A business that undertakes the process of marketing and merchandising goods.
Manufacturing and Distribution
Required
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Obtain a Business Income and Receipts Tax ID
Every individual, partnership, association and corporation doing business in Philadelphia must file a Business Income and Receipts Tax Return in whether or not they earned a profit during the preceding year. Rental activities are usually considered business activities.
Obtain a Commercial Activity License
An Activity License is required for all businesses and non-profits operating in Philadelphia. This includes businesses that are located outside the city limits but do some or all of their business activity in the City.
Zoning and Use
The Philadelphia Zoning Code regulates development within the city. Zoning regulations govern land use, the height and size of buildings, population density, parking requirements, signage placement and the character of development on private property, and property uses.
Air Permits
The Department of Public Health Air Management Services (AMS) monitors the air quality and enforces city, state, and federal air quality standards in the City of Philadelphia.
Workforce Incentives
As an employer you may be eligible for state and city programs that provide tax credits, grants and other incentives for businesses that create jobs and/or help people transition back into the workforce
Documents You May Need
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Hazardous Materials License
This license is required for the storage, dispensing, use, or handling of hazardous material.
Tank Permits
To obtain a construction permit for the installation, removal or insertion of a tank to gather or hold the materials listed below and submit a completed permit application in-person at the Municipal Services Building (MSB) Concourse.
Building Permits
Building permits are required before beginning projects to enlarge, repair, change, add to or demolish a structure, and to install equipment or systems in a structure.
Food Manufacturer License
This form is required to obtain a license to manufacture processed or wholesale food excluding food establishments which deal only in prepackaged food.
Food Preparing and Serving License
This license is required of anyone operating a food establishment where food is prepared or served for public consumption. This includes restaurants, delis, caterers, bars, grocery stores making sandwiches and serving beverages, Child care facilities, etc.
Scales License
This license is required to maintain a weights and measures device for commercial purposes or use an electronic scanner or similar automated device to ascertain the price of an item presented for checkout.
What is Jump Start Philly?
Jump Start Philly is designed to attract new businesses and entrepreneurs that create jobs to Philadelphia by exempting them from paying the Business Income and Receipts Tax, formerly the Business Privilege Tax, during the first two years of operations.
Building Your Workforce
To help build your workforce, there are a wide range of resources that will help you strengthen your professional network and find the right people for the job.
Credits, Grants & Other Incentives
Tax credits, grants and incentive programs could also add cash to the bottom line, and unlike loans, they don't require repayment.
Credits, Grants & Other Incentives
Tax credits, grants and incentive programs could also add cash to the bottom line, and unlike loans, they don't require repayment.
Workforce Incentives
As an employer you may be eligible for state and city programs that provide tax credits, grants and other incentives for businesses that create jobs and/or help people transition back into the workforce
Workforce Skills Training
Now that you have a business, you need reliable employees to support your growth and ease your workload. Take advantage of these resources that can help you recruit, train, and retain good workers.