Grants & Funding
from City of Philadelphia’s Department of Commerce
Storefront Improvement Program
- 50% reimbursement up to $10k-$15k for facade improvement
- signage, lighting, doors, windows, painting, security gates
InStore Forgivable Loan Program
- Offers forgivable loans to retail, food, and creative businesses for purchasing equipment and making interior improvements.
- $15k-$100k forgivable loan. Forgiven if at same location in 5 years
Business Security Camera Program
- Provides funding assistance for installing surveillance cameras, enhancing safety for businesses and their customers.
- 75% reimbursement up to $3,000 for installation of new cameras
- Description: Offers $50,000 forgivable loans to historically disadvantaged businesses, converting into grants upon meeting specific milestones.
- Eligibility: Businesses operating for at least three years, generating a minimum of $350,000 in annual revenue, and majority-owned by individuals facing racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias.
Commercial Real Estate Acquisition Loan (CREAL)
- helps small businesses in low- and moderate-income areas purchase property, promoting asset ownership and building generational wealth.
- A mortgage loan of up to $350,000.
- A grant of up to $35,000 for closing costs.
- One application connects businesses to 35+ nonprofit and for-profit lenders (CDFIs)
- Available to businesses located in or relocating to Philadelphia
- Offers up to $35,000 (covers up to 50% of an approved loan amount)
- Free to apply
Philadelphia Small Business Catalyst Fund
- Grants up to $50,000 to help high-potential small businesses expand, with a focus on job creation and local economic impact.
- Priority industries: Life sciences, manufacturing, nighttime economy, creative economy, and commercial corridor real estate.
- Applications open May 2025
Other Opportunities
- Stabilization Grants:
- Provide up to $10,000 to help businesses overcome obstacles, pursue growth opportunities, or increase profitability.
- Opening in March 2025.
- Emergency Grants:
- Offer immediate financial assistance to businesses affected by unforeseen events such as natural disasters, fires, or significant vandalism.
- Eligibility: Available to businesses experiencing sudden and severe financial hardship due to qualifying events.
- Next round of funding runs from March 19th- April 25th
The Barra Foundation Catalyst Fund Grant
- High-impact initiatives that inspire change in a sector, region, or system.
- Funding for early-stage projects (under three years old) to explore, test, or launch innovative ideas.
- Focus areas: Arts & Culture, Education, Health, and Human Services (AI projects not currently considered).
- Grants for businesses hiring full-time Philadelphia residents with living wages, health insurance, and paid time off.
- Funding: $7,000 per new job (up to 25 jobs) for first-time applicants; $5,000 per new job (max $125,000) for returning applicants.
- Eligibility: Open to businesses operating for at least one year with a business tax account and BIRT payments (nonprofits & home-based businesses excluded).
- Rolling applications – apply anytime!
