Small Business Resources

For small business assistance in filling out applications or accessing resources, please contact Ericka Stewart at ericka@occcda.org.

James Beard Foundation Food and Beverage Industry Relief Fund

The purpose of the James Beard Foundation Food and Beverage Industry Relief Fund (the “Fund”) is to provide critical financial assistance to small, independent restaurants that, due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) national disaster, have an immediate need for funds to pay set operating expenses and keep from going out of business.

Small Business Training Partners

Power Up Your Business by CCP

Power Up Your Business is a FREE, neighborhood-based approach to support small business owners in Philadelphia—just like you—giving you the tools you need to grow your business and help your community thrive.

This new and innovative program was designed for businesses in all Philadelphian neighborhoods. They’re bringing entrepreneurs and business owners together to learn from one another, as they provide the education and training to help you adapt to challenges and run your business efficiently.

Community College of Philadelphia has a strong history of helping small businesses. In the past three years alone, they have helped nearly 300 small businesses grow their revenue and jobs, and they have provided counseling and resources to another 140 businesses in the past year.

Temple Small Business Development Center

Temple SBDC is an outreach center of the Fox School of Business and the School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management at Temple University that has served Philadelphia and the surrounding communities since 1983. Their highly trained and experienced staff provides start-up and small businesses with professional knowledge and assistance. Their mission is to help small businesses grow and reach that next level.

Small Business Loans

Neighborhood Progress Fund

Sometimes you need to be ready to take advantage of a new opportunity or finance the continued growth of your business. This can take the form of a larger machinery purchase or continuous access to funds. Either way, NPF has an array of loans and lines of credit that can help your business grow.

NPF supports local businesses just like yours with innovative and equal opportunity financial solutions that can provide the growth and stability you need. And with your loan, they will give you the training and support to help develop your business, save and build wealth, and ensure a brighter future for you, your family, and your community.

The Pennsylvania 30 Day Fund

Business leaders throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are working together to help save as many Pennsylvania jobs as possible. Businesses that qualify for assistance include small businesses that employ 3-30 people, are based in Pennsylvania and have been operating for at least one year, and are owned and operated by a Pennsylvania resident. The funds given to small businesses through the Pennsylvania 30 Day Fund do not need to be repaid. Applications close December 31, 2023.

Crowdfunding Programs

Create a campaign where your customers, friends, and family can invest in your business.

Honeycomb Credit

Borrow $10,000-$50,000 in crowd funded working capital with a 45-day payment-free period. Take advantage of a 3.75% interest rate over an initial 6-month interest-only payment period followed by a 5% interest rate over a 3-year fully amortizing loan after the interest-only period with no pre-payment penalties.

Kiva

Connecting entrepreneurs to 0% interest crowdfunded small business loans.

Facebook Fundraisers

Raise money for your business. People can donate to your fundraiser in just a few clicks without leaving Facebook.

MainVest: Revenue Sharing Note

MainVest allows loans with flexible repayment schedule to small businesses. The business agrees to to share a percentage of their future revenue, which could be used to expand the business at first, till the investor receive return on investment.