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.

1. More than 80% of businesses employ fewer than 20 people, according to a 2017 report by the Economy League.
2. 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.
3. Supporting local founders keeps economic benefits closer to the communities that need them most.

This approach lines up with broader civic goals, including inclusive growth and equitable access to resources. By keeping economic benefits local, cities can foster a more equitable and sustainable economy.

The Highs and Lows of Doing Business in Philly

“It’s not easy being a small business owner in Philly. The regulations can be complex, and the profit margins are tight. But there’s also a sense of community and support that can be hard to find in other cities.”

— Emily Wilson, owner of Emily Wilson’s Coffee Shop
The challenges faced by small business owners in Philadelphia are real. 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. However, 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.

1. Complex regulations and tight profit margins can be challenging for small business owners.
2. Access to capital and mentorship can be limited, especially for those operating outside of recognized corridors.
3. Philadelphia’s neighborhood culture can provide a strong support system for entrepreneurs.

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.

1. We’ll be sharing in-depth features that capture the everyday realities of running a business in Philadelphia.
2. We’ll also be highlighting the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and the solutions that can help.
3. These stories can 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.

1. F fill out the Grow Philly interest form by June 30.
2. Share your business details, including how long you’ve been in business.
3. Let us know if you’d be open to a photo or video session.

By sharing your story, you can help inspire others and contribute to the growth of Philadelphia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Philadelphia’s Future Belongs to Small Business

After all, the city’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.
Appendix
Appendix

Definitions

The $5 million fund announced by Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s administration to help local ventures finish rebounding from the pandemic and scale up when they’re ready.

The Chamber of Commerce initiative that aims to make small and mid-sized companies a key driver of job creation across the region.

The project initiated by Technical.ly to highlight entrepreneurs from all 48 neighborhood zip codes and dig into what it means to build a business in Philadelphia.

The Commerce Department’s initiative to offer hands-on assistance to help entrepreneurs navigate permits and approvals.

The programs that provide resources and support to entrepreneurs, helping them build momentum and grow their businesses.

The broader civic goals of inclusive growth and equitable access to resources that align with supporting local entrepreneurship.

The approach to economic development that prioritizes the needs of all members of the community, ensuring that economic benefits are shared equitably.

The principle of providing equal access to resources, such as capital, mentorship, and support, to all entrepreneurs, regardless of their background or location.

References

Cited Sources

1. Pew Trusts Business Recovery Dashboard, 2023
2. Economy League, 2017
3. Mayor’s Business Action Team, 2023

Cited References

1. Emily Wilson, owner of Emily Wilson’s Coffee Shop, interview.

At Technical.ly, we’re passionate about telling the stories of local entrepreneurs and highlighting the challenges they face. By sharing these stories, we hope to inspire others and contribute to the growth of Philadelphia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Join the conversation and share your story by filling out the Grow Philly interest form by June 30. Together, we can build a brighter future for Philadelphia’s small businesses and the communities they serve.

Philadelphia’s Future Doesn’t Just Belong to Small Business

After all, the city’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.
Appendix
Appendix

Technical.ly’s Grow Philly Project

A New Approach to Economic Development

By focusing on local entrepreneurship, Technical.ly is taking a new approach to economic development that prioritizes the needs of the community and promotes inclusive growth.
With the Grow Philly project, Technical.ly aims to highlight the stories of local business owners and shed light on the challenges they face, from navigating complex regulations to accessing resources and support.
By doing so, Technical.ly hopes to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and contribute to the growth of Philadelphia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Join Technical.ly on this journey and share your story by filling out the Grow Philly interest form by June 30.

Why Small Business Matters

Small businesses are the backbone of Philadelphia’s neighborhoods and culture.