Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker wants everyone to have access to economic opportunity. That’s why she signed the PHL Open for Business Executive Order, calling on all city departments to simplify and streamline the experience of doing business with and in the city, fostering inclusive growth for all.
In support of this, the Department of Commerce is excited to announce the development and upcoming launch of an attractive website to serve as a 24/7 online business resource finder. This user-friendly platform will give entrepreneurs across the city and around the world access to the tools and resources they need to start, operate and grow their business in Philadelphia.
This initiative is a collaborative effort, led by Department of Commerce, in partnership with PIDC, United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New JerseyAND Equitable Cities Consulting. Ecomap Technologies is building this essential resource, which will become a vital tool for navigating Philadelphia’s dynamic business ecosystem. This is a project for businesses, driven by partners from across the business ecosystem, ensuring it is both relevant, useful and impactful.
We are committed to keeping businesses informed of the progress of this initiative. This includes providing updates on the formation of a steering committee as described below.
The online business resource finder will have an attractive, interactive and accessible interface with features to help businesses of all stages and all sizes, including:
- AI assisted support: Get real-time answers to your business questions.
- Directorate of Resources: Find workshops, services and funding programs.
- Searchable database: Find resources by keyword or keyword
- Government navigation: Get help navigating city regulations.
- Mapping the business ecosystem: Discover support organizations in your area.
- Language accessibility: Access the multi-language hub for inclusion.
- Business support: Access personalized help from Mayor’s Business Action Team.
Our diverse steering committee includes leaders from across Philadelphia’s business community, ensuring the platform serves the needs of all entrepreneurs:
- Christopher Wink, publisher and chief executive officer, Technical.y
- Defan Zhang, Shop Philly
- Dominic Folino, Founder, President, Blockchain Coalition PA
- Herbert Ushewokunze, Chief Executive Officer, Haich Media Group
- Jennifer Rodriguez, Chief Executive Officer, Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- Kevin Lessard, Senior Vice President, Communications and Government Affairs, PIDC
- Lilly Chen, Chief Executive Officer, The contest
- Melissa Scott, Chief Information Officer, City of Philadelphia
- Quynh-Mai Nguyen, Director of Creative Services, PIDC
- Rick Nucci, Chief Executive Officer, Guru
- Sabia Afroz, Community Coordinator, SEAMAAC
- Shai Pedernick, Kalmansforge
- Stefan Legazpi, Creative Director, Comcast
- Tiffany Spraggins, director, Empower your business, Community College of Philadelphia
- Wil Reynolds, Chief Executive Officer, Interactive Viewer
- Zakia Ringgold, Owner, Virtual Experience Design Agency and Business Consultant, LA21
We look forward to hearing your ideas and feedback!
Department of Commerce Mayor’s Business Action Team is your front door to doing business in Philadelphia. If you would like to stay updated on the upcoming launch of the online business resource finder or be added to our newsletter mailing list and hear about resources and opportunities, email us at business@phila.gov. If you need help with a business matter, email us or call 215-683-2100. We are excited to help you succeed in Philadelphia!