Widener Building

The Philadelphia Department of Commerce works to help new and existing businesses who want to expand in Philadelphia. It issues business licenses and permits, searches for land and buildings for expansion, and provides financial assistance to small-size businesses. The department operates a business action team that helps to identify a variety of job training, placement and assistance programs. The Philadelphia Department of Commerce supports Philadelphia Workforce Development Corporation, which is a private, nonprofit organization that offers employment and training programs and provides companies with recruitment and referral services. It also offers a neighborhood-based economic development program that encourages revitalization, increases economic investment and creates employment in neighborhoods. The department additionally applies planning and data analysis to strengthen neighborhood marketplaces, aligns and leverages resources and investments on corridors, develops a system to attract and retain businesses and supports corridor management.