Resources

Resources

From grant programs, to support with city services, to connecting with your area’s business services manager, explore a wealth of resources designed to empower and assist small business owners – all offered for free from the Philadelphia Department of Commerce.

Pennsylvania Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS)

Whether starting or expanding a business, the Business One-Stop Shop from the state of Pennsylvania is a useful guide to doing business in the state and provides useful information and helpful resources to help you work smart and live happy.

Philadelphia Department of Commerce

From grant programs, to support with city services, to connecting with your area’s business services manager, explore a wealth of resources designed to empower and assist small business owners – all offered for free from the Commerce Department

Articles & Blog Posts

Financial Planning for Black Business Owners – Zenith Wealth Partners shares resources for business owners, including this recorded webinar for those who want to enhance their financial awareness. Key topics include budgeting, KPIs, taxes, and retirement planning. Learn More


Business Owner Checklist – This checklist from Zenith Wealth Partners is meticulously crafted to help entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of business management, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks. Learn More


Latest Grants, Programs and Resources for Small business – The City of Philadelphia provide a resource where they share grant opportunities from local and national sponsors. Learn More


How to Manage all City Taxes for Your Business in one site – learn where to view, file and pay all Philadelphia City taxes and fees in one location. Learn More


Six Emergency Preparedness Tips for Local Businesses – the City of Philadelphia provides a guide in case of emergencies or crises. Learn More

Other Grant Resources

  • Hello Alice – Discover small business grants for every stage of your small business adventure, recommended based on your unique profile and delivered to your inbox weekly
  • PA CDFI Network – This program aims at supporting socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who own at least a 51% interest and control management and daily business operations and meet the definition of “targeted population” as defined by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
  • JVS Fund for Women – The goal is to assist women-led enterprises to mature and grow by providing a source of capital to women growth enterprises, leveraging the experience of established women leaders to provide consulting and advisory services, and connecting women CEOs to resources to accelerate their growth.

Stay updated

Connect with The Merchants Fund on social media to stay updated on grant cycles, applications, and inspiring grantee stories.


We are excited to announce that the Spring cycle of our ‘2024 Stabilization Grant Program’ is now live!

Stabilization Grants provide funding of up to $10,000 to help a business stabilize in the face of adversity, take advantage of an opportunity to grow, or increase profitability.

Visit merchantsfund.org/grants/stabilization for more info and when you’re ready to apply, click the link in our bio! 

#phillysupportphilly #phillymerchants #phillysmallbusiness

We are excited to announce that the Spring cycle of our ‘2024 Stabilization Grant Program’ is now live!

Stabilization Grants provide funding of up to $10,000 to help a business stabilize in the face of adversity, take advantage of an opportunity to grow, or increase profitability.

Visit merchantsfund.org/grants/stabilization for more info and when you’re ready to apply, click the link in our bio!

#phillysupportphilly #phillymerchants #phillysmallbusiness



Vientiane Cafe is known to locals as a Lao and Thai fusion restaurant. Established in 2002, it became the first restaurant in the Philadelphia area to offer Lao dishes with a twist. The bistro’s rich history combined with their commitment to utilize their grant to improve their business and the community around them earns them this week’s inspiring grantee spotlight.
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#smallbusiness #phillymerchants #smallbusinessupport #equitableaccess #diverseentrepreneurs 
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Check out @vientianebistro at their West Philly and Kensington locations to see for yourself how this inspiring grantee continues to thrive.

Vientiane Cafe is known to locals as a Lao and Thai fusion restaurant. Established in 2002, it became the first restaurant in the Philadelphia area to offer Lao dishes with a twist. The bistro’s rich history combined with their commitment to utilize their grant to improve their business and the community around them earns them this week’s inspiring grantee spotlight.
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#smallbusiness #phillymerchants #smallbusinessupport #equitableaccess #diverseentrepreneurs
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Check out @vientianebistro at their West Philly and Kensington locations to see for yourself how this inspiring grantee continues to thrive.




Enjoy all-you-can eat authentic Mexican food from some of the best restaurants in town all in one location at Bok on Thursday, September 28th at 6:00 pm. The 2nd Annual Taco Fiesta is a celebration of Mexican cuisine and culture in support of the work of the Association of Mexican Business Owners of Philadelphia. Desserts, aguas frescas, giveaways, live music and a fashion design performance included!
Be sure to invite your friends and colleagues to network while supporting our mission to empower immigrant-owned businesses in Philadelphia.
Thank you to our participating restaurants!

o Adelita Mexican Taqueria & Restaurant 
o Alma del Mar
o El Mezcal Cantina
o Los 4 Soles
o Los Taquitos de Puebla
o Marco's Fish & Crab House
o Mole Poblano Restaurant
o PhillyTacos
o Tamalex Resturant
o Taqueria Morales
o Tortilleria San Roman

Link in bio!

Enjoy all-you-can eat authentic Mexican food from some of the best restaurants in town all in one location at Bok on Thursday, September 28th at 6:00 pm. The 2nd Annual Taco Fiesta is a celebration of Mexican cuisine and culture in support of the work of the Association of Mexican Business Owners of Philadelphia. Desserts, aguas frescas, giveaways, live music and a fashion design performance included!
Be sure to invite your friends and colleagues to network while supporting our mission to empower immigrant-owned businesses in Philadelphia.
Thank you to our participating restaurants!

o Adelita Mexican Taqueria & Restaurant
o Alma del Mar
o El Mezcal Cantina
o Los 4 Soles
o Los Taquitos de Puebla
o Marco`s Fish & Crab House
o Mole Poblano Restaurant
o PhillyTacos
o Tamalex Resturant
o Taqueria Morales
o Tortilleria San Roman

Link in bio!



“Marcos and Alma own a beloved, local seafood spot in South Philly — @marcosfishandcrabhouse — and are also known for also being featured on Season 5 of Queer Eye on Netflix! Down the street, Nacho owns another loved Mexican-owned business named — "Taquitos de Puebla" and serves a very special Sopa Azteca, grilled nopales, and other exquisite Mexican dishes.

Both businesses have unfortunately been victims of vandalism and recently had their vehicles stolen in the summer of 2023. One was a refrigerated truck, which has been especially difficult for 'Marco's Fish' as their fish is fresh each day and requires transit to the restaurant. Now, without the truck, Marcos and Alma's business is at stake. Nacho also cannot make required pickups for his restaurant's ingredients.” 

Link in bio to donate

“Marcos and Alma own a beloved, local seafood spot in South Philly — @marcosfishandcrabhouse — and are also known for also being featured on Season 5 of Queer Eye on Netflix! Down the street, Nacho owns another loved Mexican-owned business named — "Taquitos de Puebla" and serves a very special Sopa Azteca, grilled nopales, and other exquisite Mexican dishes.

Both businesses have unfortunately been victims of vandalism and recently had their vehicles stolen in the summer of 2023. One was a refrigerated truck, which has been especially difficult for `Marco`s Fish` as their fish is fresh each day and requires transit to the restaurant. Now, without the truck, Marcos and Alma`s business is at stake. Nacho also cannot make required pickups for his restaurant`s ingredients.”

Link in bio to donate



We’re a proud recipient of @phillysjunited’s Partnership Grant Program. And we’re in great company! TMF is one of 100 grantees from a diverse network of organizations in Greater Philadelphia whose work helps people and families thrive. Learn more > https://unitedforimpact.org/nonprofit-partners/

We’re a proud recipient of @phillysjunited’s Partnership Grant Program. And we’re in great company! TMF is one of 100 grantees from a diverse network of organizations in Greater Philadelphia whose work helps people and families thrive. Learn more > https://unitedforimpact.org/nonprofit-partners/



Six months ago, @leesdeliphilly was destroyed. With grit, determination, and a community of support behind them, they re-opened last week.

Six months ago, @leesdeliphilly was destroyed. With grit, determination, and a community of support behind them, they re-opened last week.



Our spring grant cycle is now open! Application and eligibility requirements can be found at the link in our bio. This cycle will be open until 11:59pm on 5/31/23. #smallbusiness #phillysmallbusiness

Our spring grant cycle is now open! Application and eligibility requirements can be found at the link in our bio. This cycle will be open until 11:59pm on 5/31/23. #smallbusiness #phillysmallbusiness



Check out this story about @cosmicphilly in @phillyinquirer! #smallbusiness #supportsmallbusiness #phillysmallbusiness #philly

Check out this story about @cosmicphilly in @phillyinquirer! #smallbusiness #supportsmallbusiness #phillysmallbusiness #philly