If I need funds that will help to develop lower income neighborhoods of Philadelphia, what is the cheapest source of funds?
The City of Philadelphia has several programs to improve access to non-traditional sources of capital. For manufacturing and industrial firms, you may apply to the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation by calling 215-496-8020. Another possibility is the Philadelphia Commercial Development Corporation at 215-790-2200. Another good source of funding is the Enterprise Zone Program (EZP), which provides grants and loans to assist financially disadvantaged communities to prepare and implement business development strategies within local enterprise zones. For more information about this program and other programs like it (e.g. Opportunity Grant Program, Community Economic Development Loan Program), call the PA Department of Community and Economic Development at 717-787-4305.