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Small business funding in Philadelphia
Philadelphia's Department of Commerce runs a full set of city programs that exist nowhere else in Pennsylvania: the Small Business Catalyst Fund, storefront improvement reimbursements and job creation incentives among them. All require a Philadelphia address; a business in Conshohocken or Upper Darby cannot use them, which is a common and frustrating discovery. Philadelphia businesses also qualify for statewide DCED programs and the national corporate grants.
The programs below are a sample of what a Philadelphia business can use now. The count underneath is everything else in the database that applies in the city.
Programs for Philadelphia businesses
Philadelphia Business Lending Network (PBLN) Incentive Grant
A grant of up to $35,000 that covers up to half of an approved loan from a Philadelphia Business Lending Network lender. It is not a standalone grant: you apply for the loan first, and the grant follows if the loan is approved.
Philadelphia Quality Jobs Program
Philadelphia Commerce pays $7,000 per new permanent full-time job for Philadelphia residents (up to 25 jobs) for first-time applicants, $5,000 per job for repeat applicants, capped at $125,000. Jobs must pay a living wage with health insurance and paid time off, and the grant arrives after a one-year performance period. Not open to seasonal businesses.
Philadelphia Small Business Catalyst Fund
Grants of up to $50,000 from the Philadelphia Department of Commerce, awarded on demonstrated need, growth potential and economic impact, with strategic guidance alongside the money. Rolling until the initial $5 million is committed. Philadelphia address required.
Business Security Camera Program
Up to $3,000 toward exterior security cameras for a Philadelphia business, or full coverage in the city's targeted areas. Cameras must be installed to the program's specifications and registered with the police.
Storefront Improvement Program
City grants toward eligible storefront upgrades: up to $10,000 for a single property, up to $15,000 for a corner or multi-storefront building. Open to business owners and property owners in Philadelphia, rolling applications.
more active programs for Philadelphia businesses, including 33 grants, 8 tax credits, 6 loans and financing, 2 rebates and 18 free resources and technical assistance. Tell FundBug what you do, where you are and who owns the business, and twice a month you get a digest of the ones you actually qualify for, with deadlines before they pass.
See what your business qualifies for →Common questions
Do I need a Philadelphia address for city programs?
Yes. Philadelphia Commerce programs are limited to businesses located inside city limits. Suburban businesses should look at Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks or Chester County programs instead.
Stop finding out too late. Programs in Philadelphia open and close on their own schedules, and nobody sends a reminder. FundBug does.
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