Purchasing with Purpose

08/25/2026

Who pays for the energy infrastructure needed to power the AI boom?

We’re thrilled to share a new report from American Sustainable Business Network, Sustainable Business Network, and Impact Collective on a new report that examines the impact of data centers on small businesses and outlines policy solutions to support growth without shifting disproportionate costs onto businesses and families.

📖 Read the report: asbnetwork.org/pasbn/

On August 26 at 1pm ET, the report authors will explore the findings, the choices shaping our nation’s energy future, and what small businesses and policymakers can do next.

💻 Join the live conversation and Q&A: asbnetwork.org/event/aiboom/

Pennsylvania households and businesses are now paying $78.3 million more per month for energy, a cost driven in large part by the state's rapidly expanding AI data center industry. Join the Pennsylvania Sustainable Business Network, American Sustainable Business Network, and Compound Impact Collecti...

08/18/2026

Meet This Network: MovingWorlds

This week, we’re highlighting MovingWorlds, a People and Planet First Verified social enterprise and global network helping people and organizations turn big ideas into meaningful impact.

Through career development, corporate consulting, and capacity-building programs, MovingWorlds connects professionals, companies, impact investors, and social enterprises to strengthen organizations and help innovative solutions grow.

Their work is helping social enterprises build meaningful partnerships, access global value chains, and create lasting social, environmental, and economic impact.

We’re proud to celebrate networks like MovingWorlds that are helping build a more just, equitable, and sustainable economy.

Who should we feature next? Tell us about a network creating positive impact for people or the planet in the comments!

08/11/2026

Meet This Network: NYSID

Founded in 1975, New York State Industries for the Disabled (NYSID) is a People and Planet First Verified network creating employment opportunities for New Yorkers with disabilities and qualified veterans.

Through a statewide network of more than 100 member organizations, NYSID connects government agencies and private-sector customers with quality products and services while helping organizations build more inclusive and diverse supply chains.

At the heart of NYSID’s work is the belief that purchasing can create meaningful opportunity. By expanding access to long-term employment, NYSID and its members help individuals experience greater financial security, independence, and connection within their communities.

We’re proud to highlight networks like NYSID that are using collaboration and purchasing as a force for positive change.

08/10/2026

What if the lasting legacy of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games isn’t just what happens in the venues, but where the money goes and who benefits?

A new article from Impact Entrepreneur explores how LA28 has an opportunity to use its purchasing power to strengthen local and small businesses, create pathways for purpose-led enterprises, and build community wealth that lasts long after the closing ceremony.

Every purchase is an opportunity to create value for people, communities, and the planet.

Read the full article: https://impactentrepreneur.com/can-la28-turn-procurement-into-olympic-legacy/

LA28 will spend billions to stage the Games. The real legacy test is whether that money builds local businesses, good jobs, and community wealth.

08/04/2026

Meet This Network: American Sustainable Business Network (ASBN)

Creating a more sustainable economy takes collaboration. That's exactly what the American Sustainable Business Network (ASBN) is all about.
ASBN brings together businesses, organizations, and advocates working to build an economy that is stakeholder-driven, just, and regenerative. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, they help amplify the voice of sustainable businesses while driving meaningful change across industries and communities.

At Purchasing with Purpose, we're proud to celebrate networks that empower mission-driven businesses and strengthen the movement toward a more equitable and sustainable future.

Who should we spotlight next? Tag a network that's making a difference or recommend one through our website.

Learn more about ASBN: https://www.asbnetwork.org
Visit Purchasing with Purpose: https://purchasingwithpurpose.org

07/28/2026

Meet This Network: Chicago Fair Trade

This week we're highlighting Chicago Fair Trade, a People and Planet First Verified organization working to build a more just and sustainable economy.

By educating consumers, supporting local fair trade businesses, and advocating for ethical purchasing, Chicago Fair Trade has helped make Chicago both a Fair Trade City and a Sweatshop-Free City.

Their work reminds us that every purchasing decision has the power to support people, strengthen communities, and protect our planet.

Know a network that's creating positive change? Tag them below or recommend them through the Purchasing with Purpose website!

07/21/2026

The impact economy is growing, and the numbers are impressive.

Our friends at Telos have released a new report showing that businesses in the Buy Social Europe program are already spending €71.42 million with more than 500 impact-led suppliers.

The report also highlights the incredible scale of Europe's social economy:
2.8 million impact-led enterprises
13.6 million people employed
8% of EU GDP

One thing that stood out to us is that Europe faces many of the same challenges as the U.S. when it comes to identifying and mapping impact-led businesses. With so many different legal structures and ways of describing mission-driven enterprises, it's easy to underestimate the size of this movement.

Earlier this year, Purchasing with Purpose released our Mapping the Movement report, which found there are more than 1.1 million impact-led enterprises in the United States.

Together, these reports tell an exciting story: purpose-driven businesses are already making a significant contribution to our economies and supply chains. We just need to continue making them more visible.

Have you read the report yet? We'd love to hear what stood out to you.

Full report link in the comments.

07/14/2026

What’s your role in building a more equitable & just world? 🌍The from is designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs, activists, and business leaders transform our broken systems and build new ones — all in a supportive learning community beginning 9/29!
Learn more and sign up for a free intro

Join the Next Economy MBA — a 9-month online program for purpose-driven leaders building equitable, regenerative, and inclusive businesses. Learn sustainable strategy, innovative business models, and connect with a global community of changemakers.

07/09/2026

Meet This Network: American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA)!

Strong local economies start with strong local businesses and that's exactly what the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) is helping communities build.

As a People and Planet First Verified organization, AMIBA empowers communities through education, advocacy, and a nationwide network of independent business alliances. Their work helps keep dollars circulating locally, strengthens community resilience, and supports businesses that put people and the planet first.

We're proud to highlight organizations like AMIBA that are creating lasting impact through collaboration and local action.

Who should we celebrate next? Tag a network making a difference in your community or recommend one through our website! Link in the comments.

07/09/2026

What if tackling climate change also meant creating meaningful jobs for young people?

In Sweden, a new initiative is doing exactly that. The Young Planetary Stewards program gives young people paid opportunities to design and lead environmental projects in their own communities. From restoring biodiversity and creating wildlife habitats to helping children connect with nature through interactive learning trails. It's a powerful reminder that investing in people and investing in the planet can go hand in hand.

As we work to build an economy that puts People and Planet First, stories like this show what's possible when we create opportunities that generate both social and environmental impact.

What would a program like this look like in your community?

Full article in the comments.