Welcome to Fueling Business Growth, the University of Pennsylvania’s Supplier Diversity & Inclusion Program’s campaign designed to increase its diversity procurement in Philadelphia. The program leverages Penn’s purchasing power to support the growth of diverse businesses—and subsequently the Philadelphia economy—by engaging with local, minority, LGBTQ+, women-owned businesses, veterans, and businesses owned by people with disabilities.

Penn’s multi-faceted program includes expanding outreach with diverse businesses; deepening relationships with a range of suppliers; increasing businesses opportunities; addressing financial barriers facing diverse suppliers; and providing enhanced tools and resources to the Penn buying community – all in the name of generating economic activity.

What began in 1986 as the Buy West Philadelphia Program, is today’s Penn Supplier Diversity & Inclusion Program, which is an interconnected network of University staff and its buyers, along with local and diverse suppliers seeking opportunities from the private and public sector. After decades of continuous improvement in economic inclusion, the University has evaluated its programs and progress and created an Action Plan to increase local and diverse spending on goods and services.

Please bookmark this site as a resource for the diverse entrepreneurs and business owners in and around Philadelphia, and the buying community at Penn.