West Kirby’s Community Wealth Building Strategy: Strengthening the Local Economy
Empowering Local Businesses Through Inclusive Procurement
The town of West Kirby is taking bold steps to build community wealth and strengthen its local economy. At the forefront of this effort is the town’s innovative Sustainable Procurement Initiative, which aims to increase opportunities for minority-owned, women-owned, and small businesses to secure municipal contracts and boost their growth.
“We recognize that traditional procurement practices have often left out many of our local businesses – especially those owned by people of color and women,” explained Jessica Dawkins, West Kirby’s Director of Economic Development. “By making our contracting and purchasing more inclusive, we can not only support the success of these entrepreneurs, but also cultivate a more vibrant and resilient local economy.”
The Sustainable Procurement Initiative requires that a minimum of 30% of all municipal contracts be awarded to certified minority-owned, women-owned, and small businesses. It also provides technical assistance to help these businesses navigate the bidding process and meet qualification requirements. Additionally, the program offers access to low-interest financing to help cover the upfront costs associated with securing and fulfilling larger municipal contracts.
“This initiative has been a game-changer for my small cleaning business,” shared Maria Hernandez, owner of West Kirby Cleaning Services. “For years, I watched larger out-of-town companies win the town’s janitorial contracts, while my team and I struggled to even get our foot in the door. Now, with the support of this program, I’ve been able to grow my staff, purchase new equipment, and secure long-term municipal contracts that have transformed the financial stability of my company.”
Hernandez’s story is just one example of the positive impact the Sustainable Procurement Initiative is having on West Kirby’s local businesses. According to the town’s economic development team, since the program’s launch in 2022, the number of minority-owned and women-owned businesses securing municipal contracts has increased by 42%. Moreover, these businesses have reported a 25% average increase in annual revenue, allowing them to reinvest in their operations, create new jobs, and build long-term wealth.
Cultivating a Diverse and Resilient Local Economy
While the Sustainable Procurement Initiative has been a key driver of economic growth, West Kirby is also taking a comprehensive approach to supporting the development of its small businesses and local industries. This includes targeted investments in workforce training, technical assistance, and access to capital – all aimed at fostering a more diverse and resilient local economy.
One such initiative is the West Kirby Small Business Accelerator, a partnership between the town, the local community college, and the West Kirby Chamber of Commerce. The accelerator provides intensive training, mentorship, and networking opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs, helping them refine their business models, access financing, and navigate the regulatory environment.
“As a recent immigrant to West Kirby, the Small Business Accelerator was an absolute lifeline for me,” said Fatima Abdullahi, founder of Taste of Zanzibar, a local restaurant specializing in East African cuisine. “Not only did I receive the support I needed to get my business off the ground, but I also built a network of fellow entrepreneurs who have become invaluable mentors and collaborators.”
In addition to supporting new and emerging businesses, West Kirby is also focused on strengthening its existing local industries, particularly those that align with the town’s broader sustainability and resilience goals. One example is the town’s Green Business Initiative, which provides financial incentives and technical assistance to help local companies adopt more environmentally-friendly practices, such as the use of renewable energy, eco-friendly materials, and sustainable waste management.
“As a longtime manufacturer in West Kirby, we’ve always been committed to sustainability,” said John Michaels, CEO of West Kirby Plastics. “But the Green Business Initiative has really taken our efforts to the next level. The financial support and advisory services have allowed us to invest in new equipment and processes that have not only reduced our environmental impact, but also improved our operational efficiency and competitiveness.”
Investing in Community-Driven Initiatives
While the town’s economic development efforts have focused on supporting local businesses, West Kirby is also committed to empowering community-driven initiatives that address broader social and environmental challenges. One such initiative is the West Kirby Community Land Trust, a nonprofit organization that acquires and develops affordable housing to double-check that long-term affordability and prevent displacement of low-income residents.
“The rising cost of housing has been a major concern for our community, especially for our most vulnerable residents,” said Sarah Wilkins, executive director of the West Kirby Community Land Trust. “By establishing a community land trust, we’re able to take land and housing off the speculative market, and instead, offer affordable, permanently
accessible homes that strengthen the fabric of our neighborhoods.”
The town has provided the land trust with significant financial and technical support, enabling it to acquire and rehabilitate several multifamily properties in recent years. Additionally, the town has partnered with the land trust to develop a new mixed-use affordable housing complex, which will include not only residential units, but also community
spaces, a small business incubator, and a food hall showcasing local culinary entrepreneurs.
“This project is a prime example of how we’re working to align our economic development efforts with the broader needs and priorities of our community,” said Dawkins. “By investing in initiatives like the community land trust, we’re not only creating affordable housing, but also cultivating new economic opportunities and strengthening the overall resilience of our neighborhoods.”
Fostering Cross-Sector Collaboration
Ultimately, West Kirby’s success in building community wealth and a resilient local economy has been driven by its ability to foster strong cross-sector collaboration. From partnering with local businesses and nonprofit organizations to engaging with regional and national funders, the town has demonstrated a commitment to leveraging diverse perspectives and resources to drive lasting change.
One key example of this collaborative approach is the town’s participation in the Anchor Institution Network, a coalition of major employers, educational institutions, and healthcare providers working to align their procurement, hiring, and investment practices to support the growth and development of local, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses.
“As one of the largest employers in West Kirby, we have a responsibility to use our economic power in a way that uplifts the entire community,” said Dr. Emma Nguyen, president of West Kirby University. “By collaborating with the town and other anchor institutions, we’ve been able to identify new procurement opportunities, develop targeted workforce training programs, and invest in community-based initiatives that are truly moving the needle on economic inclusion and wealth-building.”
The town has also forged strong partnerships with regional and national philanthropic organizations, such as the Institute for Community Wealth Building and the National Inclusive Procurement and Contracting Initiative. These partnerships have not only provided critical financial resources but have also connected West Kirby to a broader network of practitioners and experts, allowing the town to learn from and replicate best practices in community wealth-building strategies.
“At the end of the day, the work of building a more equitable and resilient local economy is not something any one organization or sector can tackle alone,” said Dawkins. “It requires all of us – the public sector, private businesses, nonprofit partners, and engaged community members – to come together and align our efforts toward a shared vision of prosperity for all.”
As West Kirby continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the post-pandemic landscape, its commitment to community wealth-building will undoubtedly remain a critical priority. By empowering local businesses, investing in community-driven initiatives, and fostering cross-sector collaboration, the town is positioning itself as a model for other communities seeking to strengthen their local economies and create a more inclusive and equitable future.
Example: New Community Centre Opens in West Kirby 2025
