Are you thinking of transitioning your business? Philadelphia’s small business owners have more options than ever to plan for the future. Great news! The Department of Commerce’s Office of Neighborhood Economic Development in partnership with FUSE invites business owners to express interest in joining a 6-week business succession planning cohort that will highlight real-life pathways for business transition that builds wealth and legacy.
Philadelphia’s small business owners are the backbone of our neighborhoods providing essential goods and services. We are dedicated to helping them plan ahead and grow generational wealth.
Cohort topics
During the six-week cohort, participants will learn from industry leaders who understand the various aspects of small business ownership and transition. The course topics will include:
- Guidance to explore transition pathways, such as passing the business to a family member, transitioning to employee ownership or selling to a local buyer in the neighborhood
- Key legal, financial, practical benefits of a succession plan
- How to start preparing business financials for a transition
- Practical next steps to guide the creation of a realistic succession plan
- Common business transition pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Local programs and resources available to help.
Eligibility criteria
Eligible participants for this cohort must:
- Be located in Philadelphia.
- Have been in business for at least 3 years.
- Be considering retirement, sale or transfer of business ownership.
Cohort benefits
- Six-week cohort course: Free (meeting in person and online)
- Course completers are eligible for up to $1,000 of technical assistance: Free
Register today
The first cohort begins on March 9, 2026, and the application for cohort members is open. If you’ve been thinking about your business future — whether that’s passing the business on, selling, or simply knowing your options — this six-course is for you.
Submit your information using the form below and a member of our team will be in touch within one to two business days to answer your questions and help you determine if this cohort is the right fit.
Questions about this cohort? Email Sherrill.Berk@phila.gov.
As always, the Mayor’s Business Action Team at the Department of Commerce is here to support business owners for all aspects of doing business in Philadelphia. Contact us by emailing business@phila.gov or calling 215-683-2100.
