Yesterday’s People and Planet First Procurement Exchange: Chicagoland Mini Trade Show brought together buyers and mission-driven enterprises from across Chicagoland for an afternoon focused on relationship-building and values-aligned procurement.
These intimate mini trade shows are designed to create real pathways between institutions, companies, and social enterprises that are ready to deliver high-quality products and services while creating positive impact.
A special thank you to HHPLIFT for hosting and helping create a space where these connections and opportunities could happen.
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the event a success. We look forward to continuing to grow this ecosystem together. More mini trade shows are coming soon.
#PurchasingWithPurpose #PeopleAndPlanetFirst #SupplierDiversity #CommunityWealthBuilding
This week’s Impact Enterprise of the Week is TS Designs
For more than 40 years, TS Designs has been showing that apparel can be made differently, with people and planet at the center. From domestic manufacturing and transparent supply chains to natural fibers and water-based inks, they continue to lead with innovation and long-term sustainability.
Their work is a powerful reminder that business can create quality products while investing in local economies, transparency, and responsible production.
#PeopleAndPlanetFirst #PurchasingWithPurpose #ImpactEnterpriseOfTheWeek #SustainableApparel #EthicalFashion #SocialEnterprise
We are excited to kick off the Chicagoland Mini Trade Show Series, starting Thursday, May 14th from 1-3pm CT. Reserve your spot now to meet valued-aligned, pre-vetted suppliers. Sign up with the link in our bio.
Bright Endeavors, The Chicago Lighthouse, World Finds, Cleanslate Junk Removal Cara Chicago, Heray Spice
Impact Enterprise of the Week: Heray Spice
Heray Spice puts people and planet first by connecting communities to the rich culinary heritage of Afghanistan through ethically sourced, single-origin saffron.
By partnering directly with a farmer cooperative in Herat, they help create sustainable livelihoods while delivering high-quality saffron to kitchens around the world.
Through fair trade practices, farmers receive above-market prices, reliable payments, and ongoing support. Promoting saffron as a sustainable alternative to poppy farming.
Every purchase also gives back. A portion of profits supports the Heray Education Fund, expanding access to education for Afghan women.
Ethical sourcing. Lasting impact. Exceptional quality.
#ImpactEnterprise #PeopleAndPlanetFirst #EthicalSourcing #FairTrade #SocialEnterprise #Saffron #PurposeDrivenBusiness #PurchasingWithPurpose
We are excited to kick off the Chicagoland Mini Trade Show Series, starting Thursday, May 14th from 1-3pm CT. Reserve your spot now to meet valued-aligned, pre-vetted suppliers. Link in the bio.
Leading with purpose is straightforward in theory. In practice, it means navigating systems, structures, and incentives that weren't always built with impact in mind.
Join us for a session with Alex Barker — author, podcaster, and leadership expert — as she brings the principles behind her groundbreaking book 'How to Be More Pirate' to life and why it is so relevant to the moment we are in right now.
We'll explore what it really takes to lead with courage and conviction when we’re navigating change, resource pressures and a system that often works against us. Alex’s framework is all about what you can do to drive action, build alliances and communicate your wins.
Drawing on her own experiences delivering programs with a range of different businesses and organizations, Alex will leave you with a practical leadership framework and ideas you can take back into your work.
👉 When - 27th May, 12.00 ET / 8.00 PT, 90 minutes.
👉 Where - Zoom - register in the link in the bio
Impact Enterprise of the Week: Chocolat-e
Chocolat-e puts people and planet first by crafting premium chocolate made with ethically sourced cacao and high-quality ingredients.
Through a commitment to transparency and sustainable sourcing, they help ensure farmers receive fair value while protecting the environments where cacao is grown.
Every purchase supports responsible agriculture, strengthens global supply chains, and offers a delicious way to align everyday purchases with your values.
@purchasingwithpurpose brings together partner networks, enterprises, buyers, and other supporters that are helping create the next economy.
By working together, we'll unlock savings on services like insurance, utilities, waste hauling, solar, HVAC, and more! 🙌
Join us for our Purchasing with Purpose U.S. Partner Webinar featuring Community Purchasing Alliance.
Learn how organizations are working together to increase buying power, lower costs, and stay rooted in shared values. This partnership opens the door to real savings on services like insurance, utilities, waste hauling, solar, HVAC, and more for People and Planet First enterprises across the United States.
📅 Wednesday, February 25
⏰ 2:00 PM EST
We would love to see you there. Feel free to share this with colleagues or partners who may benefit from joining the conversation.
Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/4RAzOR-kTwCp0oXb3fStnQ
Impact Enterprise of the Week: Sustainable Threads
Sustainable Threads puts people and planet first by partnering with artisan groups around the world to create handcrafted home goods and gifts rooted in tradition and purpose.
Through long-term partnerships with women-led artisan groups, they help create fair, reliable income while preserving cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship.
Every purchase supports ethical production, strengthens communities, and celebrates handmade artistry.
Explore their work:
sustainablethreads.com
#PurchasingWithPurpose
#PeopleAndPlanetFirst
#ImpactEnterprise
#EthicalSourcing
#SocialEnterprise
#HandcraftedWithPurpose
Impact Enterprise of the Week: The Tote Project
The Tote Project creates ethically made totes and accessories that support survivors of human trafficking. Every purchase contributes to nonprofit partners working to prevent trafficking and empower survivors.
Thoughtfully designed. Ethically produced. Impact-driven.
Your purchase tells a story of hope.
#impactenterprise #ethicalfashion #shopwithpurpose #PurchasingWithPurpose #socialimpact
Impact Enterprise of the Week: Clozist.com
Clozist is a climate-first online marketplace making sustainable shopping simple and measurable. Every product meets strict eco-friendly criteria.
By bringing values-aligned brands together in one place, Clozist makes it easier for consumers and organizations to purchase with purpose. Their built-in Impact Dashboard tracks measurable outcomes like emissions reductions and recycled materials.
If you’re looking to align your spending with your values, Clozist makes it easy.
clozist.com
