Grants

City Funding OpportunITIES

Explore financial resources, grants, and programs provided by the City of Philadelphia and other local resources to support local business growth, safety enhancements, and community development.

Storefront Improvement Program

50% reimbursement up to $20k-$30k for facade improvement such as 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 

Request a Wage Tax refund

Wage Tax refund for employees who are salaried. Wage Tax refund for employees who are commissioned. Refund for taxpayers who meet certain income requirements

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. Income – $50k:$10k, $100k:$25k $2m:$50k

Quality Jobs Program

Can receive up to $7,000 per new full-time job created for Philadelphia residents, with a maximum of $125,000 per grant. Jobs offer at least $16.35/hour, health insurance, & paid time off.  Must be for-profit, operating in Philadelphia for at least one year, and commit to hiring based on current workforce size. 

Gas Grants for Businesses

PECO is providing a one-time, $200 gas grant to eligible small businesses who have PECO natural gas accounts.

 

Other Funding OpportunITIES

Merchant Fund Foundation 
  • 50% reimbursement up to $20k-$30k for facade improvement such as signage, lighting, doors, windows, painting, security gates
  • 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. $20K grant excepting applicants on rolling basis
 
Santander’s Cultivate Small Business Program 
  • Designed to help early-stage food entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses. The fall cohort runs from September through November, with applications accepted from March through June, making now a prime window to apply. The program focuses on founders operating in low-to-moderate income neighborhoods, offering a comprehensive 12-week curriculum that blends food-focused business education, one-on-one mentorship, and access to capital grants. 
 
The William Penn Foundation
 
PHDC Rental Improvement Fund
  • Small landlords can now apply for forgivable repair loans up to $100,000 to make property improvements while keeping rents affordable. 
  • The program offers Minor Repair Loans ($10K–$24,999, 10-year term, 20% forgiven annually starting Year 6) and Moderate Repair Loans ($25K–$100K, 15-year term, 10% forgiven annually starting Year 6). 
Philadelphia Lending Network 
  • One application connects businesses to 35+ nonprofit and for-profit lenders (CDFIs)
  • Available to businesses located in or relocating to Philadelphia
  • Free to apply
  • Eligible Philly micro-businesses (5 or fewer employees) may qualify for a grant of up to $35,000—covering up to 50% of an approved loan—when applying through the Philadelphia Business Lending Network

CDFI's

What is a CDFI?
  • Community Development Financial Institution serving underserved communities.
  • Includes community banks, credit unions, loan funds, and venture capital funds.
  • Provides loans, savings accounts, and investment services to individuals and businesses.
  • Supports affordable housing, small businesses, job creation, and economic development.
  • Business loans: The average interest rate for CDFI business loans is between 5% and 6%. 
 
CDFIs in the area