Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia, PA

In 2022, our team published Barriers to Business, a report analyzing the small business regulatory environment in 20 cities across the US, including Philadelphia. Catalyzed by conversations with the Philadelphia Department of Commerce and Pew Charitable Trusts, we conducted additional research to identify the regulatory questions entrepreneurs must ask themselves when starting a restaurant in Philadelphia. We are excited to release this research as a flow chart visual, in coordination with the launch of our official partnership with Philadelphia’s Department of Commerce and the Mayor’s Office of Policy Planning and Delivery. As a team, we are working to streamline the small business regulatory process and make it cheaper, faster, and simpler to start a business.

Business Curfew

In September 2025, Cities Work mobilized to raise awareness around a curfew that would close businesses that sell goods in Council Districts 7, 8, and part of 1 from 11 pm to 6 am. Bill No. 250292 created a curfew over any businesses that sells goods in the affected districts, including mobile vendors, restaurants without a liquor license, and convenience stores. Businesses found in violation of the curfew are subject to $1000 fines.

This curfew went into effect in November. Has your business been unfairly affected? Send us an email at [email protected]!

Milestones