45 Years at PIDC: Maryann McCann’s Front-Row Seat to Philadelphia’s Growth

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For 45 years, Maryann McCann has had a front-row seat to Philadelphia’s transformation. Born and raised in the city’s Grays Ferry neighborhood, McCann has spent her entire career at PIDC, starting in 1981 as a secretary and working her way through a variety of roles before becoming a GIS Administrator. Along the way, she has

Uniform Gear Secures Its Philadelphia Home After 25 Years

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For more than 25 years, Uniform Gear has been outfitting the people who serve Philadelphia and the surrounding region. Founded in 2001 by Philadelphia police officer James Weldon Jr., the family-owned business has grown from selling shoes and accessories out of a garage and truck to operating three locations across the region. After graduating from

How Business Ownership Can Build Generational Wealth for Philadelphia Families

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For many entrepreneurs, owning a business is about more than making a living—it’s about building a future. A successful business can create financial stability today and lay the foundation for greater opportunities tomorrow. It can become an asset that grows in value, supports a family, and is passed down to children and grandchildren, giving the

How Mural City Cellars Built Philadelphia’s First Urban Winery

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When Francesca Galarus and Nicholas Ducos set out to open Philadelphia’s first urban winery, their goal went far beyond winemaking. They envisioned a community hub rooted in local agriculture, art, and connection. Founded in 2021, Mural City Cellars was born from that vision. After years working in hospitality, the pair saw an opportunity to bring

A Family Business Built on Innovation: The CLIQ Jewelry Story

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For more than three decades, CLIQ Jewelry has been redefining what’s possible in the fine jewelry industry. Founded in 1993 by Gena and Paul Alulis, the Philadelphia-based manufacturer was built on a simple observation: while many everyday products have evolved to better fit people’s needs, rings remained largely unchanged. “With a background in the fine

The People Behind the Projects: PIDC’s Lending Team

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When people think about business growth in Philadelphia, they often picture storefronts expanding, new equipment arriving, or a long-envisioned project finally breaking ground. But behind each of those milestones is something less visible but absolutely essential—capital. PIDC’s Lending Team plays a central role in making capital accessible for business owners across the city.  They’re problem-solvers,

B Balanced CPA Is Redefining Accounting for Purpose-Driven Organizations

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For B Balanced CPA (BBCPA), accounting is about so much more than balancing spreadsheets — it’s about helping mission-driven organizations build the financial stability they need to create lasting change. Founded in 2022, this Philadelphia-based firm partners with nonprofits, small businesses, and purpose-centered organizations to align their financial strategies with their values and long-term goals.

5 Signs Your Philadelphia Business Is Ready to Grow

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Running a small business means constantly balancing the day-to-day with long-term goals. For many Philadelphia entrepreneurs, growth doesn’t happen all at once, it starts with small signs that your business may be ready for its next chapter. Whether that means hiring more staff, expanding your space, purchasing equipment, or taking on larger contracts, growth requires