In a move aimed at bolstering the economic landscape for local businesses, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker has signed an executive order to improve the business environment in the city. The PHL Open for Business Executive Order reflects Mayor Parker's commitment to economic opportunity and instructs city departments to streamline the process of operating a business in Philadelphia to promote inclusive growth. To advance this goal, the Department of Commerce will launch a comprehensive website designed to serve as an online resource finder for businesses, available around the clock to help entrepreneurs start, manage, and expand their operations, as reported by the City of Philadelphia.

This initiative is not without collaboration. Backed by the Department of Commerce, the platform's creation involves key players like PIDC, United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, Equitable Cities Consulting, and particularly the work of Ecomap Technologies—a viable sign of the city's inclusive focus on harnessing various perspectives for a project by businesses, for businesses. The forthcoming platform promises to offer practical tools such as an AI-assisted support system, a searchable database, and multi-language accessibility to ensure all Philadelphia businesses, regardless of size or stage, can benefit.

The project is also shaped by a steering committee that mirrors the city's diverse entrepreneurial spirit, including leaders like Christopher Wink, CEO of Technical.ly, and Jennifer Rodriguez, CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. This cross-section of industry experts further promises to cultivate a resource that aligns with the varying needs of local entrepreneurs.

Alongside updates on the site's development, the Department of Commerce is eager to maintain open communication lines with the business community. They encourage feedback and idea sharing as the platform evolves and offer support through the Mayor’s Business Action Team, who can be contacted for assistance in business matters via email at [email protected] or phone at 215-683-2100. With these efforts, the City of Philadelphia seems committed not only to unveiling a vital business tool but also to sustaining dialogue and support that may help the local economy to not just grow but thrive.