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Local Economic Engagement

Supporting local businesses and strengthening the regional economy through Penn’s purchasing and supplier engagement efforts.

Purchasing

Local Economic Opportunity

Engaging Locally

As a member of the West Philadelphia community, the University of Pennsylvania works with local businesses and partners to support economic growth and expand opportunities throughout the region.

Penn is committed to creating opportunities for businesses and individuals in:

  • Neighborhoods within a three-mile radius of Penn’s University City campus
  • The City of Philadelphia
  • Philadelphia collar counties

Our Procurement Services team supports this commitment by:

  • Expanding access to purchasing opportunities
  • Providing tools to help identify and engage local suppliers
  • Hosting events that connect local businesses with Penn’s buying community
  • Connecting local businesses with peer institutions and partner organizations
  • Strengthening networks across Penn and the broader regional ecosystem

Together, these efforts help create jobs, strengthen local businesses, and support long-term economic growth and resilience throughout the region.

Local Economic Opportunity Plenary Committee

The Local Economic Opportunity Plenary Committee provides strategic oversight for the University’s local economic opportunity initiatives. Three subcommittees focus on procurement, construction, and workforce development, meeting regularly to monitor progress and report their findings to the full Plenary Committee.

Collaboration

Procurement Services works with partner organizations across the University and the surrounding community to expand opportunities for local suppliers. Through collaboration, information sharing, networking, and joint initiatives, these partnerships help strengthen Penn’s local purchasing efforts. These organizations are listed below.

Becoming a Supplier at Penn

Penn Procurement Services manages the University’s approved supplier database and partners with Schools, Centers, and departments to connect them with businesses that meet their purchasing needs.

If you represent a small, local business and have questions about becoming a supplier at Penn, please contact us at Procure@upenn.edu. Your inquiry will be routed to the appropriate member of our team, who will contact you to discuss the University’s supplier approval process.