The Department of Commerce offers a comprehensive neighborhood-based economic development program to encourage neighborhood revitalization, increase the level of economic investment in Philadelphia’s neighborhoods, create neighborhood jobs and improve the quality of life in underserved areas. The unit promotes economic enhancement, encourages entrepreneurship and provides technical assistance and financing to small businesses and projects stewarded by Community Development Corporations (CDCs). Specialized staff is available to help you identify the programs that best suit your needs. We invite you to submit a Service Request Form or contact us at 215/683-2032 for more information.

ReStore Philadelphia Corridors
ReStore helps to revitalize neighborhood commercial corridors and to re-establish their historic roles as central places to shop, to work and to meet neighbors. Vibrant commercial corridors provide the stable center of healthy neighborhoods. These commercial centers offer necessary retail goods and services, local employment opportunities and sustainable economic activity. The five-part Restore strategy includes: applying planning and data analysis to strengthen neighborhood marketplaces; aligning and leveraging resources and investments on corridors; making neighborhood corridors more welcoming places; developing a system to attract and retain businesses on corridors; supporting effective corridor management.

Restore Philadelphia Corridors activities include:

Streetscape enhancements and capital improvements on corridors

Planning and pre-development of facilities and public spaces that will attract people to corridors

Redevelopment of commercial and mixed-use spaces to bring new businesses and residents to corridors

Support for cleaning and public safety activities

Corridor beautification activities, such as landscaping, public art and banners

Support for businesses, such as financing, technical assistance and façade designs and renovations

Support for Main Street organizations, Business Improvement Districts, business associations and community development corporations that serve as corridor caretakers.

For available funding opportunities, click here.

Neighborhood Economic Planning & Development Grants
Economic development projects throughout the city that are surrounded by communities meeting certain low to moderate-income targets are eligible for specialized grant opportunities. The Department of Commerce, in cooperation with the Office of Housing and Community Development, awards matching grants to non-profit organizations and Community Development Corporations (CDCs) for planning, pre-development and development activities in these areas. Activities may include, but are not limited to, architectural and engineering services, environmental assessments, market studies, and project gap financing. For assistance in determining if your project is eligible, please submit a Service Request Form or contact us at 215/683-2032 for more information.