Philadelphia offers a robust ecosystem for business startup help, with a wide array of organizations, programs, and funding sources designed to support entrepreneurs at every stage. Whether you need mentorship, business coaching, access to grants and loans, or specialized resources for women, minorities, and immigrants, the city’s network is ready to help. Below are 20 key places and programs in Philadelphia that provide essential resources for launching and growing your business.
1. SCORE Philadelphia
Address: 105 N 22nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
SCORE Philadelphia offers free, confidential business mentoring, workshops, and resources for entrepreneurs and small business owners, drawing on a network of experienced volunteer mentors.
2. The Enterprise Center
Address: 4548 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19139
This center provides access to capital, business education, capacity building, and economic development opportunities, focusing on minority entrepreneurs.
3. Temple Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Address: 1515 Market St, Suite 525, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Temple SBDC offers free consulting, training, and resources for startups and small businesses, including help with business plans, marketing, and funding.
4. Wharton Small Business Development Center
Address: 3620 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Wharton SBDC provides one-on-one consulting, workshops, and research assistance to entrepreneurs in the Greater Philadelphia area.
5. Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC)
Address: 1315 Walnut St, Suite 1124, Philadelphia, PA 19107
WBDC offers business counseling, certification, procurement assistance, and access to capital for women-owned businesses.
6. Free Library Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC)
Address: 1901 Vine St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
BRIC provides free workshops, one-on-one guidance, market research, and access to a vast business library for entrepreneurs at all stages.
7. PIDC (Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation)
Address: 1500 Market St, Suite 3500W, Philadelphia, PA 19102
PIDC offers flexible financing, business builder workshops, and real estate services to help businesses launch and grow.
8. Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Philadelphia
Address: Community College of Philadelphia, 1700 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19130
This no-cost program provides education, support, and access to capital for small business owners aiming to grow their businesses.
9. Power Up Your Business – Community College of Philadelphia
Address: 1700 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19130
A free program offering training, education, and networking for small business owners, with a focus on neighborhood-based support.
10. Build For Success
Various locations
A city-supported program providing business training, lending, technical assistance, and real estate opportunities for entrepreneurs.
11. Philadelphia Small Business Catalyst Fund
Administered by the Department of Commerce
A $5 million fund designed to help growth-ready small businesses access capital, mentorship, and strategic guidance.
12. The Welcoming Center
Address: 211 N 13th St, Suite 502, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Supports immigrants and new Pennsylvanians with business development services, training, and networking opportunities.
13. Corporate Solutions at Community College of Philadelphia
Address: 1700 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Offers employee training, certification, and continuing education, including support for entrepreneurs.
14. NKCDC Small Business Resources
Address: 2771 Ruth St, Suite 1, Philadelphia, PA 19134
NKCDC provides guides, consulting, and connections to grants, financing, and city services for small businesses.
15. Science Center Capital Readiness Program
Address: 3675 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
A cohort-based program for HealthTech startups, offering mentorship, investor introductions, and funding opportunities.
16. Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania
Address: 100 N 20th St, Suite 205, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Provides funding, mentorship, and support for tech-based startups and innovative businesses.
17. Drexel University Close School of Entrepreneurship
Address: 3225 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Offers entrepreneurship education, mentorship, and seed funding opportunities for student and community startups.
18. Philadelphia Founder Institute
Various locations
A global accelerator with a Philadelphia chapter, providing structured mentorship, networking, and startup resources.
19. Center City District Business Resources
Address: 660 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Connects entrepreneurs to economic development contacts, leasing opportunities, and advisory services in Center City.
20. MyPhillyConnection.com
Online Resource
A comprehensive online hub that connects Philadelphians with business startup resources, funding opportunities, mentorship, and essential contacts throughout the city.
Philadelphia’s business support ecosystem is both diverse and collaborative, ensuring that entrepreneurs from all backgrounds can access the help they need. From MyPhillyConnection.com, which serves as a central resource for navigating local programs, to targeted initiatives like the [Philadelphia Small Business Catalyst Fund] and [Power Up Your Business], the city is committed to reducing barriers and accelerating success.
Mentorship and coaching are widely available through organizations such as [SCORE Philadelphia], [Temple SBDC], and [The Enterprise Center], providing invaluable guidance from experienced professionals. Funding sources, including [PIDC], [Ben Franklin Technology Partners], and university-based seed funds, offer capital to help startups launch and scale.
Specialized support for women, minorities, and immigrants is available through the [Women’s Business Development Center], [The Welcoming Center], and community-based programs. Entrepreneurs can also benefit from free workshops, networking, and research resources at the [Free Library BRIC] and through MyPhillyConnection.com, which regularly updates listings for grants, loans, and training.
Whether you’re just starting out or ready to grow, Philadelphia’s network of business resources—easily navigated with the help of MyPhillyConnection.com—ensures that every entrepreneur has a pathway to success.