Business Tips & Resources
May 20, 2025
A Business Owner’s Guide to Purchasing Commercial Property in Philadelphia
Acquiring commercial real estate in Philadelphia can be a powerful way to grow your business and build long-term wealth. Whether you’re planning to purchase the space your business already operates out of or you’re considering moving to a new neighborhood, owning your property puts you in control. And as one of the hottest real estate
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May 13, 2025
Creating a Mentally Healthy Workplace: Practical Steps for Small Businesses
Running a small business means juggling a lot—from keeping customers happy to managing day-to-day operations. But an important area that’s often overlooked is the wellbeing of you and your employees. While larger companies often have dedicated HR teams or employee wellness programs, small business owners may be working on tight budgets and limited knowledge. The
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March 4, 2025
What Is An Aeris® Rating & Why Is It Important for Borrowers?
When searching for a lender, business owners should make sure they’re working with a well-managed and financially stable institution. An Aeris® Rating can provide insight into the trustworthiness of a lending organization. What is an Aeris® Rating?Aeris® Ratings are independent financial assessments used to evaluate the performance of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). These evaluations
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January 28, 2025
New Annual Reporting Requirement for Pennsylvania Businesses
New Annual Reporting Requirements for Pennsylvania businesses went into effect on January 1, 2025, after the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania passed Act 122 in 2022. This Act requires Pennsylvania-based businesses and those registered to do business in Pennsylvania to file an Annual Report with the Pennsylvania Department of State. Who is required to file an Annual
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December 18, 2024
How to Set Impactful Business Goals for the New Year
The beginning of every year is a perfect time to reflect on the past and set a clear course for the future of your business. Whether you’re looking to scale up, refine your operations, or explore new markets or growth opportunities, goal setting is a foundation for success. Setting goals isn’t just creating a list
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November 21, 2024
10 Ways to Support Small Businesses in Philadelphia This Holiday Season
Supporting small businesses during the holiday season is one of the best ways to give back to your community and find unique, heartfelt gifts that stand out. When you shop local, you’re investing in your own neighborhood and helping local entrepreneurs thrive, while supporting countless local jobs. PIDC knows how important our local small businesses
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October 24, 2024
Mastering the Holiday Hustle: Tips to Make Your Philadelphia Small Business Shine This Season
The holidays are fast approaching and if you haven’t already, it’s time to start preparing your small business for the busiest shopping season of the year. The holidays are not just a festive time of year—they’re also crucial for small businesses, offering you the chance to boost sales, attract new customers, and strengthen your business’s
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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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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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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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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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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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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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May 29, 2024
Resources for AAPI Business Owners
PIDC is committed to helping businesses and nonprofits in every corner of Philadelphia grow, including those that are Asian American- and Pacific Islander-owned or operated. In recognition of AAPI Heritage Month, we compiled a list of resources designed to empower AAPI business owners and nonprofit leaders. These resources are tailored to help you navigate challenges
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March 20, 2024
7 Tips for You to Succeed in Your Internship With PIDC
As the 2023-2024 school year comes to an end, it is time to start applying for internships. Landing an internship in your desired field of work can help you decide what will be the right fit, improve your skill sets with hands-on experience, expand your network, and gain critical experience in working with a team.
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February 27, 2024
New Reporting Requirements for Businesses under the Corporate Transparency Act
JAN. 27, 2025 UPDATE: On January 23, 2025, the Supreme Court stayed the preliminary injunction issued by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. However, a separate nationwide injunction was issued by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas on January 7, 2025. Reporting requirements under the CTA remain
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June 28, 2023
Resources for LGBTQ+ Business Owners
Updated June 17, 2024 PIDC is committed to helping businesses and nonprofits in every corner of Philadelphia grow, including those that are LGBTQ+-owned or operated. In recognition of Pride Month, we compiled a list of resources designed to empower LGBTQ+ business owners and nonprofit leaders. These resources are tailored to help you navigate challenges and
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July 22, 2021
Comprehensive Report Identifies Current Gaps & Critical Steps To Level The Playing Field For Entrepreneurs Of Color In Philadelphia
Local Entities Seek to Address Fundamental Barriers to Wealth Faced by BIPOC-Owned Businesses and Identify Concrete Course of Action Forward PHILADELPHIA, PA — In an effort initiated as one of the priorities in the City’s inclusive growth plan, “Growing with Equity,” and intensified amid widespread calls for racial justice and the COVID-19 pandemic, a team
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