We have a vision for Philadelphia.
We see a city with a growing economic pie, where cross-industry, cross-city, and cross-sector collaborations are the norm, not the exception, and where rigor is embedded into the culture of all of our work. Philadelphians are employed in life- and family-sustaining careers, not just jobs. Entrepreneurs are choosing to start their ventures here, not in New York or San Francisco. Small businesses are thriving, not just scraping by.
And we see business strategy as a critical factor in achieving this vision.
We can’t do this alone, so we’re working with a broad network of corporations, entrepreneurs, investors, foundations, and citizens of Philadelphia to develop, test, and implement business strategies for a better world right here in Philadelphia.
We take a three-pronged approach:
1. CREATE IMPACT ON THE GROUND.
The Urban Innovation Corps deploys teams of students from across Penn to build and test innovative urban impact strategies with organizations in the community. Through research and consulting, the Corps acts as “on the ground” support for WSII’s All In Philadelphia ecosystem, provides a strong experiential learning opportunity for students, and builds the knowledge base for the Urban Impact Scaling Lab.
2. BUILD A KNOWLEDGE PLATFORM.
The Urban Impact Scaling Lab shares WSII’s knowledge and recommendations on urban entrepreneurship, finance, and corporate social impact. The Scaling Lab catalyzes, measures, supports, and shares what works so that practitioners can adapt and replicate best practices in Philadelphia and beyond.
3. FORGE A NETWORK OF ALUMNI CHAMPIONS.
The Alumni Urban Leaders Circle is a group of Wharton and Penn alumni who convene with the purpose of strengthening Philadelphia’s brand through economic development, culture, and urban revitalization. Stay tuned for more information on this group and how to get involved.