Welcome to Fueling Business Growth, the University of Pennsylvania’s campaign designed to engage, equip, and utilize local Philadelphia businesses in University Procurement. The program leverages Penn’s purchasing power to support the growth of the Philadelphia economy—by engaging with all businesses, including local, minority, LGBTQ+, women-owned businesses, veterans, and businesses owned by people with disabilities.

Penn’s multi-faceted program includes expanding outreach with to 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 Business Growth Initiative, 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 entrepreneurs and business owners in and around Philadelphia, and the buying community at Penn.