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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
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Programs

Events

  • May
    27
    Coffee and Commerce: Choosing the Best Legal Structure for Your Business
    9:00 am to 12:00 pm
    Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church (East), 2800 W Cheltenham Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19150, USA

    Coffee and Commerce: Choosing the Best Legal Structure for Your Business

    May 27, 2025
    9:00 am to 12:00 pm, 3 hours
    Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church (East), 2800 W Cheltenham Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19150, USA
    map

    Join the Department of Commerce, for our Coffee and Commerce event series! These events are designed to empower the growth of businesses with resources, knowledge and connections. Each session offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to hear from industry leaders and specialists on key topics that will help them start, operate, and grow their businesses in Philadelphia.

    This discussion will provide insights on how legal structure impacts every aspect of starting and growing a business. Our speaker, Peter Robau, will break down the various business structure options and provide practice guidance on how to choose the one that best aligns with your goals, risk tolerance, and growth plans.

    Topic: Choosing the Best Legal Structure for Your Business

    Our Speaker: Peter Robau, Clinical Supervisor and Lecturer, Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic, University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School

    Resource Partners

    • LA21
    • Department of Commerce, Mayor's Business Action Team
    • City of Philadelphia, Office of Workforce Solutions
    • Department of Revenue
    • Department of Licenses and Inspections
    • University of Pennsylvania, Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic
    • Black Squirrel
    • City of Philadelphia, Office of Emergency Management
    • Monument Advisory Group

    Register here. 
  • May
    27
    SCORE: The Google Ads Playbook: How to Advertise Your Business On Google
    1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
    Online

    SCORE: The Google Ads Playbook: How to Advertise Your Business On Google

    May 27, 2025
    1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, 1 hour
    Online
    map

    About the event



    Google is the world's largest search engine and marketplace, which is why having a presence on Google and using platforms like Google Ads is essential for business growth and sustainability.

    In this session, you'll learn how to use Google Ads to increase your visibility, attract qualified leads, and grow your business. Whether you're new to digital advertising or looking to optimize your existing campaigns, this webinar provides the practical knowledge and strategies to help you succeed.

    What You'll Learn:

    • How to create and set up your Google Ads account from scratch
    • How to structure your campaign for success
    • Keyword research strategies
    • How to create high-converting ads that drive results

    Live attendees will receive the slide deck and a link to this webinar recording. 

    Register Here.

  • May
    28
    OEO Business Development Series: Building Generational Wealth
    1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
    Online

    OEO Business Development Series: Building Generational Wealth

    May 28, 2025
    1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, 2 hours
    Online
    map

    The Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) offers Business Development Workshops to empower minority-, women-, and disabled-owned businesses (M/W/DSBEs) with the skills, resources, and knowledge needed to thrive in Philadelphia's competitive business environment. These workshops focus on:

    • Enhancing business capacity and readiness for growth opportunities.
    • Providing guidance on City contracts, procurement processes, and certification.
    • Delivering industry insights and best practices to help businesses succeed.
    • Offering networking opportunities with City agencies, prime contractors, and business leaders.

    OEO's Business Development Workshops are designed to foster economic inclusion by equipping businesses with the tools they need to expand, secure contracts, and contribute to Philadelphia's vibrant economy.

    Register for this workshop


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