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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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Announcements

Call for Ideas – Workforce Solutions Grants

The Department of Commerce is seeking project proposals that identify and accelerate innovative, evidence-informed approaches to supporting un- and under-employed Philadelphians prepare for and connect to sustainable career pathways that pay a living wage. Proposals must be able to be implemented and evaluated for impact over the calendar year.

Applicants must describe how they will intentionally identify, elevate, and address the specific challenges Black, brown, and other historically disadvantaged Philadelphia residents face when preparing for and entering the workforce.

  • Learn more, including how to apply, here.
    • View full timeline available in document below with key dates before submitting final proposal by December 18, 2023 at 5 p.m.
    • Questions? Contact Talent.Development@Phila.Gov

Programs

Events

  • Dec
    6
    L&I eCLIPSE Permitting Basics Webinar
    9:00 am to 11:00 am

    L&I eCLIPSE Permitting Basics Webinar

    December 6, 2023
    9:00 am to 11:00 am, 2 hours

    Join the Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I) for a 2-hour public training session on the basics of filing permit applications through the online eCLIPSE system. This webinar is an introductory session intended for new users.

    Register today
  • Dec
    6
    Score: How to Write a One-Page Business Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide
    1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
    Online

    Score: How to Write a One-Page Business Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide

    December 6, 2023
    1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, 1 hour
    Online
    map

    Join SCORE in this webinar, you will learn how to write a one-page business plan for your business. We'll also discuss how writing a one-page business plan can help you organize your ideas and allow you to be focused and concise about your business goals.

    Our expert presenter will show you each element of the one-page business plan, including identifying the problem your business solves, your value proposition, your target audience and much more.

    You'll learn the following:

    • The benefits of a one-page business plan vs. other business plans

    • Practical tips on writing a one-page business plan

    • How a one-page business plan can eliminate distractions and help you focus


    Register Here
  • Dec
    6
    SBDC: Business 101: Ready for Entrepreneurship?
    2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
    Online

    SBDC: Business 101: Ready for Entrepreneurship?

    December 6, 2023
    2:00 pm to 3:30 pm, 2 hours
    Online
    map

    Join SBDC! Are you thinking about launching a small business? Not sure what is involved? Unsure if you have a viable business idea? Join this introductory presentation to break down the nuts and bolts of what is needed to start a business.

    Attendees will be able to:
    - Recognize steps to starting a business
    - Utilize a business concept analysis to understand the viability of their business concept
    - Understand differing legal structures
    - Learn how to decide if starting a business is right for you!

    Target Audience:
    - Start-up businesses
    - Individuals in the ideation and research stages
    - Individuals preparing to launch their business
    - Intermediate businesses looking for refreshers


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