To help contain the spread of COVID-19, the City of Philadelphia has prohibited the operations of non-essential businesses until further notice. We recognize the significant impact these restrictions have on businesses.
The following resources and relief are available to business owners:
Financial Assistance
- The Philadelphia COVID-19 Small Business Program offers grants or zero-interest loans to Philadelphia small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The program, administered by the Department of Commerce and PIDC, aims to provide relief to selected small businesses in order to help them survive this crisis and retain as many employees as possible. APPLY NOW.
- The application is available in English, Spanish, and Chinese.
- Apply for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s new COVID-19 Working Capital Access Program, administered by Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA). Applications must be submitted to Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) — the city’s Certified Economic Development Organization (CEDO). The program will offer loans of $100,000 or less to for-profit businesses with 100 or fewer full-time employees.
- The Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) offer up to $2 million in assistance per business and can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue. Additional information about SBA Disaster Assistance in Response to the Coronavirus is available, including specific details regarding Pennsylvania’s declaration.
- The deadline to return economic injury disaster loan applications is Dec. 21, 2020.
- The PA SBDC Network hosts a daily webinar to explain the SBA EIDL application process every morning from 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Sign up here.
- Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) offers working capital loans that could help businesses impacted by COVID-19. Information will be posted here as it becomes available.
- KIVA, which gives entrepreneurs access to zero-percent interest small business loans, has increased the size of no-interest loans available.
- The Finanta Emergency Loan is available for entrepreneurs affected by COVID-19 and other emergencies. Loans range from $5,000-$15,000 without closing fees. Please contact Finanta for more information and to apply: 267-236-7030 (for English) or 267-236-7019 (para Español)
- The Women’s Opportunities Resource Center has low–interest loans, professional services, and referrals to partner banks and community loan funds for small businesses.
As business owners prepare to apply for these and other relief programs, they should begin to gather documentation such as:
- Inventory documents (delivery slips, etc.)
- Receipts
- Payroll
- Details on laid off or furloughed staff
- Debt service payments
- Mortgage/lease and utility payments
- Workers’ Compensation claims
- Signed tax return
- Financial statements
Note: This is not an exhaustive list of required documents. Individual program requirements will vary.
Utilities
- PECO is suspending fees for delays in bills and service shut-offs for three months, effective March 13, 2020 through at least May 1, 2020.
- Philadelphia Gas Works is suspending non-payment terminations and will waive new late payment charges. This termination moratorium will remain in place until further notice.
- Philadelphia Water Department is also suspending non-payment terminations and plans to waive new late payment charges. This termination moratorium will remain in place until further notice. Please note that regular billing will continue for all customers. Click here for the latest PWD updates related to COVID-19.
Other Resources
- SBA’s COVID-19 Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources has helpful tips for business owners.
- Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) has a list of resources for business owners affected by COVID-19.
- The Business Center is offering its courses online, and encourages businesses that need help moving their services online to contact them.
- Philly VIP will continue to remotely match businesses with pro bono legal services.
- SCORE Philadelphia continues to offer business assistance and workshops online
- The Office of Business Services at the Department of Commerce stands ready to support businesses. It can be reached via a hotline (215-683-2100) and by email at business@phila.gov.
- Online webinars and workshops can be found on our events page.
- For further guidance for businesses and other non-healthcare settings that are visited by the public, visit the Health Department’s COVID-19 resources page.
- The Merchants Fund has a list of resources for small businesses.
Additional Guidance
If you are a business owner and would like to receive information about business relief programs, please email business@phila.gov.
Follow these precautions to protect your business, employees, and patrons.
Text “COVIDPHL” to 888-777 to stay connected with free alerts from the city.