Philly’s stock of established small businesses is robust. But compared to the rest of the country, we’re seriously lacking in the local shop game — especially when it comes to women and people of color.
Of the 10 biggest U.S. cities, Philly ranks ninth in both “minority”- and women-owned businesses, according to the most recent Census data. And there aren’t a ton of new shops opening up to fill the void — just 7.8 percent of Philadelphia’s small businesses launched within the two years prior to the count.
So how do we liven up the scene? Resolve Philadelphia wants to help.
The organizer of the citywide reporting collaborative Broke in Philly, of which Billy Penn is proud to be a part, is throwing an event next week to help entrepreneurs and freelancers figure out how to access more capital.
Called “Funding the Hustle,” it’ll boast panel discussions, lightning talks and one-on-one networking opportunities. Some conversations will be geared toward West Philly business owners, but everyone’s welcome.
There are a ton of cool partners, like The Enterprise Center, the University City Science Center, the Sustainable Business Network and the West Philadelphia Promise Zone.
If you want to come to the free event, just mark off next Thursday, July 18 — register in advance here.
Whether or not you can make it that night, we want to know what you’re interested in learning about making money as an entrepreneur in the Philadelphia region.
