Two Philly Fooderies Earn National Recognition
It’s no secret that Philadelphia is home to some of the best food in the country. From tiny street carts to James Beard award-winning restaurants, and everything in between, the City of Brotherly Love has it all. The latest local businesses to receive recognition on the national stage are... Learn More
Revitalizing Tacony One Storefront at a Time
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... Learn More
City announces lowest unemployment for month of June since 2007
On Friday, Mayor Kenney and Commerce Director Harold T. Epps announced that Philadelphia’s unemployment rate decreased to 6.9%–the lowest unemployment rate for the month of June since 2007. “During the first six months of my Administration, we have worked tirelessly to ensure that Philadelphians in all neighborhoods can be part... Learn More
Small Business Spotlight: Message Agency with Marcus Iannozzi
Message Agency is a communications firm that focuses on serving charitable organizations. Unlike other businesses that have grown recently, Message Agency has a long, rich history as a startup in Philadelphia. To investigate Message Agency’s success over the years, we chatted with founder Marcus Iannozzi.
Mayor Kenney boasts Commerce achievements in recent Huffington Post piece
On Monday, Mayor Kenney penned a guest-post titled “Philadelphia’s Winning Formula for Small-Business Growth,” for the Huffington Post's "Whats Working: Small Business" blog.
4 social media marketing tips for your small business
Philadelphia small businesses have the opportunity to connect with a strong online community through social media--a low-cost, extremely effective marketing tool when used efficiently.
Startup Spotlight: Little Baby’s Ice Cream
Indie ice cream maker Little Baby’s Ice Cream is a prime example of a successful Philly startup, and the perfect way to kickoff our new Startup Spotlight series. The Startup Spotlight series profiles successful small businesses to highlight Philly’s thriving startup community. For founders Martin Brown and Pete Angevine, Little... Learn More
Business Tax Basics
The Department of Revenue imposes various taxes that must be filed and paid by businesses that are operated and/or located in Philadelphia.
Tent Permit
An operational permit is required to operate an air-supported temporary membrane structure or a tent having an area in excess of 200 sq. ft. or a canopy in excess of 400 sq. ft. (See Section 105.6.13 of the Philadelphia Fire Code for exceptions). Prerequisite Approvals: Before obtaining an operations permit, your... Learn More
Training, One-on-one Consulting, and Legal Resources from our Nonprofit Partners
Need help with business planning, workshops or other research? Check with some of our technical support providers.
Guide to Permits and Licenses for Opening a Mobile Food Business
Mobile food vending units include trucks, trailer hitch units, pushcarts, stands and foot peddlers must complete the required plan review application for a mobile food business.
Choosing a Vending Location
Locations throughout the city are designated as prohibited for vending and sidewalk sales
Safety Guide for Businesses
The City of Philadelphia Commerce Department Business Crime Prevention Guide has useful advice for keeping your employees and business safe.
How to Be a Good Business Neighbor
When merchants take pride in their community, it shows and creates a more enjoyable shopping experience for visitors coming to the area.
Paid Sick Leave
The City of Philadelphia has enacted the "Promoting Healthy Families and Workplaces" law, which requires certain employers located in the City of Philadelphia to provide their employees with up to 40 hours of paid sick time per calendar year.