Small businesses along the 4700 block of Spruce Street are closing to make way for a 12-story apartment building.

The City’s Department of Licenses and Inspections issued a zoning permit on December 30 for a 170-unit building that will include some 37,000 square feet of commercial space on the first and second floors. The building, which will include three roof decks, will occupy nearly the entire south side of Spruce Street between 47th and 48th Streets.

Businesses have already begun closing or relocating to make way for the building. Ezra’s Auto Repair at the corner of 48th and Spruce (see photo below) has already relocated to Baltimore Avenue and businesses in the low rise strip to the east began closing late last year. Continue Reading

When shopping for holiday gifts this month please remember to support small local businesses. This year it’s more important than ever because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which cut down revenues at many local restaurants and shops by as much as 90 percent. On top of that, many neighborhood businesses have been struggling to stay open after this year’s civil unrest.

Gift cards from local shops and restaurants is a great idea for a holiday gift and you can buy them safely online at many businesses. Please check your local business association or neighborhood community organization for more information on businesses in your area, such as Baltimore Avenue Business Association, Lancaster Avenue Business Association, 52nd Street Commercial Corridor, Garden Court Community Association, Cedar Park Neighbors, and more.  Continue Reading

If you haven’t had a chance to participate in Indie-Life’s holiday shopping campaign that supports small and minority businesses there’s still time to do it through this Sunday. Indie-Life, a West Philly based creative agency and co-working/event space, launched the 10-day campaign, called “Black Friday Is Cancelled” (BFIC) on November 27th.

“Our BFIC campaign is solidly built on three pillars: Shop small and buy local, invest in your community, and invest in yourself,” said Rasheed Abdellah, a local entrepreneur and Indie-Life founder.

The campaign has already garnered endorsements and praise from Philadelphia’s elected officials like State Senator Anthony Williams, State Representative Rick Krajewski, and Councilmember Jamie Gauthier among others.

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Small businesses in the state of Pennsylvania that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for a state relief grant. The amount of the grant is between $5,000 and $50,000 depending on the business’ revenue, and applications are accepted until Tuesday, July 14. The annual revenue should be $1,000,000 or less and the number of full-time employees should be less than or equal to 25 to be eligible to apply.

For more information, including other eligibility requirements, and to apply, please visit the Enterprise Center website.

Small businesses that were damaged or sustained losses during the recent civil unrest can benefit from a new program – the PHL Emergency Business Insurance Support Initiative.

The collaborative program, launched by City Councilmember Allan Domb, the West Philadelphia Corridor Collaborative (WPCC), The Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia, Inc. (Barristers) and other community leaders and officials, connects recently impacted small businesses with insurance professionals and lawyer-volunteers recruited by Barristers to help owners review insurance policies, assist with filing claims, and review claims already submitted to ensure accuracy. The volunteers will meet with the small business owners through virtual platforms to assist with their needs.  Continue Reading

We have shared information on what’s happening at local restaurants and eateries and how you can order food (takeout or delivery). Some restaurants have also posted information on how you can help their workers during the pandemic. University City District’s UC Dining Days website provides information on dozens West Philly restaurants. Check it out here.

But what about other businesses that have been affected by the coronavirus? An online resource, Support PHL, has been created to support businesses that were closed following Governor Wolf’s directive to help spread COVID-19 in the state. There you can find information on many West Philly businesses – barber shops, gift and flower shops, fitness studios, cafes and bars, art studios, and more. There is also information on various COVID-19 relief funds and resources for small businesses.

For more information and to donate to small businesses, go here. For relief funds, check out this page.