Culture, Love, & Business – This is El Coquí

Image of person.

El Coquí’s story began in 2009 when Yazmin Auli, a self-taught baker, turned her love for baking into a business. While working at Congreso de Latinos Unidos in Philadelphia, her coworkers enjoyed her delicious desserts, which she made for office potlucks and celebrations. Encouraged by the growing demand and love from her coworkers, Yazmin decided

How Fireball Printing Grew Its Business and Impact in Philadelphia

Image of people.

If you’ve ever bought a perfect art print, been inspired by sharp signage, or flipped through a printed brochure, you know the power of high-quality printing. At Fireball Printing, it’s about more than just ink and paper—it’s about transforming ideas into lasting impressions. Started by Catherine Dentino and Paul Yavarone Jr. in 2008, Fireball Printing

Elevating Every Occasion—How Martha Santos Makes Events Shine

Image of person.

M Santos Interiors LLC turns moments into memories. Founded in 2018 by Martha Santos, this interior design and event planning company specializes in cohesive and visually stunning events. What began as a teenage passion for decorating has blossomed into a successful business that’s redefining Greater Philadelphia’s events industry.   Santos has a background in interior design

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

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

Mayfair Family Dentistry—Creating Smiles and Fostering Community

Healthy oral hygiene is critical, not just for a winning smile, but for your general health and wellness. From preventing and treating cavities to detecting early signs of diseases like diabetes and cancers, dentists play a crucial role in our health. Mayfair Family Dentistry is a mainstay in the Mayfair neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia. The

PIDC plays key role in the development of ACANA’s Africa Center

Southwest Philadelphia’s Africatown is a thriving commercial and cultural corridor for the city’s booming immigrant populations from Liberia, Senegal, and other African and Caribbean countries. ACANA, the African Cultural Alliance of North America, is at the forefront of development in the community. The nonprofit recently started construction of the Africa Center, a social services and

Beyond Beauty — Hair Du Jour Salon’s Journey to Success

Photo of owner in her salon.

Hair Du Jour Salon is a cut above the rest. Inspired by her aunt’s support and the desire to provide others with the opportunities she had, Ann Turner embarked on her entrepreneurial journey, establishing her West Philadelphia salon in 2015.  This black-owned salon takes inclusivity seriously. With a commitment to quality services for anyone, Hair

Unleashing the Potential of Wag Days Philly

Image of Wag Day staff and dog.

If you’ve taken a stroll through any Philadelphia neighborhood lately, you’ve likely noticed you’re sharing the sidewalk with more than just your neighborhood humans. Dogs rule this city, with pups living in almost one-third of all homes in Philly. Anyone with a dog knows they’re more than just a pet, they’re family. So, when you