Great news! The Department of Commerce’s Targeted Storefront Improvement Program (TSIP) covers up to 100 percent of eligible storefront improvement costs along select commercial corridors based on each approved project budget. Eligible improvements include signage, exterior windows, doors, lighting, and painting.

Following two successful pilot projects, the Department of Commerce has now selected 10+ community-based organizations to help support businesses along select commercial corridors with more than 50 planned storefront improvement projects:

The organizations above are from the first round of selection.

Organizations are selected through an interest form process. The interest form for this round is closed. Future opportunities will be announced as funding becomes available. This process is open to any organization in Philadelphia that works with business owners, provides corridor-based support, or participates in neighborhood economic development.

Business signs and awnings at three businesses on Frankford Ave.—C&L Variety Plaza, Thiouna's Hair Braiding, and Dollar Bazar.
C&L Variety Plaza (4640 Frankford Ave.), Thiouna’s Hair Braiding (4660 Frankford Ave.), and Dollar Bazar (4730 Frankford Ave.)

 

Pilots led to successful results

This program builds on the success of two pilots that were completed in partnership with the African Cultural Alliance of North America (ACANA) and the Frankford Community Development Corporation (Frankford CDC) through TSIP.

Together, the pilots led to the following storefront improvements:

  • 12 businesses supported on Woodland Avenue in Southwest Philadelphia with new signage, lighting, façade repairs, and accessibility upgrades. In partnership with the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA), through its Choice Neighborhoods Initiative funding for this commercial corridor, the Department of Commerce provided matching funds to support storefront improvements.
    • These storefront improvements complement public art along the corridor, including the murals African Market Day and The Mother. Together, the murals and improved storefronts help create a more welcoming commercial corridor that reflects the community’s cultural identity.
  • Five businesses supported on Frankford Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia to complete storefront improvements that help boost customer traffic and contribute to ongoing revitalization efforts. 

Overall, 17 businesses have been supported during the pilot phase.

The success of these pilots led to $2 million in new funding through Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s Jumpstart Initiative, an investment that expands TSIP citywide.

TSIP continues to expand to more Philadelphia City Council districts, applying the lessons learned through the pilots to deliver stronger outcomes.

How this partnership works

TSIP demonstrates the Parker Administration’s commitment to commercial corridor improvements and business growth across the city.

Through this program, the selected organizations identify businesses within the commercial corridors they serve that would benefit from storefront improvements and coordinate next steps in the participation process.

The Department of Commerce, through TSIP, provides financial support and hands-on technical assistance, including project management, outreach, design overview, and construction management, ensuring each revitalized storefront reflects the character of the business and the needs of the commercial corridor.

Benefits to local businesses include:

  • Higher visibility through updated signs and lighting
  • Safer, more accessible storefronts
  • Stronger curb appeal that draws customers in
  • A more unified corridor identity
  • Support with City permitting and compliance guidelines

The program’s impacts are already being made visible: storefronts that match the pride and hard work of local business owners, and corridors that feel brighter, cleaner, and more welcoming for Philadelphia residents and visitors alike.

This program showcases what’s possible when targeted investment meets community-driven collaboration along commercial corridors.

Questions about TSIP? Email TSIP@phila.gov.

Business owner smiling standing in front of Evelyn Graves Academy Daycare, with a red awning and red door
Evelyn Graves Academy Daycare (5501 Woodland Ave.)

 

Beyond this targeted effort

In addition to this targeted effort, businesses in eligible areas can learn more about the Storefront Improvement Program and apply through the general application process.

We are committed to supporting our commercial corridors across the city.

Learn more about how the Department of Commerce is investing in neighborhood business corridors