February 26, 2021

Drexel University's Supplier Inclusion Initiative broadens Drexel's pool of suppliers by developing business relationships with minority, women, veteran, service-disabled, LGBT and small businesses. Drexel is committed to retaining business with diverse suppliers to foster economic impact within local Philadelphia communities. As the global pandemic wreaked economic havoc that disproportionately affected small- and minority-owned businesses throughout 2020, our commitment to supplier inclusion became more important than ever. A newly remote environment did not slow Procurement's efforts of community outreach, support and partnership. Browse the items below to learn more about the events Procurement Services hosted and attended in FY2020 to foster connections with regional diverse businesses and beyond.

Supplier Inclusion During COVID-19: Monthly Calls of Universities

In April, Drexel launched a monthly webinar series inviting Universities to discuss the effects of Covid-19 to our business community and what each of our institutions were doing to support those affected.

Doing Business with Drexel Webinar: Women Business Enterprise Council Pa-De-Sn

Procurement Services & Accounts Payable Supplier Inclusion and Strategic Sourcing team conducted a Doing Business with Drexel webinar with the Women’s Business Enterprise Council East. The event included over 75 businesses local woman owned businesses from Pennsylvania, Delaware, and southern New Jersey region. Businesses were able to hear the best engagement strategies when working with procurement while getting a chance to virtually network with Drexel’s Strategic Sourcing team.

Lunch & Learn Supporting Local Businesses Webinar

Procurement Services, in collaboration with Drexel’s Black Faculty & Professional Staff Association (BFPSA), hosted a lunch-and-learn webinar on how BFPSA can support local businesses. The webinar included LA21, Supreme Oasis Bakery & Deli, Telrose Corporation and Scoops Promotion. During the call, each business explained their services, what made them unique and how businesses can connect with them virtually to place orders.

Philadelphia Anchors for Growth & Equity Summit

At the summit, Director of Strategic Sourcing David Collins and Director of Supplier Inclusion Allen Riddick attended plenary sessions discussing PAGE's progress and success stories. The two also had the opportunity to witness several panel discussions on how small businesses can prepare to work in anchor supply chains and various ways local and diverse businesses can position themselves to achieve more successful RFP opportunities.

"Collaboration is Key" Panel Discussion for Philadelphia Minority Enterprise Development Week

Drexel’s Procurements Services, along with Penn Purchasing Services, hosted a lunch-and-learn panel discussion called “Collaboration is Key.” During the session, both Drexel and Penn discussed the importance of including diverse businesses in Procurement. The event was in partnership with Philadelphia's annual Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week. MED Week highlights minority businesses and the resources that help them grow. Throughout the week, organizations from across the region hosted events focused on the theme “Moving the Needle.”

Coalition of Urban Metropolitan Universities (CUMU) Conference

Drexel’s Procurement Services, Business Services, Office of University & Community Partnerships and Aramark discussed local hiring, local procurement and food insecurity at the annual Coalition of Urban Metropolitan Universities (CUMU) conference. Aramark, a food, facilities and uniform service corporation, described how they moved from a typical food contractor to a community-focused, mission-driven company aimed at strengthening the economic development of West Philadelphia.