The Social Purchasing Portal supports supplier businesses and social enterprises (located within Vancouver’s inner city or with links to it) who promote good employment standards and contribute to economic and community development by
- employing persons with challenges
- raising the employability or quality of life of residents
- taking steps to reduce harmful impact on the environment
- supporting social community organisations through, for instance, fundraising, donations, discounted terms of trade and sponsorships
In addition to being good corporate citizens, these businesses and social enterprises strive for growth, quality, competitiveness and customer satisfaction. The Social Purchasing Portal assists them
- by identifying and qualifying prospects, establishing procurement opportunities and facilitating sales
- by working with organisations such as the Canadian Business for Social Responsibility and the Sustainable Purchasing Network to create recognition and awareness amongst the business community of the benefits arising from social purchasing
- by promoting the infusion of social purchasing into corporate social responsibility programmes.
The Social Purchasing Portal facilitates contact between supplier and purchaser through direct sales calls and learning workshops, through a Directory and through a website, www.sppvancouver.org
The Social Purchasing Portal is a programme managed by Building Opportunities with Business (BOB) and supports that part of BOB’s objectives related to
- increasing demand for Downtown Eastside supplied goods and services
- strengthening the capabilities of local business
- increasing employment opportunities in the Downtown Eastside
For SPP Information
Iqbal Alam
ialam@sppvancouver.org
778.328.7671 (Office)
604.721.4595 (Cell)