Philadelphia: Freedom to Grow for Minority Business Enterprises
The city of Philadelphia is a finalist for this year’s City Accelerator project, which is focused on helping cities promote economic equity.
The city of Philadelphia is a finalist for this year's City Accelerator project, which is focused on helping cities promote economic equity.
You can help select this year's City Accelerator participants! Check out the cities' pitches, and then let us know which ones you think should be a part of this important program by giving them a star rating and leaving your comments below!
You have the option to view the pitch full screen here for optimal viewing, but be sure to return to this page to give it a star rating and leave comments below!
What is the city proposing?
Philadelphia’s goal is to significantly increase response rates to contracts by MBEs, with a particular focus on local MBEs. The City will initiate and implement strategies to target specific challenges, and grow partnerships with key stakeholders to inform the development of a strategy that could be scaled citywide over the longer term.
VIEW OTHER CITY PITCHES
- Baltimore
- Boston
- Cleveland
- El Paso
- Houston
- Kansas City
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- Newark
- Pittsburgh
- South Bend
For a detailed description of the mission and purpose of the City Accelerator’s cohort on promoting economic equity, click here.
Public response is one of several criteria being used by the City Accelerator to select cohort cities. The number of ratings or comments by themselves do not determine final status or selection.
AACCGP
On: 05-16-2019Go Philly!!
Anon2
On: 05-14-2019A great pitch in such a wonderful and diverse city!
Mark D Roms
On: 05-14-2019This looks great and informative. Important topic and I like to know how City of Phila tackles it.
Rob Robinson
On: 05-14-2019People more actively support what they help to create. Engagement with potential MBEs on what they need will be key involvement.
Mark W
On: 05-14-2019Proud of Philly civil servants for making this pitch and that equity is approached as a team effort, across City programs and services, regardless of area of focus and expertise (tech, purchasing, operations, policy)
M Blackson
On: 05-14-2019Great pitch.. Very well thought out and solid strategy.
Sharmain Matlock-Turner
On: 05-11-2019Sharmain Matlock-Turner
Anon
On: 05-10-2019Proud that Philadelphia is looking at equity at all levels, including its own procurement. The purchasing power of Philadelphia is huge, and can have an enormous positive impact on an equitable and inclusive economy if implemented thoughtfully. I'd like to see the city proactively engage women business owners and business owners of color in refining and implementing its strategy to ensure that it continues to serve the needs of the city as well as the business community its trying to serve. Partnering with local business organizations is a great strategy to not only get more authentic / transparent / candid feedback from the business community, but also bolster the organizations serving these business.
Anonymous
On: 05-10-2019Great pitch!
Dr. Daniel Lee
On: 05-10-2019As an MBE in the city that has contracted with several departments, I find that this plan addresses some of the issues but it needs to be robust in the following areas: financing should be extended to venture capital connections for MBEs. Traditional lines of credit that force us to personally guarantee loans is too burdensome. Venture capital networking events and pitch opportunities would be helpful. Next, contracts under 100k require a significant amount of insurance which doesn’t make financial sense based on the value of the contract, reducing the insurance requirements would make these contracts more accessible to MBEs. Finally, I like the sheltered business model, as long as, the model creates opportunities for policy changes to increase creativity and rates reflect market value experiences. Many of the service contracts are woefully under funded compared to other areas which reduces the likelihood of professional service firms, like myself from contracting with the city because of higher reimbursement rates in other communities. As I close, I support the initial model and strongly recommend that the team consider hosting a focus group to hear the real issues and politics embedded in the city contracting process which can be discouraging and leave companies deflated at times.
Anonymous
On: 05-10-2019Good pitch - recognizes th problems but delineates growth and enterprise. Would like to know what type of jobs are being created in this gig and service economy and are these jobs turning into careers
Anonymous
On: 05-09-2019Great concept
Anonymous
On: 05-09-2019The city employees leaving feedback and including their name are brown-nosers looking for more brownie points from the boss. Ding-dong the witch is dead.
Anonymous
On: 05-09-2019Elected officials now need the courage to oppose unions and others that have benefitted from these structural inequities for years.
Anonymous
On: 05-08-2019This is very much needed in the City. Getting the public & private industry to utilize MWDSBE businesses and help them grow beyond the boundaries of Philadelphia is critical to success.
Anonymous
On: 05-08-2019I love that Philly includes people with disabilities in M/W/DSBE! Great proposal and excellent work.
Christian
On: 05-08-2019This is a very solid plan. I can't wait to see what's next.
The Builder.
On: 05-08-2019This is really good; way to go!
Andrew Buss
On: 05-08-2019Comprehensive and diverse outreach is key to any competitive procurement.
RT
On: 05-08-2019Aside from the City there needs to be a commitment from institutions (such as hospitals and universities) to working with diverse businesses. If industries in education and healthcare are procuring over $5.3 bil in goods and services every year - they should make a commitment to making sure a good portion of those goods and services come from MBEs that reside in the City of Philadelphia. The Mayor said he believes the power of the city comes from its diversity - so why not hold these major corporations and institutions accountable to make sure what they do reflects the City's diversity? There is no reason that Philly is in the top 10 largest cities - but the poorest! It's embarrassing... there should be more employment AND procurement opportunities offered to people of color. I'm happy to see so many of the existing strategies listed and the City recognizing where they have failed. But, in regards to the proposed strategies, I hope the team that has been put together will have enough power to hold the City accountable in seeing that those six strategies actually happen.
Katherine Barlow
On: 05-08-2019I think this is a great opportunity to grow some of Philly's most amazing businesses.
Varsovia Fernandez
On: 05-07-2019Philadelphia has a great need for minority business enterprise participation enhancements. This is a great way to enforce efforts and accelerate economic growth across Philadelphia's neighborhoods.
Robert Scancella
On: 05-07-2019A thorough thought-out plan for addressing a critical need in Philadelphia
Corey
On: 05-07-2019Properly scale the first image (the center city skyline from the el's pov is compressed; it looks amateur).
Rebekah Ray
On: 05-07-2019In the "proposed strategies" (second to the last page) I would like to see more specifics about how technology can be used to identify, collate, curate and evaluate the opportunities, the application process and the awarding of contracts. It would strengthen the pitch to offer one or more specific growth industry(ies) as pilot (s) where there is a strong presence of MBEs and there needs to be more supported access. Based on data results, create a process to capture and
Nick Frontino
On: 05-07-2019Important work and a well thought-out plan for addressing a critical need in Philadelphia!
Confidential
On: 05-07-2019I work for a Certified WBE firm. We have been working as a sub on Philly contracts since 1989. Our payment time for monthly invoices varies from 45 to 90 days. As a small business, waiting longer than 45 days for payment is difficult. In the proposal, I see a lot of what you want to do, but not so much on how to get it done. Adding some small business owners to focus groups for various tasks might be helpful.
Meg Shope Koppel
On: 05-07-2019This strategy builds on an existing foundation but identifies short-term tactics to accelerate minority and women-owned businesses success with city procurements.
Anonymous
On: 05-07-2019The Pitch looks great. Now let's make sure that we do all that we say we will do to support MBEs in the City.
Megan McFadden
On: 05-07-2019Increasing opportunities for MBEs in Philadelphia is critical for the vitality of our city today and in the future. Thanks to the City for this proposal and I hope we have the opportunity to bring the accelerator to Philadelphia.
Confidential
On: 05-07-2019Our company is a Certified WBE. We have worked on many City projects both as a prime and a sub so we have substantial experience with the current M/W/DSBE program(s) We have also worked on many projects nationally, both as a prime and sub. Based on this substantial experience I comment as follows: #1 Your data stating that only 30% of local entities are on the certified list is validation of a major flaw in Philadelphia's certification program because many cities limit city work and especially M/W/DSBE participation to certified entities who are local residents, local tax payers, with a local office, local licenses, local employees and with local qualifications and experience. Baltimore and Cleveland being just 2 of many. These limitations if set forth here in Philadelphia would substantially increase work for local entities and citizens. Literally the goal should be 100% of certified entities being Philadelphia based. #2 Before being eligible for a City contract, either as a prime or a sub, there should be validation of qualifications and cash flow to undertake the work. This suggests a mentoring program and adding to the certification process a peer review of qualifications. #3 We have experienced under capitalized M/W/DSBE failures on projects even with the pay the M/W/DSBEs first and the current "audit" process. Based on this experience, I suggest that the City require the primes to in turn provide their M/W/DSBEs with the working capital needed to undertake the work, perhaps even providing advance payment of the projected last 2 - 3 months invoice amounts so that the City's 60-90 day actual payment terms of work in progress and then the paid when paid agreements between Primes and M/W/DSBEs would be mitigated by this retainer concept. The City could fund this retainer protocol so as not to place all of the risk on the Primes. #4 There should be a preference for M/W/DSBEs who have succeeded on a City project in the past, and a "black mark" on those who have failed in the past.
richard Horstmann
On: 05-07-2019Fantastic
Sarah Bowen
On: 05-07-2019I fully support Philadelphia's proposal. This plan lays out a way to achieve better diversity in contrating. The economic benefit of Philadelphia contracts should benefit all Philadelphians.
Brian
On: 05-07-2019Proud of the City for developing a solid plan for increasing opportunities for minority-owned businesses.
Rob Platten
On: 05-07-2019With the highest rate of poverty among large cities we need to do many many things to disrupt the cycle of poverty, and can learn from others how they have made progress and what programs really work versus those where money and effort are thrown away. Poverty, hopelessness, drugs, and crime are all part of pattern that we need to work our way out of.
Julie R Stapleton Carroll
On: 05-07-2019Go Philly!!
Jamie SBDC
On: 05-07-2019Philadelphia understands how important it is to provide immigrants and minorities with opportunities for economic self sufficiency through entrepreneurship! Immigrant businesses give our city its real flavor and make it a place worth living in and visiting.
Mariya
On: 05-07-2019Great plan and truly needed service for our city!
Stephanie
On: 05-07-2019Solid plan. Lot of existing resources to draw upon to reach the city's potential.
Kaci
On: 05-07-2019The storymap is clear and gives great information about the state of inequities in Philadelphia, and City of Philadelphia efforts to increase opportunities for minority-owned businesses.
Giana Lawrence-Primus
On: 05-07-2019This will be great opportunity for our city to demonstrate its commitment toward inclusive growth! Go Philly!
Anonymous
On: 05-07-2019Yes. go for it
Paula M
On: 05-07-2019Hopefully minorities and low-income communities will benefit from this initiative. This is what our city needs more diversity in planning and spending.
Anonymous
On: 05-07-2019As the City continues to promote inclusiveness and minority owned business this is vital to the City of Philadelphia.
Kevin E
On: 05-07-2019The work on this story map submission is fantastic, props to the City of Philadelphia for presenting their submission so clearly!
Anne Fadullon
On: 05-07-2019This Accelerator adds to Philadelphia’s storied history as a leader in innovative and revolutionary thinking. Proves history continues to be made every day!
Jennifer Rodriguez
On: 05-07-2019Supporting minority business growth is imperative for building wealth in Philadelphia. Research suggests that modest growth of 1-2 employees in small businesses could eliminate unemployment in the inner city. Entrepreneurship is the most efficient path out of poverty.
Herman Nyamunga
On: 05-07-2019Philly is ranks second as a major city with the highest level of poverty, lowest tech jobs for minority 2.5% so winning this contest will be a positive thing for the city
Lisa Summers
On: 05-06-2019Great plan! Philadelphia is ready to make big strides in equitable economic growth by leveraging procurement opportunities!
Kathleen
On: 05-06-2019Sounds great!! Perfect fit for Philly!!
Maari Porter
On: 05-06-2019The City Accelerator will be an important initiative in helping Mayor Kenney meet his vision for Philadelphia as diverse, dynamic and inclusive economy that benefits all residents.
Christina Dougherty
On: 05-06-2019Wonderful effort and very much deserved to Philadelphia!
Craig Heim
On: 05-06-2019Great plan for a great city on the move!
Lauren Swartz
On: 05-06-2019Yes! We absolutely need this and can execute a plan like this. Go Philly!
Mitch
On: 05-06-2019Impressive
Mitch
On: 05-06-2019Mitch Little
Anonymous
On: 05-06-2019Philly is constantly improving
Beth Jurman
On: 05-06-2019It is a fabulous opportunity and approach for the City to work together and show what we can do.
Anjali Chainani
On: 05-06-2019Given Philadelphia's vision for inclusive growth and racial equity, this city is an ideal candidate for the City Accelerator!!!
Libby Peters
On: 05-06-2019Love it. Go Philly!
Ellen Hwang
On: 05-06-2019This is a challenge that the City of Philadelphia and the broader community are ready to tackle together. Philly is positioned incredibly well to pioneer and lead in this effort.
Marisa Waxman
On: 05-06-2019So important and a great approach!
Patricia Fitzgerald Hoffman
On: 05-06-2019Wow! Great proposal and exciting opportunity!
Hans Kellner
On: 05-06-2019A great plan that Philly needs!
Anonymous
On: 05-06-2019Excellent plan! Looking forward to the process and results.
Iola Harper
On: 05-06-2019Outstanding theory and seems workable in the 18 months!
Amber Hikes
On: 05-06-2019Brilliant visuals and an even more brilliant growth plan. Awesome work, Philly!
Anna Breece
On: 05-06-2019Wonderful pitch. Philadelphia’s excellence indeed stems from its diversity, and MBEs.
Sylvie Gallier Howard
On: 05-06-2019Go Philly!
Adrian Adams
On: 05-06-2019Visuals are great and the impact is even greater!!!
Aviva
On: 05-06-2019Philadelphia is poised to make big strides in equitable economic growth by leveraging procurement opportunities!