The Department of Commerce’s multilingual business services managers provide entrepreneurs with one-on-one support, education and customer service in Philadelphia. Staff meet each entrepreneur where they are, help connect with City services and available resources citywide. We are here to support businesses and help them thrive. The goal is to increase economic opportunity for all. 

If you have any business-related questions, contact our Office of Business Services by emailing business@phila.gov or calling 215-683-2100. Below are links to citywide grants, programs and resources that are free or low-cost for your business:

Upcoming business grant and loan applications from local and national sponsors

In this section, we will share grant opportunities from local and national sponsors. It will be updated on a recurring basis with new application deadlines.  If you know of a new program, please forward it to us business@phila.gov and we will share along. Thank you. *This list is not comprehensive.  **For up to date and complete information, visit the websites linked below.  Reference on this section to any specific commercial product, process, or service, or any trade, firm, or corporation name is for the information and convenience of businesses and consumers, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the City of Philadelphia. **

  • The Philadelphia Food Justice Initiative (PFJI). seeking innovative proposals from community-led projects that grow food justice. PFJI welcomes ideas and projects from any applicant that wants to build food justice in Philadelphia and embodies a health justice vision. Nonprofit organizations, for-profit businesses, cooperatives or collectives working on food justice are eligible to apply and can seek up to $100,000 for their project.
    • 2023 RFP Info Session – April 25 at 1pm (register here)
    • Application deadline: May 26, 2023

 

  • 2023 Stabilization Grant Program from the Merchants Fund is now live! Stabilization Grants provide funding of up to $10,000 to help a business stabilize in the face of adversity, take advantage of an opportunity to grow, or increase profitability.
    • Application deadline: May 31, 2023 at 11:59 p.m
    • Contact: grants@merchantsfund.org with any additional questions.

 

  • JVS Fund for Women Spring 2023 provides capital and coaching to women owned enterprises with strong growth potential in Greater Philadelphia. 
    • Application deadline: June 1, 2023

 

 

  • Comcast RISE is supporting the growth of all small businesses and entrepreneurs committed to uplifting their local communities. The program is built to help businesses and their communities thrive with a focus on economic growth. This year, Comcast RISE will award 500 recipients in five cities with a grant package that includes business consultation services, educational resources, monetary grant, creative production, media schedule, and a technology makeover.

Find business resources in your area

  • Use the Business Resource Finder to connect with local organizations in your area that offer guidance on starting, running, and growing a business. That includes through consulting services, classes, webinars, training programs, workshops, and funding opportunities. 

 

  • Community Development Corporations (CDCs) across the city work to improve economic and social conditions at the neighborhood level through housing and business assistance. Your local CDC can help you find resources that best fit your situation and plans for your business. See a list and map of members of the Philadelphia Association of CDCs. The Department of Commerce partners with and invests in many of the members. 

 

  • The Philadelphia BID Alliance is a citywide collaboration between 16 organizations focused on long-term economic development and public service. Business Improvement Districts, or BIDs, are local organizations that provide services to support and revitalize business corridors, as well as the surrounding communities.

The City is here to support your business

No matter where you are in your entrepreneurship journey, our Office of Business Services can meet with you one-on-one with guidance, education and support.

The Department of Commerce also provides:

  • Coffee & Commerce is back! Join the Department of Commerce, Office of Business Services in-person to learn about resources to support your business. Join on the following dates:
    • Thursday, June 15 in Council District 1 (location and details to be announced)
    • Thursday, September 14 in Council District 5 (location and details be announced)
  • Financial support programs open for businesses to apply throughout the year include the Business Security Camera Program and Storefront Improvement Program.

 

  • The Philadelphia Business Lending Network Incentive Grant (PBLN) is a pilot program that provides a grant of up to $35,000, up to 50% of each approved loan amount from a Network lender to businesses that meet the eligibility requirements. PBLN was created to help businesses save time by reaching multiple lenders at once. If the project and capital needs match available resources, Network lenders will contact the business directly and request more information. 

 

  • The Quality Jobs Program is a fund that invests in eligible businesses creating new full-time employment opportunities that pay a living wage and include health insurance benefits for Philadelphia residents.

 

  • The Fair Chance Hiring Initiative helps Philadelphia job seekers returning from incarceration, probation or parole find open positions and provides financial incentives to businesses in the form of wage reimbursements and employment retention grants.

 

 

  • Permit Navigator pilot is a digital tool designed to improve access to information about necessary permits, approvals, and requirements for selected types of residential and commercial projects. The Permit Navigator walks users through a series of questions and brings them to a summary page containing approximate costs and links. 

 

  • Crime prevention tips for businesses and their employees. A flyer with resources for distribution is also available. 

Upcoming workshops and training programs

This section will be updated on a recurring basis with timely training programs and workshops. If you know of an opportunity that would be helpful for businesses, please contact us business@phila.gov and we will share along. Thank you.

  • Our Office of Economic Opportunity is hosting monthly, virtual workshops for businesses to explore opportunities to grow with City contracts, develop a strategy to pursue business proposals, learn about available resources and network with like-minded businesses.

 

  • Grow your business with PIDC Business Builder Workshops! Learn critical business education on various topics. Workshops are free, open to the public, and specifically targeted to established Philadelphia-based businesses and organizations from every industry. Business Builder Workshops en Español are also offered. See a list of upcoming workshops to get the information you need to grow and succeed!
    • PIDC – Philadelphia’s public-private economic development corporation –also has flexible financing resources to serve the unique needs of Philadelphia’s diverse businesses, nonprofits, and real estate developers.

 

  • The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program guides businesses in creating a plan of action to increase their revenue and achieve their small business goals. Through education, professional support and new opportunities to access capital this program has helped hundreds of small businesses increase their visibility, efficiency and gain local renown at no cost.

 

  • Power Up Your Business is a free program that gives support, training and education to small business owners in Philadelphia. A community-based approach to growing small businesses that combines educational elements with impressive networking opportunities. Get connected with neighborhood-based business advisory groups and chambers of commerce, financial lenders, and community-based organizations!
Find a list of additional upcoming events, webinars and workshops to grow your business in Philadelphia