JUNE 2026 NEWSLETTER

FEATURED STORIES

PIDC’s 2025 Annual Review: Delivering Real Results for Philadelphia

We’re excited to share PIDC’s 2025 Annual Review, a snapshot of a year defined by steady progress, strong partnerships, and continued investment in Philadelphia's economic future. Throughout the year, we remained focused on delivering the capital, real estate solutions, and business support that help Philadelphia's economy grow and benefit communities citywide.

In 2025, we helped nearly 300 businesses access flexible financing or real estate, supported catalytic development projects, and administered programs that brought resources to the places where they're needed most. At the Navy Yard and across Philadelphia's neighborhoods, PIDC turned investment into jobs and opportunities for Philadelphians.

Image of two people sitting behind wine bottles

How Mural City Cellars Built Philly’s First Urban Winery

What started as a passion for hospitality and local agriculture has grown into Philadelphia’s first urban winery. Founded by Francesca Galarus and Nicholas Ducos, Mural City Cellars has transformed a former auto body garage in Fishtown into a vibrant community gathering space that celebrates regional grapes, local artists, and neighborhood connections.

PIDC has supported Mural City Cellars’ growth journey through financing and business resources, helping the team expand from a two-person operation to a thriving winery, bar, and bottle shop producing more than 5,000 cases of wine annually. Today, Mural City Cellars is helping shape Philadelphia’s wine scene through its community-first approach and commitment to local partnerships.

A Family Business Built on Innovation: CLIQ Jewelry Story

For more than 30 years, Philadelphia-based CLIQ Jewelry has combined family values with cutting-edge innovation to transform the way people wear fine jewelry. Founded by Gena and Paul Alulis, the family-owned manufacturer developed a patented hinged ring technology that delivers a secure, comfortable fit for customers around the world.

PIDC has been a long-time partner in CLIQ Jewelry’s growth journey, helping facilitate the company’s relocation to Center City in 2011 and connecting the business to financing and resources that supported expansion and job creation in Philadelphia. CLIQ Jewelry continues to demonstrate how innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic support can help a local manufacturer build a global brand.

Greater Philadelphia Growth Partnership Launches to Advance Regional Economic Growth & Opportunity

In May, leaders from across Southeastern Pennsylvania — including PIDC — officially launched the Greater Philadelphia Growth Partnership, a new cross-sector initiative focused on strengthening the region’s economic competitiveness and expanding opportunity for those that live and work here.

As a partner in this regional effort, PIDC is collaborating with business, civic, philanthropic, workforce, and public sector leaders around a shared vision for long-term growth. Building on decades of regional collaboration, the partnership marks a new chapter defined by deeper alignment, stronger coordination, and collective action across county lines.

Collage of 6 small business owners. The image says, "The Capital You Need. The Business You Love. Get a flexible small business loan." Button says, "Help me grow."

SEPTA Route 45 Expands to the Navy Yard in Philadelphia

A major transit milestone is coming to the Navy Yard!

Beginning this August, SEPTA’s Route 45 will provide direct, seven-day-a-week service between Center City and the Navy Yard, creating a new one-seat ride for employees, residents, patients, and visitors. Buses are expected to run approximately every 20 minutes.

As master developer and operator of the Navy Yard, PIDC has long prioritized expanding transit access to support the campus’s continued growth. The Route 45 extension marks a major step forward in connecting more Philadelphians to the Navy Yard’s 150+ businesses and 16,000+ jobs while creating a more accessible and connected community.

Grow Your Business with Business Builder Workshops

PIDC hosts workshops throughout the year designed to equip small business owners and entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to grow and succeed.

These sessions offer practical insights, business planning support, and opportunities to connect with fellow business owners. Don’t miss the chance to strengthen your business and grow alongside a community of local entrepreneurs.

Learn More

How Family Support & Hard Work Built FCR Cleaning Services

Built on hard work, resilience, and a commitment to family, FCR Cleaning Services has grown from a small startup into a trusted provider of residential and commercial cleaning services in Philadelphia.

Through PIDC’s Business Builder Workshop en Español series, Candido gained practical business skills, strengthened his financial management practices, and built valuable connections with fellow Hispanic entrepreneurs.

FEATURED CLIENTS

Let’s celebrate our #PIDCclients who continue to strengthen our communities through their services, delicious food, and welcoming third spaces for all.

Ballers

Ballers is a sports and social club that blends high quality athletic facilities, great food, wellness, and memorable experiences. Focused on pickleball, padel, golf, squash, and soccer, Ballers is redefining the traditional country club and building a new community hub for Philadelphia.

Mole Poblano Restaurant

Mole Poblano is a Mexican restaurant specializing in authentic dishes inspired by Puebla, Mexico. Serving tacos, enchiladas, mole-based specialties, and other traditional Mexican favorites, Mole Poblano also acts as a BYOB establishment where guests are welcome to bring their own beverages.

Remix Living

Where interior design, fashion, and bold creativity meet, Remix Living is one of Philadelphia’s multi-use businesses, gathering community through a retail and event space all while offering transformative design services for both residential and commercial spaces.

NEWS AT A GLANCE

The biggest America 250 events from now through July 4 | The Philadelphia Inquirer

SEPTA is expanding daily bus service to the Navy Yard by extending Route 45 | The Philadelphia Inquirer

Sorry, Boston, Philly has topped us again — this time it’s the World Cup | The Boston Globe

Looking for family-friendly fun this summer? Head to the Navy Yard's Family Fest on June 28 | Philly Voice

How your small business can profit from this summer’s events | Expert Opinion | The Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia’s World Cup debut delivers scene city leaders envisioned | The Philadelphia Business Journal

Surfside has taken over the U.S. alcohol industry. But its founders say the brand is staying put in Philly. | The Philadelphia Inquirer

Gov. Shapiro announces almost $30 million highway investment for Philly stadium district | The Philadelphia Inquirer

Urban Outfitters plans to hire 1,000 at Navy Yard and new Bucks County facility | The Philadelphia Inquirer

Greater Philadelphia rises two spots in top U.S. biotech clusters ranking | The Philadelphia Business Journal

Philadelphia’s new floating art installation finally arrives on the Schuylkill at Bartram’s Garden | The Philadelphia Inquirer

Capital access, permitting hurdles slow Philadelphia small business growth | The Philadelphia Business Journal

For Philly’s smallest businesses, the BIRT exemption repeal is more than a tax change | Technical.ly

Small-business grants you can apply for in June 2026 | The Philadelphia Business Journal

Check fraud is rising. Here’s how businesses can protect themselves. | Expert Opinion | The Philadelphia Inquirer

10 Philadelphia-area companies make Business Insider’s high-growth list for 2026 | The Philadelphia Business Journal

21 Women Leading Philadelphia Real Estate On Their Career Impact, Advice For Next Generation | Bisnow

Germantown: A Philadelphia Neighborhood Where People Stay | The New York Times