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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
Phone
Social

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Programs

Events

  • May
    9
    Webinar: Employment Law
    11:00 am to 12:00 pm
    Online

    Webinar: Employment Law

    May 9, 2025
    11:00 am to 12:00 pm, 1 hour
    Online
    map

    Join Philadelphia VIP and Morgan Lewis on April 9 for a free legal webinar.

    This webinar, led by A. Klair Fitzpatrick and Simone Adkins, will cover the basics of employment law for small business owners and Philly nonprofits. Learn the legal distinctions between volunteers, private contractors, and employees, and what these different employment statuses mean for your small business or nonprofit.

    The webinar is free and open to Philly-area small businesses and nonprofits. The webinar will be held via Zoom and will last approximately one hour, with time for a brief Q&A at the end.

    Register today.

  • May
    16
    Webinar: Onboarding Shareholders for Small Businesses
    11:00 am to 12:00 pm
    Online

    Webinar: Onboarding Shareholders for Small Businesses

    May 16, 2025
    11:00 am to 12:00 pm, 1 hour
    Online
    map

    Join Philadelphia VIP and Dilworth Paxson LLP on April 16 for a free legal webinar.

    This webinar, led by H. Lee Schwartzberg, will cover the legal considerations of onboarding shareholders. Learn about percentage shares, contract enforcement, negotiation, and more, to ensure you are prepared when bringing on a new business partner.

    The webinar is free and open to Philly-area small businesses. The webinar will be held via Zoom and will last approximately one hour, with time for a brief Q&A at the end.

    Register today.

  • May
    21
    OEO Doing Business in the City: Breaking Barriers for Entrepreneurs
    1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
    Online

    OEO Doing Business in the City: Breaking Barriers for Entrepreneurs

    May 21, 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.

    Presenter: Jonathan Sklar, Vice President, Business Community Officer, Bank of America

    Topic: Breaking Barriers for Entrepreneurs: Complimentary Resources to take your Business to the Next Level

    Register for this workshop.


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