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Department of Commerce

What we do

The Department of Commerce helps businesses—large and small—thrive in Philadelphia. Philadelphia is the ideal home for your business, offering:

  • A central location along the Northeast corridor.
  • A ready and talented workforce.
  • Competitive office rents and commercial real estate costs.
  • Vibrant commercial districts and growing innovation industries.
  • World-class dining, history, and cultural attractions.

We work to:

  • Attract and grow a diverse set of businesses.
  • Revitalize neighborhood commercial districts throughout the city.
  • Support small businesses and improve their access to funding.
  • Build a strong talent pipeline.
  • Increase economic opportunities for historically underserved business owners.

Connect

Address
1515 Arch St.
12th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Email business@phila.gov
Phone
Social

Business Resource Finder

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Programs

Events

  • May
    18
    GrowForward: Agricultural Innovation Series - Intellectual Property, Funding, and Commercialization
    12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
    virtual

    GrowForward: Agricultural Innovation Series - Intellectual Property, Funding, and Commercialization

    May 18, 2026
    12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, 1 hour
    virtual
    map
    Join industry professionals and Pennsylvania entrepreneurs for the monthly GrowForward: PASBDC Agricultural Innovation webinar series exploring the spectrum of agricultural innovation, from market research and emerging opportunities to product development and commercialization. Protecting your work and preparing for growth are the focus of this webinar. The session examines intellectual property considerations, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights relevant to agricultural businesses. The discussion will also cover commercialization strategies, scaling operations, and an overview of funding options such as angel investors, venture capital, and crowdfunding.

    Click here to register
  • May
    20
    Building the Board Your Organization Needs
    9:00 am to 4:00 pm
    1818 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19103

    Building the Board Your Organization Needs

    May 20, 2026
    9:00 am to 4:00 pm, 7 hours
    1818 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19103
    map

    Boards can make or break a nonprofit. This full‑day workshop from The Nonprofit Center at La Salle University explores what a board’s role must be, what goals it should set, and how members can be effective both individually and collectively. Participants will examine governance through an equity lens, considering the balance of power between boards, executive leadership, and the communities they serve.

    Register

    Fee: $165 for Members, $195 for Non-Members

  • May
    20
    Trademarks
    12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
    Virtual

    Trademarks

    May 20, 2026
    12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, 1 hour
    Virtual
    map

    Learn about trademarks in this workshop hosted by PASBDC. Liz Jackson, acting director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, will present an overview of trademark fundamentals, explaining their importance for small businesses, offering practical tips for federal registration, and highlighting common mistakes to avoid.


    Register

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