The City of Philadelphia has launched the Ida Business Assistance Program to help businesses recover from the impacts of Hurricane Ida.

This program focuses on businesses that existed prior to the disaster in 2021 and were able to reopen. Eligible businesses can receive grants between $50,000 to $150,000.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funds are depleted. Begin the application today.

The Ida Business Assistance Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program and administered by the Department of Commerce. Subject to available funds.

Eligibility requirements

Eligible businesses for the Ida Business Assistance Program must:

  • Be located within the City of Philadelphia;
  • Have existed prior to September 1, 2021 (before Hurricane Ida)
  • Have reopened after the disaster
  • Have had damage or lost revenue because of Hurricane Ida
  • Be compliant with local, state, and federal regulations
  • Be up to date on City taxes or have an approved tax payment agreement
  • Not be banned from receiving federal help (not listed on SAM.gov)
  • Not be a private utility company

Additional eligibility requirements may apply. Businesses that receive funding must support people with low-to-moderate income in some way.

Eligible funding uses

Grants can be used for everyday business costs, such as:

  • Rent and mortgage payments
  • Moveable equipment lease payments, repairs and maintenance
  • Credit card processing fees
  • Marketing expenses
  • Business travel (e.g. parking fees, tolls, gas, metro cards, air fare)
  • Licenses, permits and inspections
  • Delivery costs
  • Payroll taxes paid by the employer
  • Professional services
  • Utility bills
  • Employer (non-owner) payroll
  • Inventory purchases
  • Business insurance premiums (property, liability, workers compensation, etc.).

Costs associated with construction or expansion of existing operations are non-eligible.

Upcoming information sessions

Join us for an information session to learn about the Ida Business Assistance program, understand the application process, and get questions answered by on-site staff.

  • When: June 23, 2025
    • Time: 1:00 p.m.
    • Location: The Fallser Club
      • 3721 Midvale Ave Philadelphia, PA 19129
  • When: June 24, 2025
    • Time: 10:30 a.m.
    • Location: Manayunk Development Corporation
      • 106 Grape St, Philadelphia PA 19127

Need assistance in another language? Free live language interpretation is available. Email IBAProgram@phila.gov by June 17, 2025 to request services.

Prepare application documents

As you begin the application process, you can prepare to submit documents including:

  • 2024 W-2s
  • Profit and loss statements
  • Photos of your business location
  • Proof of business ownership

How to apply

  1. Fill out the pre-application form
    • Your responses will help us determine if your business meets the eligibility requirements before we send you the full application.
  1. Receive an invitation to apply.
    • If your business meets the eligibility requirements, the Department of Commerce will send you an invitation to complete the full application and submit documents.

Questions? Email ibaprogram@phila.gov or call 215-683-2100.

Do not purchase any items you plan to use grant funds for until after you apply. The program does not provide grant funds for items purchased before your application date.

Begin the Ida Business Assistance program application process