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Our Updated Policy Agenda
As Greater Philadelphia’s leading advocacy and membership organization that supports thousands of diverse local independent businesses, we regularly convene with elected officials and policymakers to advance policy initiatives for local businesses to start, grow, and thrive.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic crisis, and increasing calls for social and climate action, we’ve updated our policy agenda to guide our advocacy focus for the next five years. Our agenda is a call to action for local, state, and federal policymakers to take on the changes needed to achieve a just, green, and thriving economy.
SBN’s Vision for a Just, Green, and Thriving Local Economy
With Philadelphia’s recent growth and the dire need to make our region socially just and climate-resilient, we engaged our members to identify twenty-five issues ranging from better services for local businesses and increased nature-based stormwater management to community-oriented development and land use planning, where changes must be made for us to achieve our mission.
The Impact of Green City, Clean Waters on Philadelphia
Lower Crime and Health Costs, Billions of Dollars in Economic Impact: Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia’s New Research Showcases Multiple Benefits of Green Stormwater Infrastructure
Government Relations
Since 2001, SBN has been the region’s only advocacy and membership organization for businesses committed to improving their environmental and social impact as well as their profitability. We have a storied past of policy victories and a bold vision for the road ahead. To learn more about our advocacy and policy work, please email info@sbnphiladelphia.org.
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Accomplishments
Sustainable Business Tax CreditBenefit Corporation LegislationGood Economy ChallengeMayor Kenney’s Transition TeamExpanding the Sustainable Business Tax CreditPhiladelphia Beverage TaxLocal Procurement StudyThe Impact of Green City, Clean Waters on Philadelphia
Winter 2012
Sustainable Business Tax Credit
The Sustainable Business Tax Credit is available for the first time to sustainable businesses in the City of Philadelphia, largely due to the advocacy of SBN.
Fall 2012
Benefit Corporation Legislation
SBN is a key supporter in the passing of benefit corporation legislation in the state of Pennsylvania. Member Services Manager Laila Reilly attends signing ceremony in Harrisburg with Governor Corbett.
Spring 2015
Good Economy Challenge
During the Mayoral and Council elections, SBN releases a five-pillared policy paper outlining issues and recommendations. SBN’s goal was to engage incoming leadership on key issues crucial to social equity, environmental health, and economic prosperity.
Fall 2015
Mayor Kenney’s Transition Team
SBN is invited to participate on the Mayor’s transition team.
Winter 2016
Expanding the Sustainable Business Tax Credit
After significant advocacy by SBN, Philadelphia City Councilwoman Quiñones-Sanchez introduced two pieces of legislation proposing tax incentives for sustainable businesses. The first bill would improve the capacity of Philadelphia’s current Sustainable Business Tax Credit to fulfill its purpose of increasing the number of local sustainable businesses. The second bill would amend the Jump Start Philly program to provide a total of 36 months of BIRT tax exemption for new businesses that obtain B Corp certification.
Spring 2016
Philadelphia Beverage Tax
SBN issues a call to action for Philadelphia’s business community to stand up for Philadelphia’s children, and invigorate our local economy in the process by supporting Mayor Kenney’s sugary beverage tax proposal.
Read Our Statement on Philadelphia’s Proposed Sugary Beverage Tax
Spring 2018
Local Procurement: An Evaluation of Barriers and Solutions from the Business Perspective
After hosting focus groups with members and policymakers, SBN pens a report highlighting how a local, value-based approach to procurement and institutional purchasing is an effective way to advance the local business community.
The goal: Assess the barriers that Philadelphia’s locally-owned businesses face in accessing contracting opportunities with local government and anchor institutions and identify capacity-building resources that could help businesses overcome those barriers
In 2017, The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia (SBN) undertook research to understand how they and others could help locally owned small businesses better access work opportunities with local government and anchor institutions. The project focused on barriers faced by all locally owned small businesses with a further emphasis on understanding any additional barriers faced by WMDBE owned businesses. As a member organization supporting locally-owned businesses and with a focus on an inclusive and sustainable community, the study results documented here have a high relevance and importance to SBN members and the broader locally owned business community. Additionally, research collected from SBN’s Continuing Education Grant Program recipients was used to identify expanded ways to use micro-grants to support business capacity-building.
Spring 2019
The Impact of Green City, Clean Waters on Philadelphia
Research conducted on behalf of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia finds that the investments in green stormwater infrastructure are producing tangible benefits across the city, particularly in low and moderate-income areas. This update to SBN’s 2016 report, The Economic Impact of Green City, Clean Waters: The First Five Years, shows that Green City, Clean Waters (GCCW) is producing $4 billion in total economic impact for Philadelphia, including an average of 1,160 jobs annually. In 2018, GCCW reduced crime by nearly nine percent (8.7%) and saved the city $50 million annually in avoided health-related costs attributed to access to open space.