Philadelphia has become a hub for immigrant entrepreneurs thanks to our reputation as a welcoming city. To recognize and promote the contributions of our immigrant-owned businesses, the Office of Immigrant Affairs and the Department of Commerce are working together to bring Immigrant Business Week (IBW) back for 2018.
 
IBW 2018 will run April 2nd – 6th. IBW will feature several workshops to connect immigrant entrepreneurs to resources that will help their businesses thrive in Philadelphia.
 
In 2017, Philadelphia joined New American Economy in a national campaign to highlight the power of immigrant communities. Their research found that nationally immigrants are 28% more likely to be entrepreneurs than native-born residents. The numbers in Philadelphia were even higher — immigrant residents are 43.1% more likely to start their own business! More than 40,000 immigrant entrepreneurs in Philadelphia’s metro area have played a key role in population growth, neighborhood revitalization, and economic development.
 
You can help us celebrate the many contributions of Philadelphia’s immigrant entrepreneurs by joining one of our events below. You can also visit and shop at immigrant-owned businesses in your neighborhood. Or, post about them on social media using #PHLImmigrantBiz!

Business Workshops

Immigrant Business Week workshops include opportunities for networking, education, and resource sharing.

Immigrant Business Week Launch Ceremony
Monday, April 2 | 10:00 a.m. — 11:00 a.m.
City Hall, Mayor’s Reception Room, Room 204

Mayor Jim Kenney will formally kick off IBW with the Department of Commerce and Office of Immigrant Affairs. At this launch, the City will honor several immigrant businesses from the North 5th Street commercial corridor, including: Los Tacos, Korean Chinese Restaurant, El Compadre, Gail’s Caribbean, El Trebol Bakery, and Colombian Bakery. Please RSVP online in advance.

Introduction to the Business Model Canvas
Monday, April 2 | 1:00 p.m. — 4:00 p.m.
105 N. 22nd Street, Milligan & Company Conference Room

SCORE Philadelphia is hosting a three-hour workshop on the one-page alternative to a business plan. It is a beginner’s guide on how to map, design, assess, and test business models. Whether you are starting a new business or growing an existing one, the Business Model Canvas will help you structure and understand the important facets of your business. The workshop is an interactive, “hands-on” program, and participants will take home practical tools as well as their own Business Model Canvas. Please register online in advance.

Digital Marketing for Small Businesses
Monday, April 2 | 3:00 p.m.
One Penn Center Suite 555, 1617 John F. Kennedy Boulevard

Are you interested in learning how to effectively use social media to market your small business? Join the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians and get some tricks of the trade. To register, call 215-825-7776 or email Qadeer Gulzari (qadeer@welcomingcenter.org).

Latino Small Business Road Show
Tuesday, April 3 | 5:30 p.m. — 7:30 p.m.
Concilio, 141 E. Hunting Park Avenue

The Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GPHCC) Small Business Road Show is a free community event for business owners and entrepreneurs. Attendees network, share ideas, and learn practical, strategic and innovative ways to start, sustain and grow their small businesses. Each Road Show invites dozens of Latino business owners in a “table go-round” format where attendees can learn about resources applicable to their needs. Each table is manned by a business expert able to address attendee questions, issues and opportunities. Please register online in advance. This event will be facilitated in Spanish with an English access option.

Grow Your Business with Google
Wednesday, April 4 | 5:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.
South Philadelphia Free Library, 1700 S. Broad Street

Community College of Philadelphia’s Power Up Your Business and the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia are teaching you how to grow your business online. Learn the basics of how people find businesses online through SEO, web analytics, and more. Get hands-on help creating or updating your business information on Google. You’ll receive tips on best practices to ensure customers can find your business in Google searches and on Google Maps. You can register for this and other Power Up Your Business workshops online.

Business Lending Basics
Thursday, April 5 | 2:00 p.m.
2010 Chestnut Street, 2nd Floor

Are you ready to apply for a business loan? Learn about the basics and what options you should consider with the Women’s Opportunity Resource Center. Email loans@worc-pa.com with any inquires.

Credit and Financing
Thursday, April 5 | 6:30 p.m.
Mayfair Community Center, 2990 Saint Vincent Street

Join the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians to learn how to build your credit and access capital for your business. To register, call 215-825-7776 or email Qadeer Gulzari (qadeer@welcomingcenter.org).

Commerce in Your Language
Friday, April 6 | 9:00 a.m. — 3:00 p.m.
1515 Arch Street, 12th Floor

One-on-One business consulting with staff from the Department of Commerce. Sessions are available in Chinese, Korean or Spanish by appointment only. Please call 215-683-2100 to schedule your session.

Are you participating in Immigrant Business Week? Let us know and join the conversation using #PHLImmigrantBiz!