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InStore Forgivable Loan Program

Helping businesses buy equipment and make interior improvements.

About

The InStore Forgivable Loan Program helps eligible retail and food businesses purchase equipment and make interior improvements. The program seeks to increase economic development efforts on historically underserved commercial corridors.

The InStore Forgivable Loan Program is a program of the Department of Commerce.

In 2022, InStore expanded its eligibility and loan values with funding from the Neighborhood Preservation Initiative.

Loan details

InStore approves a limited number of projects each year for forgivable loans. Small businesses can receive a forgivable loan to purchase equipment and make improvements to a commercial property:

  • Loans are worth between $15,000 to $100,000.
  • No payment or interest is collected on the loan for five years.
  • The loan is forgiven after five years if the business remains open and operating at the same location.

Connect

Address
InStore Forgivable Loan Program
1515 Arch St., 12th floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Email InStore@phila.gov
Phone: (215) 683-2123

Eligible businesses and projects

To apply, businesses must be:

InStore approves a limited number of projects each year. Loans are only available to projects that will:

  • Provide affordable goods and services to the community.
  • Increase business activity in a commercial corridor that has historically received limited private investment.

If you have any questions about your eligibility, email the program manager at InStore@phila.gov.

How to apply

1
Submit the pre-application.

To learn more and make sure you’re eligible for the InStore Forgivable Loan Program, submit the pre-application online.

2
The program manager will confirm your eligibility for the program and provide the full loan application.

The program manager will review your pre-application. If you’re eligible for the program, they’ll contact you with the full loan application and instructions.

As part of your application, you’ll need to provide:

  • Tax returns & financial projections.
  • A business plan.
  • Cost estimates for planned improvements & equipment.

If you need help with any of these documents, the program manager will connect you with a technical assistance provider who can help you complete your loan application.

3
Your complete application will be reviewed.

The InStore Review Committee will review your application and notify you with their decision. If you’re approved for the loan, you’ll work with the program manager towards closing on your loan.

Do not begin any work until you have received written approval from the City and the program manager.

Start your pre-application

Submit the pre-application to start the process of applying for an InStore Forgivable Loan.

External link Submit the pre-application

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