Discover the Commerce Department's Programs to Support Small Businesses in Philadelphia
November 22, 2023
The Department of Commerce helps businesses start, operate and grow in Philadelphia. Commerce also funds and works in partnership with local organizations to connect businesses with as many resources as possible. Businesses can contact the Department of Commerce’s Office of Business Services for one-on-one assistance by calling 215-683-2100 or emailing business@phila.gov
If you are a business owner in Philadelphia you want to listen in to this episode because we have Liam Kelly Fleming from the Philadelphia Commerce department sharing a wealth of resources available for small business owners, including grants, loans, and technical assistance programs. Whether you need funding for storefront improvements, security cameras, or commercial real estate acquisition, this episode has all the information you need to scale up your business. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from an expert and discover how the commerce department can support your business's growth and success.
In this episode of Scale Up Your Business, host Zakia Ringgold sits down with Liam Kelly Fleming of the Philadelphia Commerce Department. They discuss the various resources and programs available for small business owners.
The Department of Commerce helps businesses start, operate and grow in Philadelphia. Commerce also funds and works in partnership with local organizations to connect businesses with as many resources as possible. Businesses can contact the Department of Commerce’s Office of Business Services for one-on-one assistance by calling 215-683-2100 or emailing business@phila.gov
**Key Takeaways:**
1. The Commerce Department is dedicated to working with businesses, providing resources and support.
2. The Philadelphia Business Lending Network (PBLN) offers a single application platform that connects small businesses with a variety of lenders.
3. Two organizations, Black Squirrel Collective and Temple Small Business Development Center, partner with PBLN to offer free assessments and assistance to businesses that may not initially qualify for a loan.
4. The Storefront Improvement Program (SIP) helps businesses improve their visual appearance by funding improvements like signage, awnings, windows, lighting, and security features.
5. The Business Security Camera Program offers matching grants for installing exterior security cameras, which are crucial for safety and deterrence.
6. The In-Store Forgivable Loan Program supports businesses in designated locations, providing financial assistance for fit-outs and equipment.
7. The Commercial Real Estate Acquisition Loan Fund assists small business owners with lower credit scores or limited loan-worthiness in purchasing commercial real estate.
Resources Mentioned:
1. Philadelphia Commerce Department: Visit their website at phila.gov/business to find information about the various programs and resources offered by the commerce department.
2. Office of Business Services: Contact the Office of Business Services at business@phila.gov or via phone for assistance and guidance on available programs.
3. LA 21 CDC: partner organization that works with the commerce department to provide support for small businesses. You can find more information about LA 21 CDC on our website at la21philly.org
4. Black Squirrel Collective: This organization offers financial empowerment programs for small businesses, including real estate investment programs. You can learn more about Black Squirrel Collective and their services on their website.
5. Temple Small Business Development Center (SBDC): Temple SBDC is another partner organization that provides free business planning tech classes, coaching, and other services. You can find more information on the Temple SBDC website.
6. Philadelphia Business Lending Network (PBLN): PBLN provides a single application online where you can express interest in funding for your business. The application is seen by various lenders, including nonprofit lenders and community banks. Visit the commerce department's website for more details about PBLN.
7. Women's Opportunity Resource Center (WORC): WORC is a partner organization that works with the commerce department for the CREEL program, which helps small business owners acquire commercial real estate. You can find more information about WORC on their website.
These are just some of the resources mentioned in the podcast. Feel free to explore their websites for more information and contact them directly to learn about the specific programs and support they offer.
The Department of Commerce helps businesses start, operate and grow in Philadelphia. Commerce also funds and works in partnership with local organizations to connect businesses with as many resources as possible. Businesses can contact the Department of Commerce’s Office of Business Services for one-on-one assistance by calling 215-683-2100 or emailing business@phila.gov
**Key Takeaways:**
1. The Commerce Department is dedicated to working with businesses, providing resources and support.
2. The Philadelphia Business Lending Network (PBLN) offers a single application platform that connects small businesses with a variety of lenders.
3. Two organizations, Black Squirrel Collective and Temple Small Business Development Center, partner with PBLN to offer free assessments and assistance to businesses that may not initially qualify for a loan.
4. The Storefront Improvement Program (SIP) helps businesses improve their visual appearance by funding improvements like signage, awnings, windows, lighting, and security features.
5. The Business Security Camera Program offers matching grants for installing exterior security cameras, which are crucial for safety and deterrence.
6. The In-Store Forgivable Loan Program supports businesses in designated locations, providing financial assistance for fit-outs and equipment.
7. The Commercial Real Estate Acquisition Loan Fund assists small business owners with lower credit scores or limited loan-worthiness in purchasing commercial real estate.
Resources Mentioned:
1. Philadelphia Commerce Department: Visit their website at phila.gov/business to find information about the various programs and resources offered by the commerce department.
2. Office of Business Services: Contact the Office of Business Services at business@phila.gov or via phone for assistance and guidance on available programs.
3. LA 21 CDC: partner organization that works with the commerce department to provide support for small businesses. You can find more information about LA 21 CDC on our website at la21philly.org
4. Black Squirrel Collective: This organization offers financial empowerment programs for small businesses, including real estate investment programs. You can learn more about Black Squirrel Collective and their services on their website.
5. Temple Small Business Development Center (SBDC): Temple SBDC is another partner organization that provides free business planning tech classes, coaching, and other services. You can find more information on the Temple SBDC website.
6. Philadelphia Business Lending Network (PBLN): PBLN provides a single application online where you can express interest in funding for your business. The application is seen by various lenders, including nonprofit lenders and community banks. Visit the commerce department's website for more details about PBLN.
7. Women's Opportunity Resource Center (WORC): WORC is a partner organization that works with the commerce department for the CREEL program, which helps small business owners acquire commercial real estate. You can find more information about WORC on their website.
These are just some of the resources mentioned in the podcast. Feel free to explore their websites for more information and contact them directly to learn about the specific programs and support they offer.