PHILADELPHIA — Mayor Kenney joined the City’s Department of Commerce, Office of Immigrant Affairs, and prominent Philadelphia immigrant business owners to kick-off Philadelphia’s second Immigrant Business Week (IBW), from April 2 – 6. IBW celebrates the city’s immigrant entrepreneurs who have played a key role in the population growth, neighborhood revitalization, and economic development in Philadelphia’s metro area. The week of events also connects business owners to important resources that will help their business thrive in Philadelphia.
At the kick-off, Mayor Kenney honored several immigrant business owners from the North 5th Street commercial corridor, including:
- Ricardo Hurtado, Los Tacos
- Gae-Ik Lee, Korean Chinese Restaurant
- Cristina Martinez, El Compadre
- Azeed Housein, Gail’s Caribbean
- Miguel Macias, El Trebol Bakery
- Dora Maria Jimenez, Colombian Bakery
- Alberto Carrasco, D’Classico Barber Shop
North 5th Street Revitalization Project, which manages and promotes the commercial corridor in Olney where the honored businesses are located, was also recognized for its efforts to support a thriving, diverse neighborhood.
“Much of the growth and success Philadelphia has experienced in recent years has been thanks to the immigrants and their families who have chosen to call our city home,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “Immigrant entrepreneurs have been particularly influential, driving revitalization along our commercial corridors and contributing to Philadelphia’s economy.”
Immigrants play a vital role in supporting Philadelphia’s local economy, with more than 40,000 immigrant entrepreneurs in the city. 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.
“Philadelphia is a leader in attracting, retaining, and including immigrants, and I am proud that we can highlight the positive economic and social impacts of being a welcoming city,” said Miriam Enriquez, the Director for the Office of Immigrant Affairs. “Immigrants have significantly contributed to the reversal of a 50-year population decline, and they are starting businesses and joining the workforce. These businesses help to make neighborhoods and commercial corridors safer and more attractive places to work and live, and our city is committed to providing our immigrant population with the opportunities and resources they need to thrive. ”
Philadelphians are encouraged to participate in Immigrant Business Week by registering for an event below, patronizing immigrant-owned businesses, and posting about IBW on social media using #PHLImmigrantBiz. Immigrant Business Week events include:
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 at qadeer@welcomingcenter.org.
Latino Small Business Road Show
Tuesday, April 3 | 5:30 p.m. — 7:30 p.m.
Esperanza College, 4261 N. 5th Street
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 at 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.
Philadelphians can share their Immigrant Business Week experiences and follow the conversation online using #PHLImmigrantBiz on Twitter.