Ask for Help, Win Valuable Prizes
Spring is starting with a nice little bump for East Falls Media. We just got word that we were selected for support through the Philadelphia Catalyst Fund, a program run by the City of Philadelphia that awards modest grants to local businesses with potential for growth and economic impact.
And just like that, we’re in a new gear: same route, smoother ride. A long-standing plan is now doable, thanks to this small investment at a critical time in our development. And the wild part is, we almost didn’t apply.
When we first saw the program last summer, it sounded impressive — maybe too impressive. Programs like this often seem designed for companies that are further along, or bigger, or somehow more established than a local small business might feel on a random weekday.
The application process only supported these doubts. They wanted bank statements, invoices, business documentation, and detailed explanations of what we hoped to build. Putting it all together, we told ourselves it’s never a waste of time to apply for programs. At the very least, it’s a good opportunity to self-audit and get your name out there.
Months went by. Twice the review team followed up with additional questions and requests for clarification. Eventually our application made it to committee review, and that’s when we got the exciting news that we had been selected.
While the proper term is “win” a grant, it’s not like a sweepstakes – you don’t get a check to do with as you please. Since public funds are involved, there needs to be a clear record of who’s applying and how the money will be used..
The Fine Print
Grants typically work on a reimbursement model. In our application, we outlined very specific investments we hope to make that will allow East Falls Media to grow in a way we have defined. As those expenses occur, we submit documentation for repayment from our balance.
Many grant programs — including the Catalyst Fund — are designed to accelerate a business rather than sustain it or create it from scratch. Funding generally can’t be used for operational expenses like payroll or rent. The idea is to expand capacity for proven models that are already working.
A Second Set of Eyes
Another perk of the Catalyst program is that it’s more than just financial support. The grant also provides an expert advisor to work one-on-one with funding recipients on implementing the plans they described in their application.
We’re especially looking forward to this part, because one of the hardest things about running a small business is that we’re always figuring things out as we go. And we don’t know everything, obviously, so half the time it feels like we’re just guessing. Having an experienced, outside perspective will be so helpful.
We’ve got a list of questions already, but can’t run too far ahead yet. We’re told that’s Step Two. We’re still at Step One which is… surprise: more paperwork! The fun kind, though, where everything starts to feel real. Looking forward, we couldn’t be more energized as a team, or more grateful as independent business owners.
Zooming Out
But aside from this promising success of our own, there’s a bigger, better takeaway here for anyone trying to move good ideas forward with limited resources. If you run a small business, nonprofit, or community organization, it’s worth paying attention to the programs that exist around you.
Cities, foundations, and local economic groups often offer grants, partnerships, training programs, or low-interest loans designed specifically to help smaller organizations grow. Many of them fly under the radar simply because the people who could benefit most assume they won’t qualify.
The struggle is real:
“Is it worth our time and effort to gather all this documentation and complete every inquiry, when who knows if we’re even right for it anyway?”
We almost talked ourselves out of applying for this one. Super glad we didn’t. Sometimes the best opportunities start with a simple commitment to take a chance and see what happens.
Five Doors to Knock On
Starting or growing a small business often takes more than a good idea. Access to modest capital, guidance, and partnerships can make a big difference in those early stages. Here are a few places entrepreneurs in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania often find support.
- City programs like the Catalyst Fund
Cities often run grant programs designed to help neighborhood businesses invest in growth. In Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Catalyst Fund offers grants of up to $50,000 to help businesses expand their capacity — things like equipment, systems, or other improvements that strengthen the business itself (more detail below). - State small-business grants and assistance
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania runs a variety of programs that support small businesses. Some help companies improve energy efficiency, expand into international markets, or access financing for growth. The state’s Department of Community and Economic Development maintains a directory of programs and funding opportunities. - Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)
CDFIs are mission-driven lenders that focus on supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs who may not qualify for traditional bank financing. The Pennsylvania CDFI Network connects businesses with community lenders that offer small business loans, coaching, and technical assistance. Many of these organizations specialize in helping neighborhood businesses get started or grow. - Local chambers of commerce and business associations
Chambers of commerce and neighborhood business groups can be valuable connectors. They often host networking events, training workshops, and mentoring opportunities, and they may also know about small grants or programs available locally. In Philadelphia, organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce regularly share resources for entrepreneurs. Pro Tip: search the national directory for a complete list of state and regional chambers active in your area. - Nonprofits that support entrepreneurship
Many nonprofit organizations run programs that help entrepreneurs launch or grow their businesses. These can include business training, micro-grants, mentorship, and access to shared workspace. One example is The Enterprise Center in West Philadelphia, which provides business education and support for entrepreneurs building companies in the region.
If these kinds of opportunities sound interesting, take a few minutes to see what programs exist in your own city or region. You might be surprised at what’s available once you start looking.
And if you work in a township, nonprofit, or civic organization, keep your eyes peeled for local businesses who could use these resources to grow while strengthening the community around them. Boss move!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Philadelphia’s Small Business Catalyst Fund
The Philadelphia Catalyst Fund is a program run by the City of Philadelphia Department of Commerce that helps small businesses grow by funding specific improvements that strengthen the business itself.
Eligible Philadelphia businesses can apply for grants of up to $50,000. Applicants must be licensed in the city and generally generate under $2 million in annual revenue. Businesses are asked to show a clear plan for how the funding will help them expand their operations and create a positive economic impact locally. Includes access to one-on-one advisory support with an expert in their field.
For many entrepreneurs, the hardest phase of building a company isn’t start-up, it’s when the business is working but still fragile. Access to sufficient capital, guidance, and encouragement can make the difference between staying stuck and moving forward.
Programs like the Philadelphia Catalyst Fund aren’t random outliers. They’re part of a broader network of organizations working to support small businesses and strengthen local economies.
Thanks for reading! This blog is powered by East Falls Media, where we help small businesses, nonprofits, and local governments connect with clarity and purpose.
