outcomes for the University and the local and diverse suppliers that do business with Penn, helping to build wealth and foster prosperity within the neighboring community.
Economic Inclusion Plenary Committee
Vital to its collaborative efforts and its connection to the greater Philadelphia business community is Procurement Services' participation on the University’s Economic Inclusion Plenary Committee. The Plenary Committee - made up of Penn leaders as well as community partners - provides strategic oversight and direction regarding Penn's economic inclusion objectives. A subset to the Plenary Committee is the Procurement Working Committee for Economic Inclusion. The Working Committee brings together Procurement Services and its sourcing professionals with leaders from business organizations including:
- African American Chamber of Commerce of PA-NJ-DE,
- Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia,
- City of Philadelphia's Office of Economic Opportunity,
- the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia, Enterprise Center,
- Independence Business Alliance,
- Netter Center for Community Partnerships,
- University City District, and
- West Philadelphia Corridor Collaborative.
Through both Committees' continued engagement, members collectively work to drive economic impact in neighboring areas around campus, the City, and the region while valuing diversity in the University’s supply chain.