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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
Social

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Announcements

City launches latest round of Corridor Enhancement Grant

The City of Philadelphia launched the Corridor Enhancement Grant, a fund that contributes to neighborhood economic development and vibrant commercial areas.

The application deadline is April 14, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.

The Corridor Enhancement Grant supports community-serving nonprofits dedicated to enhancing the appearance, safety, livability of business districts in the neighborhoods they serve. The goal is to increase foot traffic, attract new businesses, promote available commercial real estate and a sense of community. Applicants are encouraged to submit projects that enhance the “look and feel” of their local commercial areas.

Eligible organizations can apply for an award amount of between $10,000 and $40,000 to complete their project.

Sign Up for Updates: Philadelphia Small Business Catalyst Fund

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker wants everyone to have access to economic opportunity. That’s why she signed the PHL Open for Business Executive Order, asking all City departments to streamline and simplify the experience of doing business with and in the city, driving inclusive growth for all.

Great news! In support of this, the Department of Commerce announces the launch of the Philadelphia Small Business Catalyst Fund (“the Fund”), a $5 million investment designed to accelerate the growth of small businesses and entrepreneurs across the city. We are developing a model within City government to keep empowering entrepreneurs and strengthening Philadelphia’s economy.

To be notified when the Expression of Interest form for the Philadelphia Small Business Catalyst Fund is available, click here

Programs

Events

  • Mar
    31
    Third Annual Creative & Nighttime Economy & Arts in Education Celebration
    1:00 pm to 6:00 pm
    World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA

    Third Annual Creative & Nighttime Economy & Arts in Education Celebration

    March 31, 2025
    1:00 pm to 6:00 pm, 5 hours
    World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
    map

    Join us on March 31st for the Third Annual Creative and Nightime Economies and Arts in Education Celebration! Hosted by the Department of Commerce, Creative Philadelphia, and the Mayor’s Office of Education, this event honors Philadelphia’s vibrant creative and nighttime economies while celebrating young entrepreneurs, artists, and makers. This celebration brings together business owners, creatives, industry leaders, and community advocates to connect, learn, and grow.

    📌 What to Expect:
    ✔️ Network with creatives, business assistance providers, and government officials.
    ✔️ Explore business and creative resources available in Philadelphia.
    ✔️ Celebrate young entrepreneurs and makers shaping the city’s creative economy.
    ✔️ Gain insights from industry leaders on building a thriving creative business.

    Don’t miss this opportunity to support and uplift Philadelphia’s creative community.

    Register Today

  • Mar
    31
    Cultural Dynamics: Community Conversations
    5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
    FringeArts, 140 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA

    Cultural Dynamics: Community Conversations

    March 31, 2025
    5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, 3 hours
    FringeArts, 140 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
    map
    Following the Cultural Dynamics: Co-Creating a Vision for Philadelphia convening organized by the Cultural Alliance in November 2024, the Greater Philadelphia Culture Alliance, announces the accompanying Community Conversations series in partnership with PA Humanities and Creative PHL. The Community Conversations will bring together a diverse group of cultural leaders, storytellers, artists, community members, business and government leaders, and local stakeholders to co-create a vision for a thriving, culturally rich future for the city.

    This series is designed to inform and shape a Cultural Plan for the city of Philadelphia with a focus on input from the arts, culture, and humanities community. The Cultural Plan is envisioned as a strategic framework for the city's arts and culture community, guided by a broad, inclusive mission to create a cleaner, greener, safer city with economic mobility for all.

    Register today
  • Apr
    1
    Webinar: Small Business Corporate Practice
    11:00 am to 1:00 pm
    Online

    Webinar: Small Business Corporate Practice

    April 1, 2025
    11:00 am to 1:00 pm, 2 hours
    Online
    map

    Join Philadelphia VIP and TD Bank a free webinar on corporate practice for small businesses.

    This event will help small business owners learn about running a profitable company, accessing capital, and analyzing business competition.

    The workshop is free and will take place virtually from 11:00-1:00 on April 2.

    Register today.


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