Congratulations to Boost Your Business program’s latest graduates!
Boost Your Business is a program administered by the Department of Commerce in partnership with PIDC to help local businesses grow, obtain new contracts, increase revenue, and create jobs for Philadelphians.
In 2024, nearly 20 Philadelphia businesses were selected from more than 70 applicants to receive $50,000 forgivable loans through the Boost Your Business program. All participants who met their growth goals have since had these loans fully forgiven. The recent cohort celebration was a culmination of this program milestone and of each business owner’s commitment to successfully completing program requirements.
The business owners who completed the Boost Your Business program sharpened their strategies and positioned themselves for long-term growth. A total of $900,000 was awarded and forgiven, providing a boost to 18 local businesses.
“The program’s impact is reflected by 18 businesses receiving loan forgiveness,” said Miaya Darby, senior manager of the small business resource unit at the Department of Commerce. “This achievement speaks to the hard work, growth, and dedication these entrepreneurs have demonstrated over the past year. Not only have their businesses grown, but they have also grown as business owners throughout the process. I’m excited to launch the next round of the program and continue providing resources for small business owners throughout Philadelphia to [help them] thrive.”
“By providing strong business support services to 18 local businesses, this program will help them seize new opportunities and build sustainable growth. This initiative is designed to build upon existing success by giving entrepreneurs the management and operational strategies, resources, and connections they need,” said Marla Hamilton, senior vice president of client engagement for PIDC. “Through one-on-one business advice, on-site visits, and peer-to-peer group sessions, business owners will be equipped to overcome challenges and prepared for whatever comes next in their journey.”
The impact of partnership
To help businesses meet their stated growth goals and have their loans forgiven, we offered:
- One-on-one business support for personalized assistance and effective goal setting
- On-site visits to assess how we can help them elevate their daily operations
- Peer-to-peer group sessions to help participants learn from industry leaders on various topics including human resources, marketing and finances.
Participants began the program by setting ambitious business goals, which many successfully met or exceeded. Their achievements include critical steps like hiring new staff, investing in technology, and significantly growing their revenue. The program concluded with a two-part pitch competition where awardees presented their business vision and brand story. Each business owner received peer feedback on their pitch to refine its messaging.
To celebrate their achievements, during the closing ceremony, we brought together community leaders, program partners, and business owners from various industries to recognize the achievements of this cohort. Each graduate shared success stories of resilience, innovation, and commitment to serving Philadelphia’s communities.
This milestone represents a strategic investment in small businesses that strengthen our local economy. By combining funding with education, Boost Your Business ensures that business owners not only receive resources but also gain the knowledge to use them effectively.
Boost Your Business awardees
- Behavioral Health Solutions – Elissarh Jackson
- BTC Envelopes & Printing LLC – Andrew Magnus
- Carefully Caring Home Care Agency LLC – Rolanda Robinson
- Denise’s Delicacies – Cynthia Benton and Keshia Davis
- Discover Our World of Healthcare LLC – Nakia Dawkins
- DL Metal Design LLC – David Lopez
- El Mole Poblano Restaurant, Inc – Javier Rios-Sandoval
- Ian Smith Design Group LLC – Ian Smith
- Jireh Dev LLC – Sergio Giraldo
- La Fortaleza Physical Therapy Centers, Inc – Carmen Rivera, Jose Rivera, and Luis Hincapie
- OZ Collaborative LLC – Richard Olaya and Morris Zimmerman
- Past Your Bedtime Childcare Center LLC – Kia Dixon
- Remix Living – Dominique Calhoun
- Serene Home Care Agency LLC – Ericka Koumare
- Shackamaxon Wines LLC – Francesca Galarus and Nicholas Ducos
- Stepping Stones Learning Academy LLC – Jenelle Scott
- Sueep LLC – Martha Rios
- Tactile Group – Marc Coleman
What business owners are saying
“We were able to hire two new people. We were able to finish the year comfortably. We were able to actually increase our speed and accuracy of delivery of projects. The $50,000 had reciprocal, duplicating effects on the bottom line for our business, so we’re in much better shape than we were a year ago just for the $50,000. I’m glad we were actually able to exceed our goals.”
– Marc Coleman, president and CEO of Tactile Group
“One of our goals was to invest in technology. We didn’t have a website. We actually have a website now, and we have invested in some software that has helped us streamline all the processes, and we were able to hire two additional handymen. Our profits almost doubled, so that was a huge thing for us.”
– Sergio Giraldo, owner of Jireh Dev LLC
Interested in applying?
We encourage business owners to join one of two upcoming information sessions, held in partnership with PIDC. At these sessions, you can learn more about when and how to apply to be considered for Boost Your Business funding.
Business owners must register separately for each information session if they wish to attend both sessions, though the same information will be shared in each session.
The Boost Your Business program supports Mayor Cherelle Parker’s vision by supporting Philadelphia’s small businesses as a cornerstone of local economic growth. By investing in entrepreneurs, Philadelphia continues to build a more resilient, inclusive, and thriving local economy.
