Let’s Talk Business with Donavan West
In a recent episode of Let’s Talk Business, Donavan West—Director for Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s Business Roundtables—shared insights into how Philadelphia’s administration is bridging the gap between local government and the business community. Drawing from over 20 years of experience as a business advisor, former President and CEO of the African-American Chamber of Commerce (PA, NJ, DE), and COO of People for People, West discussed the city’s initiatives, upcoming economic opportunities, and practical advice for small business owners.
The Vision Behind Mayor Parker’s Business Roundtables
The Mayor’s Business Roundtables were established to ensure that business owners have a visible, accessible relationship with the municipal government. West emphasizes the principle that the city itself should operate with a customer-centric, outcome-oriented mindset, viewing businesses as key partners in driving community development and economic empowerment.
“When you’re operating like a business, you become more concerned about your consumers, your constituents, those who you serve… you can actually create the right kind of environment, the right kind of culture for not just business growth, but also for people to feel like they have a number of different pathways to actually realize the American dream.” — Donavan West
How Philadelphia Is Supporting Small Businesses
To streamline municipal interactions and support business growth, several concrete steps and teams have been established:
- “Open for Business” Executive Order: Designed to signal the city’s active partnership in helping businesses launch, stay compliant, and scale.
- Mayor’s Business Action Team (MBAT): Led by Michelle Price and Selene Wilson, MBAT acts as a “business concierge,” offering white-glove treatment to guide entrepreneurs through city departments and regulatory processes.
- Diverse Roundtable Coalitions: Brings together diverse organizations—including the Greater Philadelphia, Asian, Hispanic, African-American, LGBTQ+, and Irish Chambers of Commerce, alongside groups like the Economy League, Sustainable Business Network, and World Trade Center—to ensure real-time communication and aligned priorities.
- Real-Time Policy Impact: A key outcome of the roundtables was the creation of a dedicated “tiger team” to address contract confirmation delays. This initiative resulted in releasing over $220 million in contracts back into the business community shortly after implementation.
Preparing for the 2026 Economic Wave
With major international and national events set to take place in Philadelphia—including FIFA World Cup matches, the MLB All-Star Game, NCAA tournaments, the PGA, Army-Navy, and the U.S. Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary)—the city expects hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity. FIFA alone is projected to bring over 500,000 visitors and between $700 million to $800 million directly to the local business community.
Essential Steps for Business Preparation:
- Conduct a Business Diagnostic: Evaluate the overall health of your operations. Leverage local resources such as Score, The Enterprise Center, the Temple Small Business Development Center, or regional chambers of commerce for guidance.
- Get “Ready for the Yes”: Ensure all proper licensing, insurance, tax compliance, and accounting structures (such as segregation of duties) are in place before procurement opportunities arrive.
- Adopt a Strategic Vision: Treat upcoming events not just as a momentary revenue boost, but as a long-term catalyst to reinvest in your operations, expand capacity, and create lasting jobs.
How Conversations Like This Led to PhillyBizHub
Engaging directly with local leaders like Donavan West highlights the ongoing need for clear, accessible centralized resources for entrepreneurs. Dialogues focused on bridging the gap between small business owners and regional opportunities served as a direct inspiration for launching PhillyBizHub. Designed to empower local business owners, PhillyBizHub connects entrepreneurs to vital tools, support systems, and community initiatives needed to thrive in Philadelphia’s evolving economy. Small businesses can find our website services now directly through a channel the city created!
Key Takeaway for Entrepreneurs: Build Capacity Through Partnerships
For small businesses aiming to grow, scaling beyond survival mode requires strategic collaboration. West advises business owners to consider joint ventures, strategic partnerships, and thorough operational checks to position themselves for larger opportunities.
“Think about ways that you can strategically partner… build capacity… get your weight up, move to the next level… and continue to focus on the health of your business for sustainability’s sake.” — Donavan West