Commerce Director Harold T. Epps will continue his ongoing tour of the City’s many commercial corridors tomorrow when he visits Tacony and checks out businesses along Torresdale Avenue. To find out more about what it’s like to do businesses in Tacony, we talked to Alex Balloon of the Tacony CDC.

What does your organization do?

The Tacony Community Development Corporation is dedicated to the revitalization of the Tacony neighborhood in Philadelphia. Over the past few years, our efforts have made the neighborhood safer, cleaner, and more vibrant. We use a comprehensive approach to commercial district revitalization to assist small business owners in a variety of ways.

What are some of the specific services you offer to businesses?

We offer businesses technical assistance on a variety of projects including storefront improvements, safety and security improvements, business planning, promotional strategies and cooperative promotions, as well as in-store improvements. We use the Department of Commerce’s Grant Programs in addition to our own grant funding to complete targeted improvement projects along our major business corridor, Torresdale Avenue.

What can a new business looking to open up shop in your area expect when they call you? How are you helping these interested businesses join your community?

When a business calls our office they should expect an enthusiastic invitation to join our growing neighborhood! They will be given our most recent market study that clearly identifies gaps and economic opportunities, as well as a list of significant projects already underway. We will help a business owner identify available space, possible incentives, and answer any questions they may have about our market.

Why Tacony? Why should businesses choose this area, and what unique attributes does this district have to offer customers?

Tacony is an excellent choice for a business that is seeking a family-friendly and family-serving market in a historic neighborhood. We have a growing population of young families with a relatively young median age.

Our location is both walkable and car-friendly. It is easy for customers from outside of the neighborhood to arrive from I-95 and the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge, as well as via SEPTA Regional Rail and Transit. Tacony has a large collection of parks and open spaces that are inviting during all seasons, and the expanding Delaware River waterfront trail will soon offer great access to the water.

Tell us about a recent success story.

Dinofa’s Deli, established in 1974, has been a long-time Torresdale Avenue business. They have taken advantage of the City’s Storefront Improvement and Business Security Camera Programs, and they’re investing in new interior fixtures and equipment.

You can learn more about the Tacony CDC at visittacony.com. Have you taken advantage of a City program and want to share your story, reach out to us. We may feature your business here!