CHANGEMAKERS WELCOME
The Penn West Equity and Innovation District (Penn West) is transforming the landscape of innovation and equity in the world’s capital. This unique collaboration between the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District (BID), the District of Columbia, and The George Washington University (GW) is building an inclusive, collaborative innovation hub in the heart of downtown Washington, D.C.
The Heart of Innovation
Strategically located adjacent to the White House, Penn West boasts unparalleled access to national and global decision-makers. The Golden Triangle is home to prestigious universities, tech institutions, and international development organizations, including the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the Delegation of the European Union to the United States (EU). This prime location offers a unique convergence of policy, innovation, and international business, creating an environment where groundbreaking ideas can flourish.
“We are an inclusive, collaborative innovation hub for big ideas and groundbreaking technology dedicated to solving for a more sustainable, equitable, and vibrant future for everyone,” shares Leona Agouridis, President and CEO of the Golden Triangle BID.
A World Class, Connected Neighborhood
At its core, Penn West is dedicated to fostering an environment conducive to innovation. “Innovation happens when people can come together to pursue new ideas and approaches,” Leona emphasizes.
The Golden Triangle BID ensures Penn West remains an attractive and dynamic place to work and innovate. The BID manages a top
tier public art and cultural events program that celebrates the area’s international character. This includes museum-quality art
installations in parks, ground-floor windows, and along sidewalks, as well as arts festivals, retail pop-ups, and regular activations, to ensure dynamic and culturally rich public spaces. A sustainability leader, the Golden Triangle is the first business improvement district in the world to be named a LEED-certified community. The area’s unrivalled transit access enables entrepreneurs and innovators across the region to converge and collaborate, driving forward new ideas and solutions.
A Commitment to Equity
As its name suggests, Penn West is as committed to equity as innovation – the district promotes access to opportunities for all. It is dedicated to creating jobs that serve the residents of Washington, D.C. A prime example of this commitment is its partnership with BuildWithin, an organization headquartered in Penn West that focuses on equitable workforce development. BuildWithin’s apprenticeship programs provide D.C. residents with pathways to high-quality jobs in the tech sector. The programs not only help prepare apprentices for new career paths, but also connect employers to emergent talent.
“BuildWithin’s commitment to providing its apprentices with access to training and pathways to high-quality jobs is closely aligned with our vision for Penn West as a place where innovation and prosperity are available to everyone,” says Leona. “BuildWithin has been an integral part of Penn West, and we’re thrilled to support their growth as they scale their important workforce development programs in D.C.”
The Penn West Global Soft Landing Program
One of the most exciting developments at Penn West is the recently launched Washington D.C. Soft Landing initiative, which streamlines
the process for international companies to enter the U.S. market and provides resources to help them succeed and grow in D.C. This initiative, a collaboration between the Golden Triangle BID, Penn West, the Washington DC Economic Partnership, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, GW, and The Build Fellowship by Open Avenues, currently offers two tracks. The Penn West Global Soft Landing Program provides international startups and companies with flexible, discounted real estate at Studio by Tishman Speyer, a coworking space in Penn West, combined with technical assistance and resources to thrive in the D.C. market. The GW x Penn West Global Build Fellowship offers a competitive visa solution for international entrepreneurs, alongside access to the other benefits of the Penn West Global Soft Landing Program.
“Penn West is the perfect place for this program,” Leona enthuses. “Where else in the country can you find the White House, the World Bank, IMF, IFC, EU, State Department, and a major R1 research university within two blocks of each other? Where else can you leave your office, walk a block to a cross-town bus, or take the Metro to Amtrak or Washington Dulles International Airport? Where else do you have access to so many major companies, a diverse workforce, and some of the most educated talent in the world?”
A Hub for Talent and Innovation
Penn West offers significant competitive advantages including access to one of the most highly educated talent pools in the country. Nearly 90% of the 65,000 residents living within a mile of Penn West have a bachelor’s degree, and more than 55% hold a graduate or professional degree.
WalletHub ranks D.C. as the #1 most innovative place in the U.S. for 2024, thanks to its high share of STEM employment, degrees and investments in research and development.
Penn West’s proximity to federal regulators, policymakers, and major international organizations makes it an ideal location for universities and businesses. Anchored by GW, Penn West is also home to six national top
tier universities with satellite campuses, drawn by the area’s centrality, transit accessibility, walkability, and abundant amenities.
The Penn West Equity and Innovation District is more than just a place; it’s a thriving community where innovation, equity, policy, and social impact converge.
