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Department of Commerce

What we do

The Department of Commerce helps businesses—large and small—thrive in Philadelphia. Philadelphia is the ideal home for your business, offering:

  • A central location along the Northeast corridor.
  • A ready and talented workforce.
  • Competitive office rents and commercial real estate costs.
  • Vibrant commercial districts and growing innovation industries.
  • World-class dining, history, and cultural attractions.

We work to:

  • Attract and grow a diverse set of businesses.
  • Revitalize neighborhood commercial districts throughout the city.
  • Support small businesses and improve their access to funding.
  • Build a strong talent pipeline.
  • Increase economic opportunities for historically underserved business owners.

Connect

Address
1515 Arch St.
12th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Email business@phila.gov
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Programs

Events

  • Sep
    17
    OEO Doing Business in the City: How to do Business with PGW
    1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
    Online

    OEO Doing Business in the City: How to do Business with PGW

    September 17, 2025
    1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, 2 hours
    Online
    map

    The Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) offers Doing Business in the City Workshops to help businesses navigate opportunities, resources, and processes for successfully contracting with the City of Philadelphia. These workshops are designed to support minority-, women-, and disabled-owned businesses (M/W/DSBEs) by providing guidance on:

    • City procurement processes
    • Certification requirements for becoming a registered M/W/DSBE
    • How to find and bid on City contracts
    • Networking opportunities with City departments, agencies, and prime contractors

    The workshops equip businesses with the knowledge and tools needed to access City contracts, expand capacity, and grow sustainably, aligning with Philadelphia's commitment to economic opportunity for all.

    The How to Do Business with PGW Workshop provides businesses with essential information on partnering with Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW), the largest natural gas utility in the city. This workshop equips business owners with the knowledge and tools to access contracting opportunities with PGW, helping them build valuable relationships and expand their business within the energy sector.

    Presenter: Dr. Erica Patterson, PGW

    Register for this workshop.

  • Sep
    24
    OEO Business Development Series - Strategic Business Development and Growth
    1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
    Online

    OEO Business Development Series - Strategic Business Development and Growth

    September 24, 2025
    1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, 2 hours
    Online
    map

    The Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) offers Business Development Workshops to empower minority-, women-, and disabled-owned businesses (M/W/DSBEs) with the skills, resources, and knowledge needed to thrive in Philadelphia's competitive business environment. These workshops focus on:

    • Enhancing business capacity and readiness for growth opportunities.
    • Providing guidance on City contracts, procurement processes, and certification.
    • Delivering industry insights and best practices to help businesses succeed.
    • Offering networking opportunities with City agencies, prime contractors, and business leaders.

    OEO's Business Development Workshops are designed to foster economic inclusion by equipping businesses with the tools they need to expand, secure contracts, and contribute to Philadelphia's vibrant economy.

    The Strategic Business Development and Growth Workshop is designed to help business owners develop and implement strategies that drive sustainable growth and long-term success. This workshop equips business owners with the tools and knowledge to develop a robust business strategy, navigate growth challenges, and create a clear path to long-term success in a competitive market.

    Presenter: Jack Wilson, SCORE

    Register for this workshop.

  • Nov
    12
    OEO Doing Business in the City: How to do Business with Drexel
    1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
    Online

    OEO Doing Business in the City: How to do Business with Drexel

    November 12, 2025
    1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, 2 hours
    Online
    map

    The Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) offers Doing Business in the City Workshops to help businesses navigate opportunities, resources, and processes for successfully contracting with the City of Philadelphia. These workshops are designed to support minority-, women-, and disabled-owned businesses (M/W/DSBEs) by providing guidance on:

    • City procurement processes
    • Certification requirements for becoming a registered M/W/DSBE
    • How to find and bid on City contracts
    • Networking opportunities with City departments, agencies, and prime contractors

    The workshops equip businesses with the knowledge and tools needed to access City contracts, expand capacity, and grow sustainably, aligning with Philadelphia's commitment to economic opportunity for all.

    The "How to Do Business with Drexel" Workshop provides businesses with essential insights into partnering with Drexel University, one of Philadelphia’s leading higher education institutions. This workshop equips business owners with the knowledge and tools to access opportunities with Drexel University, helping them build strategic partnerships and contribute to the university’s mission while growing their business.

    Presenter: Allen Riddick, Drexel University

    Register for this workshop.


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