The PA Chamber convened a regional roundtable in Northwest Philadelphia on Thursday, bringing together lawmakers, business leaders and local development organizations for a discussion on strengthening neighborhood commercial corridors and supporting small business growth.
Representatives from the Manayunk, East Falls, and Roxborough Development Corporations highlighted the growing demand for walkable, connected communities where people want to live, work, and shop locally. But they stressed that local employers are facing real barriers to growth, including outdated infrastructure, limited access to flexible capital, and long delays in public investment.
Manayunk leaders noted that small businesses are driving renewed interest in the neighborhoods along the city’s northern edge. In East Falls, development groups pointed to state-supported neighborhood studies that have helped them plan for growth while calling for more adaptable grant and loan programs that better match business needs.
Members of the Philadelphia House and Senate delegations shared similar concerns. Sen. Vincent Hughes said economic growth cannot happen without investment, pointing to a recent city housing initiative totaling $800 million that aims to strengthen neighborhoods, families, and the workforce. Hughes also noted rising financial pressures tied to the loss of pandemic-era SNAP benefits and higher health care premiums.
Rep. Darisha Parker, a former business owner, spoke about the challenges entrepreneurs continue to face since COVID-19, including the shift to cashless payments. Rep. Tarik Khan emphasized safety and access to health care. Rep. Andre Carroll said Germantown Avenue once served as a major hub of commerce but needs renewed focus and public support.
In conversation with local business owners, attendees cited disruptive construction, limited coordination among utilities and transportation agencies, and uncertainty around long-term SEPTA funding. They said unclear communication about street closures and infrastructure work can undermine commercial stability.
The group also discussed gaps in state grant programs. Some businesses find themselves too large to qualify for “small business” support but too small to compete for major funding. Requirements tied to employee thresholds and eligibility timelines were described as especially difficult for growing firms.
The Philadelphia session is part of a series of regional roundtables the PA Chamber is hosting across the Commonwealth. These small-group conversations help employers speak directly with the elected leaders who represent them, with the goal of advancing practical solutions that strengthen Pennsylvania’s business climate and support local economic development.
Additional roundtables are planned in the coming months. Please contact the PA Chamber for more information.