Everyday purchasing that creates jobs and prosperity for our community and marginalized people

In this session we will hear from two leading enterprises that put people and planet first, on the opportunities, challenges and impacts that have come from their sales to mainstream business, government and end consumers, and why impact-led procurement should be at the heart of every local community across the United States and the world. We will also hear from a business purchaser about their journey through impact-led purchasing and why they have become an ambassador for other businesses to follow their lead.

Last year in the United States, around $8bn was donated to environmental causes and another $16bn was donated to social causes. At the same time, across consumers, businesses and government, we purchased more than $23trillion in goods and services. Imagine a world in which every dollar spent helped to build a better life and better future for every one of us, and our living planet.

There are enterprises throughout the world doing exactly that. They identify as social enterprises, cooperatives, benefit corporations and more and when we buy from them, we enable job creation and workforce inclusion, community development, economic resilience and skills development. We also reduce environmental degradation and carbon footprint reduction. But we need all stakeholders to work together if we are going to create true social and economic prosperity for all.