Tell your Philadelphia small business story!

Small business may not yet be considered the backbone of Philadelphia’s economy, but they are without a doubt central to the city’s vibrant neighborhoods and culture.

That’s why Technical.ly is setting out to highlight entrepreneurs from all 48 neighborhood zip codes and dig into what it means to build a business here. The project is part of the Grow Philly strategic priority outlined by the Philadelphia Department of Commerce.

If you’re a Philly-based small business owner, we want your perspective. Fill out our Grow Philly interest form by June 30 for a chance to be featured. 

Why small business matters

Cities everywhere are rethinking their economic development strategies. Instead of throwing all their resources at landing giant corporations, many have found that investing in local entrepreneurship pays off in more sustainable growth.

As of 2023, the number of small businesses operating in the city stands at about 90% of pre-pandemic levels, according to a Pew Trusts Business Recovery Dashboard. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s administration in February announced a $5 million Small Business Catalyst Fund, aimed at helping local ventures finish rebounding from the pandemic and scale up when they’re ready.

In Philadelphia, more than 80% of businesses employ fewer than 20 people, according to a 2017 report by the Economy League. The Chamber of Commerce initiative called Select Greater Philadelphia is all about making small and mid-sized companies a key driver of job creation across the region. 

Rather than luring big brands that might leave as soon as they can wrangle a more favorable deal, supporting homegrown founders keeps economic benefits closer to the communities that need them most. It’s an approach that lines up with broader civic goals, including inclusive growth and equitable access to resources.

The highs and lows of doing business here

Ask around and you’ll hear about the tough side of Philly’s small business scene. Complex regulations and tight profit margins can feel like constant hurdles. 

And not every entrepreneur has equal access to capital or mentorship — especially those operating outside more recognized corridors like Center City or University City. The Commerce Department has tried to address these gaps with its Mayor’s Business Action Team, offering hands-on assistance to help entrepreneurs navigate permits and approvals. 

On the flip side, Philadelphia’s distinct neighborhood culture can be a major asset. Loyal customer bases, strong local pride and an ever-growing network of incubators and accelerators help many founders build momentum. Word of mouth travels fast, and tapping into the right community or alumni network can open doors in unexpected ways. 

With new development happening in all corners of the city, and a wealth of potential partners looking to collaborate, small business owners who connect can find a highly receptive market.

Grow Philly: Storytelling that connects

At Technical.ly, we’ve seen firsthand how putting a spotlight on local business owners can jumpstart conversations, attract new customers and spark ideas for policymakers. Throughout the year, we’ll be traveling across the city to interview and photograph the founders behind everything from beloved mom-and-pop shops to rapidly scaling startups.

The result? A series of in-depth features that capture the everyday realities of running a business in Philadelphia: the joys, the headaches and the unpredictable twists.

It’s not just about the founders, though. These stories can also help neighbors discover hidden treasures in their own backyard and remind officials which challenges need the most urgent attention.

How to be part of it

If you’re proud of what you’ve built in Philly and want to inspire others, take a moment to fill out the Grow Philly interest form by June 30. Share your business details, tell us how long you’ve been at it, and let us know if you’d be open to a photo or video session. We’ll keep you updated as coverage rolls out throughout the rest of the year.

And while you’re at it, subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on Philly’s entrepreneurial world. We’ll be spotlighting not just the founding stories, but also the lessons that can help other local visionaries get ahead. 

After all, Philadelphia’s future doesn’t just belong to major corporations — it belongs to the corner restaurants, the creative pop-ups, the civic historians and the scrappy upstarts that make each neighborhood its own patch in the living, breathing fabric of the city.