Camden, NJ – On Wednesday, October 23, civic and business leaders from around the southern New Jersey region gathered to celebrate continued progress in the City of Camden  and highlight the many successful programs, projects and policies making a positive impact on local residents and businesses at Camden Community Partnership’s 2024 Annual Meeting.

Mayor Carstarphen spoke on the various initiatives that the City of Camden and its partners have put in motion to continue to contribute to Camden’s growth and progress, including the unveiling an innovative new programs Buy Camden 1st in partnership with LAEDA, a leading a leading nonprofit community economic development organization based in Camden that is focused on businesses and individuals who face barriers to starting, securing capital and operating small businesses.

Are you a small business that wants to sell goods or services to large corporations, healthcare institutions, and universities in Camden? Or, are you a company that wants to do business with Camden-based small and/or minority-owned businesses?

Either way, you should join in the City’s BuyCamden1st movement! The movement’s centerpiece is the BuyCamden1st.com website, home to a comprehensive, searchable Business Directory of the City’s small businesses, including those that have achieved Camden Verified status. The Business Directory is designed to make it easy for large corporations, healthcare institutions, universities, employees, fellow small businesspeople, and residents to find Camden-based businesses from which they can purchase goods and services.

Get listed in the Business Directory by completing the Business Inclusion Form at www.BuyCamden1st.com/get-listed/, complete and submit it. It’s as easy as that!

S T A Y T U N E D . . .

Businesses that have completed the Camden Verified process led by LAEDA can level up their listing. The Camden Verified seal sets apart those businesses that have undergone rigorous vetting, ensuring they are ready and able to meet the needs of corporations, institutions and universities in the City. Visit BuyCamden1st.com/camden-verified/  to get more information on Camden Verified and complete the application. LAEDA will help with the rest!

BuyCamden1st.com will also include helpful, up-to-date information and business-building resources that can help you grow your business, including access to the expertise and assistance of LAEDA to achieve Camden Verified status, purchasing and procurement opportunities, news updates, and more!