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  • December 20, 2024

Germantown Community Identity Project Announcement

DEC 2024 UPDATE: After gathering over 500 survey responses from neighbors and business owners, Germantown United CDC is thrilled to have kicked off the design process with Pixel Parlor! This initiative is the start of a bold journey to translate Germantown’s unique character into a vibrant and cohesive visual identity that honors our past and envisions a bright future. Designs are anticipated to be completed by early 2025, with street banners and other visual elements set to debut later in the year.

Germantown United CDC is thrilled to announce the launch of an innovative initiative aimed at translating the essence of Germantown into a dynamic, cohesive visual identity. Through the creation of new logos, color palettes, and taglines, we plan to harness the power of place to align vision and message and foster a sense of unity in the community. This project will bring the neighborhood together and connect Germantown’s commercial corridors through a visual identity that respects Germantown’s enduring character, and celebrates its rich history and promising future.

This initiative is specially crafted to uplift Germantown’s small business community. Our aim with this project is to not only spotlight the invaluable contributions of our local entrepreneurs but also to boost visibility and foot traffic to their establishments. By creating a vibrant and unified identity for Germantown, we aspire to enhance the local business landscape and improve the overall economic vitality of our community.

To make this project a reality, Germantown United CDC has partnered with Pixel Parlor, a creative agency known for its expertise in helping communities express their unique character. Pixel Parlor has a proven track record of collaborating with CDCs, local groups, businesses, and community organizations, assisting them in discovering and expressing the distinctive identity of their locations.

We’ll be working on this project throughout the fall and into the winter, and we invite you to be part of this exciting transformation. Read on for more project details.

Project Overview

PHASE 1: CAPTURING YOUR VOICE AND VISION
Our collaborative discovery and visioning process will lay the groundwork for this project. We’re kicking things off with a community survey. We aim to hear from a minimum of 500 residents, business owners, and neighborhood stakeholders.

To ensure that your perspectives guide this initiative, take the survey today. It will only take about 7-10 minutes to complete, and all responses are kept strictly confidential. For those who prefer paper surveys, printed copies are available at Germantown United CDC’s office, with additional distribution locations to be announced soon. Please call (215) 856-4303 to confirm availability.

Community Survey

We’re also exploring alternative outreach methods, including in-person surveys at community gatherings and high-traffic areas. We’re enlisting Community Connectors like you to help spread the word to your friends, family, and neighbors in Germantown. You can assist by sharing the survey link on social media, distributing flyers in your neighborhood, sharing it within your civic association email list, or including it in your church bulletin. If you’re interested in supporting our outreach efforts, please contact us, and we’ll provide all the necessary resources!

PHASE 2: CRAFTING OUR IDENTITY
A community identity is more than just symbols and logos. Our goal is to celebrate our community—the unique streetscapes, defining businesses, and the residents who contribute to its vibrant character, making it an exceptional place to call home.

Visual design elements celebrating Philadelphia’s East Falls, Chestnut Hill and Old City neighborhoods.

PHASE 3: STREET BANNERS
Imagine Germantown’s streets adorned with banners celebrating our neighborhood! During this phase, we’ll bring our design concepts to life and collaborate with expert partners for production. These banners will enhance Germantown’s visual landscape and are scheduled for installation in early 2024. While exact locations are yet to be determined, we’re considering Chelten Avenue, Germantown Avenue, Maplewood Mall, and sections of Wayne Avenue.

Banners promoting the Baltimore Avenue commercial corridor in West Philly, a project of University City District and the Baltimore Avenue Business Association. Learn more.
Define Germantown together. Take the survey.

PHASE 4: CELEBRATING LOCAL ARTISTRY
Germantown boasts an incredibly talented and creative community, and we’re excited to showcase their creativity as never before. We’ll be hosting a design competition for a series of Artist Banners and BigBelly Wraps (large trash compactors used by the city). Local artists are invited to infuse the new community identity into their designs.

Example of an artist designed BigBelly litter basket

GET INVOLVED
Throughout this journey, your voice remains invaluable. We encourage you to engage, participate in meetings, and share your feedback. Together, we’ll craft a community identity that reflects the energy, vibrancy, and aspirations that define Germantown.

Take the survey here. It should take around 7-10 minutes to complete. All responses will be confidential.

Community Survey
  • August 16, 2023

Meet the Lenders: Attend GU’s FREE Business Info Session Thursday, November 12

new-loan-lendersGermantown United CDC’s next Business Info Session is all about money. Meet the Lenders and learn about the types of loans and financing opportunities available to small businesses. The event will be held in the evening on Thursday, November 12 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at The Flying Horse Center.

We’ll be joined by representatives from Citizens Bank, The Enterprise Center, FINANTA, First Niagara Bank, PIDC, KIVA Zip, and other invited lenders. Each group will present on available services. After the brief presentations, participants will have the opportunity to talk one-on-one with our lenders and network with other local businesses and entrepreneurs in attendance.

biz-info-session-lender-logos

Who can attend?

Anyone who owns a local business, or is interested in opening a business in Germantown is welcome to attend. This program is FREE.

About the series

Business Info Sessions are held bi-monthly and feature invited speakers who give brief presentations about resources that can benefit local businesses, and updates on GUCDC’s work as it relates to the local business community. All sessions include time for attendees to network, ask questions, and offer feedback.

gu-bizinfosessionEvent logistics

WHEN

Thursday, November 12 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

WHERE

Pegasus Room at the Flying Horse Center
5534 Pulaski Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19144

QUESTIONS?

GUCDC Office: 215-856-4303
Emaleigh Doley, Commercial Corridor Manager: [email protected]

First Niagara Foundation color logo

GU’s Business Info Session series is made possible with support from First Niagara Foundation.

  • August 16, 2023

Germantown Business Community Workshop March 30

We’re organizing a series of workshops and general meetings for new and existing businesses in Germantown. Our first event is a virtual workshop on Thursday, March 30 at 5:30pm. Register on Zoom: https://bit.ly/gubizmar23. We’ll be joined by guest presenters from the Urban League of Philadelphia, The Business Center, and the City’s Commerce Department to talk about lending opportunities, grants, and other resources specifically for small businesses. A Q&A will follow.

Questions? Contact Matthew George at 215-856-4303 Ext. 5 or [email protected].

  • August 16, 2023

Buy Local Germantown shopping campaign

Buy Local Germantown shopping campaign lifts up and shines a light on the important role small businesses play in our community

Happening now through Jan. 2023, the Buy Local Germantown campaign features profiles of local business owners, an inside look at shops and products for sale, special offers and shopping events, pop-ups, and winter holiday celebrations. Also included are ways to support our non-profit infrastructure during the holiday season.

Community-minded businesses are true assets to the neighborhood and our local economy. This is just a small taste of all that Germantown has to offer! Our goal is a simple paradigm shift – you don’t need to always leave the neighborhood to shop, dine, give, enjoy time with friends and family. Spend your dollars here to support positive change and sustain revitalization.

Business owner Crystal Jackson shows off a sweatshirt at Perfectly Flawless (5312 Germantown Ave) to Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022. This black-owned boutique sells sophisticated, edgy, women’s apparel. Photo by Steven CW Taylor, Ubuntu Fine Art.

Join the movement

Easy ways residents, businesses and organizations can help spread the word about the importance of buying and giving locally!

1. Share the link to the Buy Local Germantown page on social media, in emails, texts with your friends and neighbors and encourage them to buy local! New businesses are added daily. Remember, this is just a partial list. Germantown is home to hundreds of terrific small businesses. You can do your part to keep dollars in our community by shopping at any small business in Germantown.
2. Use the campaign hashtag #BuyLocalGermantown! Businesses, use the tag in posts about your business and available products. Shoppers, tag to show off purchases and share your fave businesses.
3. Get to know local business owners and organizations, and see what they have to offer, follow the campaign on GU’s Instagram and Facebook pages – like, comment and share our posts. Look out for special newsletters like this (and encourage people in your network to sign-up for GU’s mailing list to get news directly).

A look at participating businesses

Hafiz Sisters Beauty Supply
59 W Chelten Ave, 19144
Black-owned, Family-owned
hafizsistersbeautysupply.com
follow: FB, IG

This shop specializes in Black hair products, tools and accessories, and extensions. It is owned by Attiya Flournoy and Zainab Moore, the Hafiz Sisters! Their husbands, Jerrell Flournoy and Thomas Moore, are co-owners, often working alongside them in the shop. It’s all in the family. In December, the shop will offer special discounts, gift items and baskets for the holidays. They also sell gift cards. Make it your business to support this young, family-owned biz now and year round. 

Aaliyah’s Beautique
6352 Germantown Ave, 19144
267-668-6965
Black-owned, Women-owned
aaliyahsbeautique.com
follow: IG

On Monday, Dec. 19, 12-7PM, stop in for the Sip & Shop experience at Aaliyah’s Beautique. Shop a fabulous selection of jewelry, handbags, apparel and much more for yourself or that favorite someone, while enjoying complimentary wine, hot chocolate, and hors d’oeuvres. Attendees on that day will receive 10% off their entire purchase. Be sure to say hello to business owner Tameka Austin-McGee! While you’re there, check out Aaliyah’s festive window display, decorated with one of GU’s complimentary Seasonal Holiday Decoration Kits! Details on our decorating contest are included below.

The KDD Theatre
5427 Germantown Ave, 19144
267-331-9236
Black-owned, Women-owned
kddtheatre.com, follow: IG

A black box performance space and dance studio. Currently on view through Dec. 20: Supine Horizons, curated by Nicole Pollard. Tickets are free for this immersive installation for rest, resistance and renewal, featuring synthesized sound and projected visuals by local multimedia artist Gralin Hughes, Jr. (Television Sky).
     The KDD Theatre is also home to Kinesics Dance Dynamics dance studio, owned and operated by Kristen Clark. KDD offers structured leveled classes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Modern styles to movers ages 2 through adult.
     Suggested reading: Power nap: ‘Supine Horizons’ promotes the political urgency of taking a break at Germantown installation [WHYY]

Truelove Seeds
trueloveseeds.com, follow: IG

Cyber Monday is over but Germantown businesses reliant on online sales need customers. Truelove Seeds grows 50% of the culturally important, open pollinated vegetable, herb, and flower seeds sold in their catalogue. The rest come from 55 small farms in Philly and beyond, all linked by shared values of community food sovereignty, ancestral seed preservation and sustainable agriculture. You can support by purchasing seeds and print items online. Their beautiful 2023 wall calendar is now on sale!
     Pictured: Co-Founders (and Germantown residents!) Chris Bolden-Newsome and Owen Taylor. Photo by Neal Santos.

If you own a local business (including online, vendors, creators) or non-profit in 19144 or 19138, fill out this questionnaire to join. It’s quick!

About the campaign

Germantown United CDC officially launched the campaign on Small Business Saturday (Nov. 26), kicking off with a walking tour of seven businesses along the Germantown Avenue corridor with Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, his fiancé Letitia Santarelli, and an entourage of city officials and employees, including Councilmember Cindy Bass who represents Germantown, Philadelphia Department of Commerce Director Anne Nadol, and GU’s Executive Director Emaleigh Doley and Business Development Manager Matthew George. The Mayor’s visit was covered by WHYY, generating positive buzz for all of Germantown’s business community. Check out the full story and stream the radio segment featuring interviews with G-town business owners. Thanks to journalist Sammy Caiola for coming out to Germantown!

A brief excerpt from the WHYY story:

Germantown business leaders launched the shopping season with multiple Small Business Saturday events, hoping to entice consumers who might be wary considering signs of a possible economic downturn. The largely-Black neighborhood — which has a rich anti-slavery history — has seen investment and revitalization in recent years, particularly along the Germantown Avenue corridor.

“Really it’s a kept gem in Philadelphia,” said Matthew George, business development manager for the Germantown United Community Development Corporation. He said local businesses have benefited from a combination of neighborhood cleanup efforts and assistance from the City of Philadelphia.

“I’ve seen the energy change,” he said. “I’ve seen the avenue come alive. We always look to these other neighborhoods as, ‘Oh, we should have something like that,’ and what I see is the business owners in this area wanting that as well and creating their own renaissance.”

Access the full story on WHYY >>

Buy Local Germantown
  • August 16, 2023

Save the date! Small Business Saturday is Nov. 26

November 26th is Small Business Saturday – a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities. We know that businesses need our support now more than ever as they continue to navigate, retool and pivot from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. GU is encouraging shoppers and the greater Germantown community to support small businesses in our neighborhood this holiday season and into the New Year, asking folks to share their favorite businesses with friends, discover a new business, and buy local and give local! It is on us to support our businesses and ensure we are doing our part to keep Germantown’s economy healthy.

Tips for Small Business Saturday

  • August 16, 2023

Buy Local Germantown Campaign Business Sign-up Form

To help small businesses in Germantown have a successful winter and holiday season, Germantown United CDC is sponsoring a Buy Local campaign from November 2022 – January 23. We hope you will participate by filling out this form. To accurately and effectively promote your business, we need to know the basics plus info about sales, special events, and hours.

Our promo will be shared on social media and in email newsletters, collective online/print advertising, through our partners, and to the media. Some of the promotion will be thematic such as: Buy Local and Buy Black Sales, Holiday Marketplaces, Small Business Saturday Specials, Pop-ups, Gift Cards, Eating & Catering Spots, etc. 

The campaign will begin with Small Business Saturday on Nov. 26, 2022 and run through Jan. 1, 2023. It is open to all businesses in G-town as a community service. This includes: brick and mortar businesses, e-commerce shops, and entrepreneurs who sell at events. If you are working/making/providing goods and services in Germantown, we want to know about it.

BUSINESS SIGN-UP FORM

There is no deadline for participation. Businesses and events will be added as information is received, but the sooner the better! You can also send updates. At the end of the form, you can upload photos, flyers, etc. If you do not have imagery, please fill out the form first and ask us for assistance. Participating businesses will also receive:

  • print and digital marketing materials for your use
  • official “Shop Small” campaign swag (limited supply)
  • buttons that say “I Love Germantown”
  • canvas tote bags to provide to customers

Questions, comments, ideas? Contact: Matthew George at 215-856-4303 Ext 5 or [email protected]. This program is supported by the City of Philadelphia Department of Commerce.

  • August 16, 2023

Introducing Virtual Zoom Office Hours

Are you interested in connecting with Germantown United CDC to receive assistance in completing grant and loan applications, finding available resources for your business, or just getting answers to general business concerns? Join GU on Zoom for virtual business hours every Tuesday and Thursday where you will be able to speak one-on-one with the Business Development Manger regarding your business concerns. New to Zoom? Scroll down to view a step by step video tutorial on how to download the app and join the meetings.

Virtual Office Hours will take place on Tuesday Mornings from 10:30 A.M.-1:30 P.M. and Thursdays Afternoons from 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Please contact Ibriz Muhammad for a direct invitation.

Follow along with this step by step tutorial on how to download the Zoom app from your computer.

All meetings will be private and you are not required to have your camera on to participate.

  • August 16, 2023

Germantown Winter Window Display Contest

Make Germantown’s commercial district shine this winter!

Businesses with street-facing storefronts are invited to enter the first seasonal window display contest sponsored by Germantown United CDC.

To be eligible, fill out this form by December 19, 2018.

Why should you participate? Neighborhood shopping districts are places of shared memory where the entire Germantown community still comes together to live, work and play. A vibrant, decorated business corridor can attract customers by making the area more enjoyable and inviting. Window displays and other decorations provide an economically efficient way to attract customers, as decorations are generally inexpensive. Register today!

Contest Guidelines

  • Decorate your windows with a holiday, winter, or other seasonal theme.
  • Make sure your window display is visible from the street.
  • Use lights to attract shoppers and visitors.

The 2018 contest is happening now and runs through New Year’s Eve.

Window displays should be ready for judging by December 19, 2018.

Winners will be announced in early January 2019.

All registered businesses/attractions will receive complimentary “I Love Germantown” buttons to distribute to their customers/visitors. “The People’s Choice” winner, determined by citizen votes, will have the option to design a custom button that promotes your business or attraction. This contest will now be held annually. After winning an award, a business will not be eligible to win again the next year (but will be eligible the following year). This will allow multiple businesses the opportunity to win an award.

Questions? Contact Emaleigh Doley at Germantown United CDC.

Registration Form

  • August 16, 2023

New pop-up cleanup campaign hits the streets

Friends of Germantown Northwest and Germantown United CDC are partnering on a new project called “Clean It Up Make It Safe” Germantown Pop-up Cleanup, a public health and safety campaign aimed at litter abatement within Lower Germantown. The grassroots project utilizes pop-up cleanups – volunteer efforts that appear suddenly or unexpectedly – along the commercial district to improve the beauty, cleanliness, and safety of the targeted area, build community, and inspire people to action.

These cleanups are managed by Friends of Germantown Northwest’s Keith Schenck, and supported by GU through the organization’s Lower Germantown Quality of Life Initiative which began in 2017.

How it works

“Clean It Up Make It Safe” events are highly visible flash cleanups within the commercial district and provide sidewalk sweeping, weeding, and litter and cigarette removal. Each cleanup is executed by a large group of volunteers and designed to:

  • Have an an immediate and positive physical impact in the community;
  • Generate excitement and community spirit;
  • Demonstrate leadership by example;
  • Encourage participation in community building; and
  • Challenge residents, merchants, and other stakeholders in greater Germantown to become involved in service and community-driven neighborhood improvement efforts.
Making a difference
Keith Schenck, Friends of Germantown NW

This summer, six pop-up cleanup projects were held.

More than 85 youth volunteers participated in the cleanup program.

Activities included:

  • Curbside cleaning and street sweeping along Germantown Ave, between Seymour St and Penn St
  • Maintenance of vacant lots along the 5100 block of Wakefield St, nearby Mastery Charter Wister Elementary
  • Clean-up of green spaces around street tree bases on Germantown Ave, between Penn St and Coulter St
  • Cleanup at Bringhurst Park, 200 E Bringhurst St, in collaboration with Trades for A Difference, included the installation of new benches, a “Little Free Library” book donation box, and painting of raised beds
  • Curbside cleaning around Mastery Charter Wister Elementary perimeter
Bringhurst Park, 200 E Bringhurst St, in East Germantown
A gold bench, in memory of good neighbor Veronica “Goldie” Wright

All supplies and equipment were provided by the city’s Community Life Improvement Program (CLIP) and purchased locally from Pik-A-Panel Tru Value (5000 Germantown Ave). Gtown Tees (5279 Germantown Ave) provided the “Germantown” hats and custom-printed safety vests.

Lower Germantown Avenue Business Corridor

This project is part of Germantown United CDC’s Lower Germantown Quality of Life Initiative, which began in 2017. The initiative aims to address quality of life issues having a negative effect on the lower Germantown Avenue business corridor, south of Coulter Street to Berkley St at Wayne Junction Station. These issues center on trash and litter, auto and pedestrian traffic safety, nuisance businesses, and crime.

  • August 16, 2023

Seeking Community Organizations, Food Vendors, Art, Craft, and Other Merchants

Germantown United CDC and Historic Germantown are currently seeking community organizations, food vendors, art, craft, and other merchants to participate in the Vendor Marketplace at the 4th annual festival Germantown Second Saturday Festival.

To apply, fill out the registration form below.

Registration closes Friday, April 27. 

Learn more about the Festival and view photos of past events >>