Move, Breathe, Thrive — The Growth of Monarch Yoga

Amid the uncertainty of COVID-19, while many businesses were pausing operations, one small business dared to defy the odds and  set up shop. Monarch Yoga emerged as a respite from the stress and loneliness many of us felt during the pandemic. Michelle Dillon opened Monarch Yoga in June of 2020 to answer the call for

Mixing Business with Family: Cathryn’s Cake Salon Finds Recipe for Sweet Success

In Philadelphia’s West Oak Lane neighborhood, there’s a bakery that’s about more than fresh cakes, pastries, and desserts; it’s about family. Cathryn’s Cake Salon is a testament to the power of family-owned businesses.  Inspired by Fluellen family matriarch Cathryn, the bakery is a true family affair. Cathryn’s Cake Salon is powered by mother Cheryl Foat

Amazing Kidz Academy Celebrates 10 Years in Business

Photo of Founder, Lisa Smith.

It’s no secret that there are lifelong benefits to early childhood education. Children who attend preschool are not only more likely to succeed in kindergarten, they’re successful throughout their entire school experience and beyond. Lisa Smith and Clarence Morris III, co-founders of Amazing Kidz Academy, know how important preschool education is to early childhood development

Spotlighting Black-owned Businesses During Black History Month—and all year long

This Black History Month, we’re honoring the achievements of Black business owners throughout Philadelphia, who help power our city’s economy and provide anchors for our neighborhoods. PIDC works every day to provide business owners the tools, knowledge, connections, and financing they need to reach – and exceed – their business goals.  As a celebration of

Shining a Spotlight on Local Immigrant-owned Businesses

This Immigrant Heritage Month, we honor the diverse cultures and contributions brought forth by immigrants to Philadelphia’s communities by featuring some of our PIDC client businesses that are immigrant-owned. From one of Philadelphia’s first all-grain brew-pubs to a manufacturing company producing 100% nutritional vegan foods, these businesses weave their heritage into the fabric of their

Client Feature: Highway Construction Company Olivieri & Associates Expands by Purchasing Available Land in Eastwick

PIDC client, Olivieri & Associates, is a woman-owned heavy-highway construction company founded in 1999 with notable projects that include the historic street reconstruction of the 300 block of South Philip Street, which won the 2019 Preservation Achievement Award from the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia. Olivieri & Associates also just completed the PennDOT Riverfront Gateway Sidewalk Design Project along

Client Feature: H&Mcare Breaks Ground on $13M Project for Home Care Support Services

Last month, PIDC client H&Mcare – a Black- and immigrant-owned home care support services business – celebrated a groundbreaking at 71st and Woodland Streets in Southwest Philadelphia. The $13 million project will provide critical services for the community, including housing to more than 22 individuals over the age of 65, an urgent care, a pharmacy, and residential

Client Feature: Made Institute Fashion School Celebrates 10 Years in Business

Made Institute Fashion School CEO, Rachel Ford, started teaching couture sewing classes out of her live/work loft space in the Old City neighborhood in 2012. She wanted to share techniques she had learned working 10 years at the Philadelphia Opera to this city’s growing number of makers and designers.   Now, after 10 years in business, Made

PIDC Client Spotlight: Silvia’s Bakery

PIDC client Silvia’s Bakery is a Hispanic-, immigrant-, woman-owned bakery that specializes in making Dominican cake, Hispanic desserts, custom cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and cake pops from scratch.  Owner Silvia Paulino grew up in a family of entrepreneurs. Her mother was a seamstress, and her father owned a grocery store in the Dominican Republic in which she often

CLIENT FEATURE: YOWIE

PIDC client YOWIE is a Black-, woman-, and millennial-owned home and life shop focused on curating small collections from founder Shannon Maldonado’s friends, independent artists, and designers. Founded in 2016 as an online business, YOWIE attracted a cult following for its eclectic items and workshops and events. Shannon relocated from New York City to open