PIDC BLOG

Partner Spotlight

September 24, 2024

Meet Kersy Azocar, Cornerstone of PIDC’s Business Builder Workshops en Español

In October 2021, PIDC introduced Business Builder Workshops en Español, Spanish-language workshops led by Hispanic and Latino(a) professionals. These much needed business support workshops address a wide variety of business challenges faced by Hispanic and Latino(a) business owners. To date, PIDC has held 40+ Business Builder Workshops en Español, and it would not have been

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Scholarship

September 24, 2024

PIDC Announces Recipients of the 2024 PIDC-D’Alessio Scholarship for Urban Development

PIDC is proud to announce the sixth-round recipients of the PIDC-D’Alessio Scholarship for Urban Development. The scholarship was launched in 2019 to support graduate students at Philadelphia schools seeking to pursue a career in urban development and finance. The scholarship was created by PIDC in recognition of M. Walter D’Alessio’s decades of commitment and leadership

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AAPI

September 23, 2024

How Queen & Rook Mastered the Game of Small Business Success

In the age of smartphones, streaming services, and video games, it’s easy to forget the charm of face-to-face interactions and the simple joy of sitting down to play a board game. But there’s a place in Philadelphia that is keeping the beauty of board games alive: Queen & Rook Game Cafe.  Queen & Rook opened

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Business Tips & Resources

September 20, 2024

How to Protect Your Philly Small Business from Predatory Lending Practices

Funding is critical to the success and scalability of small businesses. Business owners need access to adequate funding for a variety of needs, including payroll, utilities, inventory purchases, and technology to name a few. Because financing is necessary for business growth, bad actors use predatory lending practices to take advantage of hard working small business

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Press Release

September 19, 2024

PIDC Announces It Has Received A $55 Million Allocation In Federal New Markets Tax Credits

The 9th award for PIDC Community Capital for a total of $473 million in New Markets Tax Credit allocations over 16 years For Immediate Release: September 19, 2024 Contact: Kevin Lessard, PIDCSVP, Marketing Communications & Government Today, PIDC—Philadelphia’s public-private economic development corporation—announced its CDFI subsidiary, PIDC Community Capital, was awarded $55 million in New

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Funding Update

August 29, 2024

Looking Back At PIDC’s COVID-19 Response 

PIDC has a 65-year history of leading Philadelphia’s economy through periods of economic change. In March 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the city to restrict in-person activities to curb the disease’s spread, PIDC promptly sprung into action, marshaling our capital to assist businesses in navigating an unparalleled crisis. PIDC developed the Restart PHL Loan

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Business Tips & Resources

August 29, 2024

How to Build an Effective Advisory Board for Small Businesses

Small businesses are becoming the world’s most growing type of business whether people are selling digital products, services, sweet treats, or clothing. The journey of starting and operating a small business is exciting yet challenging. You wear many hats, acting as CEO, accountant, marketer, sales representative, customer service agent—the list goes on.  As a business

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Business Tips & Resources

August 29, 2024

Succession Planning Strategies for Philadelphia Small Business Owners

Philadelphia’s small businesses are the backbone of the city’s economy, providing jobs, contributing to local culture, and driving community development. However, as business owners approach retirement or consider stepping away from their day-to-day roles, the question of what comes next becomes critical. Without a clear succession plan, even the most successful business can face challenges

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Black-Owned

August 29, 2024

Shop PHL: Black-Owned Businesses

Shopping at Black-owned businesses is a powerful way to support economic equality in your own neighborhood. Approximately 40 percent of Philadelphians are Black or African American, according to the 2020 census, yet they only account for 5.4 percent of businesses in the city. At PIDC, we’re continually working with our partners to increase that number

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Business Tips & Resources

July 18, 2024

How to register as a minority-, woman-, or disabled-owned business in Philadelphia

Obtaining your certifications as a woman, minority, or disabled business enterprise (M/W/DSBE) can help grow your business and open new opportunities including government contracts, procurement programs, and networking opportunities. PIDC supports entrepreneurs and fosters a community that benefits Philadelphians from all backgrounds. That’s why we put together this guide to help you understand and navigate

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Business Tips & Resources

July 18, 2024

11 Low-Cost Marketing Ideas for Small Business Owners

Marketing is critical to the success of your small business. It is often a prospective customer’s first impression and helps your business build awareness, attract customers, and drive sales. Effective marketing allows you to contend with competitors by establishing a strong brand and displaying what makes you unique. Small business owners often neglect marketing because

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Walt D'allesio

July 3, 2024

Remembering Walt D’Alessio: A Legacy of Vision, Dedication and Partnership

Updated 8/29/24 Celebrate the wonderful life of Walter D’Alessio. A memorial service honoring the life, legacy, and impact of Walt will take place on September 26th at 4pm. More information can be found here. Dear PIDC Stakeholders, It is with a heavy heart that we share the sad news of the passing of Walter D’Alessio,

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LGBTQ

June 26, 2024

Get to Know IBA, Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce

The population of LGBTQ+-owned businesses and organizations in the Greater Philadelphia area continues to grow, and resources for businesses and organizations are needed more than ever. PIDC partner Independence Business Alliance (IBA) serves as Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ business resource hub, helping bring to life the dreams and aspirations of entrepreneurs in the LGBTQ+ community.  We asked

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Team Members

June 26, 2024

Elevating PIDC’s Queer Employees & Allies During Pride Month

June is Pride Month, a celebration and commemoration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer pride. PIDC is committed to fostering a workplace culture where diverse talent can flourish and employees, regardless of background, identity, or circumstance, feel valued, accepted, and supported to succeed at work. With a team that mirrors the city we support,

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LGBTQ

June 26, 2024

Shop PHL: LGBTQ-owned

Looking for ways to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community in Philadelphia? One of the best ways to do that is by shopping at LGBTQ-owned businesses. By choosing to support LGBTQ+-owned businesses, you are contributing to a more equitable and vibrant city.  PIDC is proud to highlight some of our clients offering products and services

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June 25, 2024

Driving Growth Throughout Philadelphia: PIDC’s 2023 Annual Review

We’re pleased to present PIDC’s 2023 Annual Review, highlighting our commitment to driving economic growth and fostering equitable development across Philadelphia last year. Despite the challenges posed by the global landscape, we have remained resilient, adaptive, and proactive in our efforts to support small businesses, spur real estate developments, facilitate lending, and administer grants for

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Team Members

June 21, 2024

Meet PIDC’s New Team Members – Summer 2024

PIDC keeps growing! We’re excited to announce the addition of several talented individuals to our team. They bring with them decades of experience across a wide range of industries and organizations, including economic development, energy management, and finance. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise will help us continue to drive economic growth and foster development all

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Business Tips & Resources

May 29, 2024

Mental Health Matters — Self-Care Tips for Small Business Owners

Running a small business can be demanding. You’re often working long hours and handling a multitude of responsibilities. With so much going on, it can be difficult to prioritize your mental wellbeing. But if you place your mental health on the back burner, it can have damaging effects. A study from Small Biz Silver Lining

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