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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

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 high-potential 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
    19
    OEO Doing Business in the City: How to do Business with SEPTA
    1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
    Online

    OEO Doing Business in the City: How to do Business with SEPTA

    March 19, 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
    • 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.

    The How to Do Business with SEPTA Workshop provides businesses with valuable insights into partnering with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), one of the region's largest public transportation systems. This workshop equips business owners with the knowledge and tools needed to access opportunities with SEPTA, build strategic partnerships, and grow their business within Philadelphia’s public transit ecosystem.

    Register for this workshop. 

  • Mar
    25
    Coffee and Commerce: Bookkeeping Tips for Businesses
    9:00 am to 12:00 pm
    Venice Island Performing Arts & Recreation Center, 7 Lock St, Philadelphia, PA 19127, USA

    Coffee and Commerce: Bookkeeping Tips for Businesses

    March 25, 2025
    9:00 am to 12:00 pm, 3 hours
    Venice Island Performing Arts & Recreation Center, 7 Lock St, Philadelphia, PA 19127, USA
    map

    Join the Department of Commerce, for our Coffee and Commerce event series! These events are designed to empower the growth of businesses with resources, knowledge and connections. Each session offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to hear from industry leaders and specialists on key topics that will help them start, operate, and grow their businesses in Philadelphia.

    Join us for an engaging panel discussion on bookkeeping and essential business financials. Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your financial management, gain key insights on basic terms, accounting methods, and keeping track of your business to ensure financial stability and growth.

    Topic: Bookkeeping Tips for Businesses

    Moderator: Gregory Moton, Business Navigator, Mayor's Business Action Team, Department of Commerce

    Panelists:

    • Fonshall Ragsdale. QuickBooks Expert
    • Keith Carney Jr., CEO, CK2 Financials
    • Kamil Salter, CEO, Liberty Tax Service
    • Jovan Goldstein, Managing Partner, JTGoldstein Accountants and Business Advisors

    Program Agenda:

    • 9:00am-9:30am - Breakfast
    • 9:30am-10:00am - Introductions and Welcome
    • 10:00am-11:00am - Bookkeeping Tips for Businesses Panel Discussion
    • 11:00am-12:00pm - Q&A and Breakout Session

    Coffee and giveaways will also be available!

    Register here


  • Mar
    26
    OEO Business Development Series - Certification and Qualifications
    1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
    Online

    OEO Business Development Series - Certification and Qualifications

    March 26, 2025
    1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, 2 hours
    Online
    map

    The Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) offers Business Development Workshops to empower businesses with the skills, resources, and knowledge needed to thrive in Philadelphia's competitive business environment. These workshops focus on:

    • Enhancing business capacity and readiness for growth opportunities.
    • Providing guidance on City contracts, procurement processes, and certification.
    • Delivering industry insights and best practices to help businesses succeed.
    • Offering networking opportunities with City agencies, prime contractors, and business leaders.

    OEO's Business Development Workshops are designed to foster economic inclusion by equipping businesses with the tools they need to expand, secure contracts, and contribute to Philadelphia's vibrant economy.

    The Certification and Qualifications Business Development Workshop provides business owners with essential information on obtaining certifications and meeting qualifications to access contracting opportunities. This workshop empowers businesses with the tools to achieve and maintain certification, positioning them for growth, partnerships, and access to new opportunities in both public and private sectors.

    Speaker: Victoria Hosendorf, The Enterprise Center

    Register for this workshop. 



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