INNOVATION PHILADELPHIA is a quasi-governmental organization set up "to enhance the global innovation economy of Philadelphia through technological leadership." It works to increase the entrepreneurial economic-development resources in the region, such as pre-seed and seed capital investment, and aims to develop "a balanced portfolio of programs that support retention, recruitment and grow-your-own strategies for the new economy in the region."
COMPETE PA. is a statewide coalition of business organizations and companies working to reform Pennsylvania's corporate net income tax, which it calls "the least competitive of any state." The coalition, which includes the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, says Pennsylvania is the only major state that caps the amount of net operating losses that a company can carry forward and offset against their corporate net income tax liability in future years. It also says Pennsylvania's corporate net income tax rate of 9.99% is the second highest in the country and the highest of any major state.
THE OPPORTUNITY FINANCE NETWORK is a $4 billion national network formerly known as the National Community Capital Association. For 20 years, it has implemented "high-volume and high-impact financing strategies to align capital with social, economic, and political justice." It says it is "dedicated to closing the gap between promising opportunities and real accomplishments for American people, communities, and markets that are outside the economic mainstream today."
THE NEIGHBORHOOD TRANSFORMATION INITIATIVE, CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, unveiled in April 2001, calls itself "an unprecedented effort to counter the history of decline in the City of Philadelphia and revitalize its neighborhoods. NTI is a multifaceted program designed to renew and strengthen entire communities, to ensure quality housing, clean and secure streets and vibrant cultural and recreational outlets. This effort will enhance job creation, public safety and economic opportunity. NTI is changing Philadelphia from the ground up."
THE ENTERPRISE CENTER AT THE WHARTON SCHOOL, Founded in 1989 by the Wharton Small Business Development Center, is a premier "accelerator" of minority entrepreneurship. It operates the U.S. Department of Commerce's Pennsylvania Minority Business Development Center, the Enterprise Center Capital Corporation, the Enterprise Center Community Development Corporation, an award-winning youth entrepreneurship program, and the Magic Johnson / HP Digital Inventor Center. The facility also hosts 50 to 60 major business events a year.
SELECT GREATER PHILADELPHIA is a business-backed job-growth and marketing organization that aims to attract and retain businesses in the Greater Philadelphia region. Its governing board is a group of local executives called the CEO Council for Growth. Their research has "benchmarked" the tristate area's competitive strengths and weaknesses for jobs and businesses. The analysis says four key "industry clusters" define the region's economy: life / biosciences; IT & communications; financial and professional services; and chemicals.
THE PHILADELPHIA COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION exists to revitalize neighborhoods and to assist small businesses. According to its website, "We bring together business owners, business associations, developers, community residents, financial institutions, and the Philadelphia Government to create an attractive atmosphere for public and private investment in neighborhood commercial areas. In addition, we provide a range of important financial and managerial services, including direct loan to small businesses and minority contractors." Its staff works to strengthen Neighborhood Commercial Corridors in a variety of ways including making storefront/security improvements, coordinating a corridor's promotions/marketing campaigns, and arranging street festivals. It currently serves 44 such corridors and several Special Project Areas.
THE PHILADELPHIA WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION contributes to the growth of a strong regional economy by providing employers with a well-trained workforce. The mission is accomplished by promoting opportunities for job seekers and employers and by actively leading, advocating for, and implementing quality workforce development activities.
THE WHARTON SCHOOL AT PENN supports business education and fosters career opportunities that aim to improve society as a whole. Wharton says its faculty and programs promote "an understanding of and commitment to social entrepreneurship, economic community development, corporate responsibility, non-profit management, business ethics, and environmental sustainability within and outside of the Wharton community."
THE PHILADELPHIA BUSINESS JOURNAL, a well-read weekly, has reporters who cover economic development and could offer impartial insights and analysis.
THE CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF ECONOMICS is an advocacy group that promotes "Land Value Taxation" as a fair method of taxation, as opposed to the current system of taxing labor and capital. It assists governments in studying the effect of land-based property taxation. The Center argues that taxation of labor and capital in urban areas "is one of the driving forces to the contraction and decay of our cities."
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM funds research and development projects designed to benefit Pennsylvania's economy through the development and commercialization of advanced technologies. Four Technology Centers around the State are operated as consortia of the private sector, labor, economic development groups and higher education institutions.
THE DELAWARE RIVER PORT AUTHORITY has been guiding force in promoting and marketing the use of the tri-state region's port terminals. Its role in attracting new carriers and commodities to the Port of Philadelphia and creating jobs along the waterfront has been vital to the region's economic growth.
THE GREATER PHILADELPHIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE is a private, nonprofit business association with more than 5,000 members and companies of all sizes and types. The Chamber's mission is to advance the principles of competitive opportunity, business growth and achievement of the region's full economic potential.
THE GREATER PHILADELPHIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION is a private-sector partnership which markets the region, attracts and retains business, fosters regional cooperation, convenes regionally elected officials, and promotes neighborhood economic development.
THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS regroups women business owners in the area, supports and represents their interests in the business community.
THE PENNSYLVANIA INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY was established to make long-term, low- interest business loans to firms which are engaged in manufacturing or industrial enterprises.
THE PHILADELPHIA CITY PLANNING COMMISSION is responsible for guiding the orderly growth and development of the City of Philadelphia. They prepare a comprehensive plan and its modifications; the capital program and budget; proposed zoning ordinances and amendments; and regulations concerning the subdivision of land.
PHILADELPHIA COMMERCE DEPARTMENT coordinates all economic development activity within the city with the goal of retaining and expanding the City's economic base.
THE PHILADELPHIA STOCK EXCHANGE & BOARD OF TRADE provide a marketplace for the trading of equity, equity option, and foreign currency option products for members of the securities industry.
THE WHARTON SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER has been a favorite stop for international guests looking to understand entrepreneurship and the development of business in the U.S.
