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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

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

  • Apr
    15
    SCORE - Mastering Small Business Financial Management - Keys to Growth and Profitability
    1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
    Online

    SCORE - Mastering Small Business Financial Management - Keys to Growth and Profitability

    April 15, 2025
    1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, 1 hour
    Online
    map

    Effective financial management is the backbone of every successful small business, encompassing essential practices like strategic bookkeeping, accurate projections, and understanding financial statements. This comprehensive webinar is designed specifically for small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to strengthen their financial foundation and make data-driven decisions that drive sustainable growth.

    Discover how quality financial management can transform your business operations by providing clear visibility into your profitability, identifying your most valuable products and services, and helping you navigate both expansion opportunities and challenging economic conditions with confidence.

    Here’s what you’ll learn:

    • The benefits of systematic money management for small business sustainability and growth
    • How strategic budgeting can provide valuable insights and prevent cash flow problems
    • Practical approaches to implementing timely and accurate bookkeeping systems
    • Essential financial statements every business owner should understand
    • Key requirements for successfully securing business financing

    Click here to register.
  • Apr
    16
    OEO Doing Business in the City: How to do Business with LIVE Casino
    1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
    Online

    OEO Doing Business in the City: How to do Business with LIVE Casino

    April 16, 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 businesses by providing guidance on:

    • City procurement processes
    • 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: Chelsea Selby, Director of Purchasing & Warehouse, LIVE Casino

    Register for this workshop. 

  • Apr
    17
    SBDC-Government Marketing Strategies – Research and Creating Government Marketing Plan
    10:00 am to 11:00 am
    Online

    SBDC-Government Marketing Strategies – Research and Creating Government Marketing Plan

    April 17, 2025
    10:00 am to 11:00 am, 1 hour
    Online
    map

    The Federal Government is the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world. Interested in learning how to research and create a marketing strategy
    to pursue federal government contracts?

    • Historical and Forecast Data Searches: FPDS (Federal Procurement Data Systems), USAspending.Gov, FBF.gov and other GSA Tools, SAM.gov
    • Identifying your Government Marketing Network: Target Federal Agencies and Potential
    • Private Sector Partners for subcontracting
    • Creating Government Marketing Action Steps

    Presenter: Natasa Borcanin

    Natasa Borcanin possesses 25 years combined experience in Government Contracting, small business ownership, international development, human resource management and retail real estate leasing and management. It is exactly this mix of experience that makes Natasa effective in her current role as a Business Opportunity specialist with SBA at the Eastern Pennsylvania District Office. Borcanin formerly worked as a Program Manager of a DOD OSBP-funded APEX Accelerator (PTAC) program assisting small business navigate government market. Natasa also has years of consulting experience with United States Agency for International Development (USAID) projects in numerous developing countries building and training teams offering economic and social assistance implementing sustainable initiatives that improved living conditions to many communities. Borcanin holds a Master’s degree from University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor’s from Millersville University.

    Click here to register.


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