The Department of Commerce Office of Business Services provides one-on-one assistance to businesses in neighborhoods and commercial areas across the city. In addition, Commerce funds and works in partnership with neighborhood organizations to connect businesses with as many resources as possible. The Department of Commerce is continuously responding to the looting incidents that occurred on Tuesday, September 26 and Wednesday, September 27, 2023 which have impacted businesses throughout Philadelphia.
Our Office of Business Services team is out in the field meeting with and assisting businesses in the impacted areas. Businesses can contact the Department of Commerce’s Office of Business Services by calling 215-683-2100 or emailing business@phila.gov for one-on-one assistance.
Guidance to local businesses
Document Damage
Businesses should document damage sustained to the business by taking photos of the damage, obtaining a police report through the Philadelphia Police Department, reporting damage to the business’ insurance company and saving camera footage for an investigation. Businesses will need a police report if filing an insurance claim.
Report Damage
The Department of Commerce wants to capture information to determine the areas and extent of incident-related damages and allocate support for cleaning and sealing. Impacted businesses can contact the Department of Commerce’s Office of Business Services by calling 215-683-2100 or emailing business@phila.gov. Businesses can also complete the Office of Emergency Management form online at phila.gov/damagereporter.
Get Support
The Department of Commerce’s business services managers staff speak many languages offering one-on-one support, education, outreach and guidance to businesses citywide.
Emergency Grants Program – The Department of Commerce funded The Merchants Fund to launch the Emergency Grants Program supporting businesses that face hardship due to qualifying events, such as the looting and vandalism that occurred on Tuesday, September 26 and Wednesday, September 27, 2023. Independently owned and operated small businesses that have been impacted can contact the Department of Commerce’s Office of Business Services by calling 215-683-2100 or emailing business@phila.gov to learn more.
Crime prevention resources
- Crime prevention and response tips for businesses and employees.
- Emergency preparedness tips for local businesses.
- Storefront Improvement Program provides funding for businesses to upgrade their storefronts such as with eligible exterior facade lighting, exterior doors, signage and see-through security gates. There is an expedited process for businesses that have been victims of crime.
- Business Security Camera Program provides funding for businesses to install exterior surveillance cameras on commercial properties. There is an expedited process for businesses that have been victims of crime.
Businesses in commercial areas and neighborhoods throughout the city provide critical goods and services for residents. These businesses and their families are the heartbeat of our city. The Department of Commerce is committed to helping businesses operate, grow and thrive in Philadelphia.
