Opening a Retail Space

There are many resources available to expanding and emerging businesses in Philadelphia. We want to make the process go as smoothly as possible and are here to assist you at all levels. Reach out when you are ready to take the leap to open your new space in the Northern Liberties.

LOCAL RESOURCES

REGISTER YOUR NEW BUSINESS – this page provides a primer with links to getting your new business registered with the City, State, and IRS

PHILADELPHIA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE this is where you establish a tax account and get a commercial activity #

PHILADELPHIA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE  offers a multitude of business services such as one-on-one support, business coaching, financial support and more.

ZONING – is your location zoned for your intended use? You might be surprised. Once you know your building’s zoning designation, research what is allowed by right and what will require a special use permit, which means going before the community and the City’s zoning board.

PHILADELPHIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH has a one-stop resource page for food businesses. If you are looking to open a food service business, we can help guide you through the process. Check out their step-by-step manual that walks the business owner through the regulatory process of opening a stationary food business in Philadelphia. And don’t forget to take the Philadelphia Food Safety Certification Course.

 

STATEWIDE RESOURCES

COMMONWEALTH OF PA Guide to Starting a Business – the State offers help with every aspect of starting a business, from developing your business plan to paying employment taxes.

PA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT  offers a variety of financing, grants and incentives for businesses starting-up or relocating to Pennsylvania. Check out their Entrepreneur’s Guide to Starting and Growing a Business in PA.

FEDERAL RESOURCES

Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans
The federal government offers a number of loans for small businesses through the SBA or private-sector lenders

 

PIDC PROGRAMS

Business Loans
PIDC has an array of financing products available for qualifying businesses and non-profits looking to expand in Philadelphia.

Project Development Finance
For developers and others seeking funding to start or finish a project in Philadelphia, PIDC provides a range of adaptable financing solutions.

Tax Advantaged Financing
PIDC can structure a variety of tax-advantaged financing to fund development projects.

Grants Administration
PIDC administers several Federal, State, and City grant programs.

Startup PHL Funds
For early-stage, technology-focused companies, PIDC has partnered with First Round Capital to create the Startup PHL Seed + Angel Funds to increase the availability of investment capital for Philadelphia-based entrepreneurs.

ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS AND MICROLENDING

Entrepreneur Works
FINANTA
Women’s Opportunities Resource Center (WORC)
The Reinvestment Fund
The Merchants Fund

Benjamin Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania

INCENTIVES

Jump Start Philly
This City of Philadelphia initiative exempts qualifying new businesses from paying the Business Income and Receipts Tax (BIRT) during the first two years of operation.

Job Creation Tax Credits
These incentives are available at both the State and City level.

Workforce Development Grants
Philadelphia Works invests federal funds to provide on-the-job classroom training for the prospective employees of qualifying companies.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

Temple University Small Business Development Center

Community College Power Up your Business 

OTHER ASSISTANCE

FREE ASSISTANCE From Start Up philly:

FREE SERVICES FROM CONSULT FOR AMERICA

Philadelphia Delivers
Select Greater Philadelphia
Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers
Business USA Funding Tool
Philadelphia Startup Leaders – Philly Tech Guide
Technical.ly Philly – Philadelphia Startup Community
Philadelphia Works
Women’s Business Development Center
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce
African American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ and DE
Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Stand for Small – American Express partnership