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.
New Curfew
On November 10, a new curfew will close businesses that sell goods in Council Districts 7, 8, and part of 1 from 11 pm to 6 am. Bill No. 250292 creates 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 will be subject to $1000 fines.
Will your business be affected by this curfew? Send us an email at [email protected]!
Curfew Map Key Summary
Milestones
2022
Research
Cities Work released Barriers to Business, small business regulatory requirements in 20 large to mid-sized cities across the country, including Philadelphia.
2023
Launch
The Commerce Department launched a new permit navigator, making it easier to navigate the startup process.
2024
Partnership
Mayor Parker established the PHL Open for Business initiative and officially launched the partnership with Cities Work. Learn more about our partnership with the City of Philadelphia in our press release announcement.
Cities Work published a flow chart detailing the range of questions aspiring restaurateurs must consider when determining the requirements they must fulfill to open their restaurant.
2025
Engage
Cities Work engaged with 75 small businesses to identify the main regulatory obstacles experienced by these entrepreneurs.
Learn about their experiences navigating the regulatory requirements to open a business in our Insights Memo!