Get Business Expertise

Identify and connect with local organizations and resources to develop or sharpen business skills

• 13 min read

WELCOME

Welcome to the pathway designed to help you identify and connect with local organizations and resources that can help you to develop the skills you need to build and hone your business expertise and optimize your successes as a business.

What You Can Expect From This Pathway

  • Develop a Better Understanding of Business Expertise
  •  Learn Why Developing Business Expertise Matters
  • Learn About Essential Business Expertise Areas
  • Learn About Business Stages and Related Business Expertise
  •  Learn About the PhillyBizHub® and Expertise Resources and Supports
  • Connect with A Business Support Organization To Develop Your Expertise

What Is Business Expertise

Business expertise refers to the specialized knowledge, skills, and experience that individuals and organizations develop over time to run and grow a business effectively. It includes capabilities in areas such as strategy, financial management, operations, productivity, and competitiveness. The type and level of expertise vary by company structure, size, and industry—but all successful businesses rely on it to adapt, compete, and thrive over the long term.

 Why Developing Business Expertise Matters

Business expertise is the key to business resilience. To thrive, a business must do more than simply compete—it  must adapt, innovate, and continuously strengthen their expertise. Investing in ongoing learning and improving your business acumen is essential to staying profitable, resilient, and positioning your business for long-term success.

UNDERSTAND YOUR NEEDS and PRIORITIZE YOUR NEEDS

Essential business expertise areas

  • Business planning: developing a strong business concept and revenue model, startup costs, and necessary activities prior to launch.
  • Understanding and managing business finances: book-keeping essentials, developing financial projections, managing cash flow, understanding where and when to access credit, maintaining key documents such as profit and loss and balance sheets.
  •  Business management and Administration: hiring your first employee(s), human relations and team management, taxes, back-office basics   
  •  Marketing and Sales: identifying and understanding your target market, sales and promotional strategies. Identifying contracting opportunities and certification or recognitions to position your business for success.   

Other key skills entrepreneurs need to be successful: entrepreneurship requires a high risk tolerance and other key skills such as critical thinking, strategic decision-making, problem-solving, negotiation, communication and leadership. While many of these skills can’t be easily taught in a classroom, they can be honed through mentorship, coaching, training and peers.

BUSINESS STAGES AND BUSINESS EXPERTISE

Business Expertise Prior to Launch Can be the Most Valuable. 

Knowing your stage of development is important to identifying the resources and support services available to you. While no two businesses are alike, the development pathway for any business is generally as follows:

Idea Stage

You have an idea, and are not sure if it will work at all, and how to make it work.. Still in a conceptual stage, your  primary focus is to convert your idea into a viable product, service and business. To do this, you will need the necessary knowledge, skills and expertise to fully develop your business model and plan. Begin with conducting as much research as possible into your idea, and all the reasons why you want to turn it into a business that will be successful. This will help you sort through and identify the skills, expertise, and steps you will need to take, and importantly, help you identify resources to support you with developing the knowledge, skills, and expertise you will need to bring your business idea closer to becoming a reality. 

PhillyBizHub hosts links to many business support organizations that can support you in building expertise and guide you through  key steps of the idea stage. 

Useful skills and expertise that you will continuously hone, begin in the idea stage.They include:

  • Defining your business idea
  •  Defining your offerings – product and services
  •  Conduct, analyze and validate market research
  • Developing a detailed business plan
  •  Developing a detailed marketing plan
  • Determining how much start up capital you will need
  • Developing a financial plan and projections
  • Understanding business revenue and return on investment (ROI)

TIP: Seek out business support with expertise in business financing, with an emphasis on determining how much you will need and a how to plan for securing initial capital or funds for your business

Startup Stage

At this stage you are getting your business off the ground, in the initial stages of selling your product or services, and investing in critical business assets like people, equipment, and inventory. The startup stage builds upon theoretical knowledge such as research, marketing and planning in the idea stage, transitioning to practical know-how, marketing strategy and strategic planning. There are many business support organizations that can support you in building expertise for the key steps of the startup stage:

  • Building revenue earned from sales and expanded customer base
  • Running your business – systems, tools and operations
  • Scaling operations
  • Managing cash flow
  • Team building
  • Financial planning
  • Strategic planning
  • Marketing and Sales

Growth Stage

Reaching the growth stage, indicates that your business model is working and is solid proof that what was once an idea is a reality that is ready to scale. An operational model is in place and you are starting to grow profits and expand goods, products or service offerings.  There are many business support organizations that can support you in building expertise for the key steps of the growth stage:

  • Customer retention – how to keep existing customers and clients happy
  • Delegating work and responsibilities – how to share the business operations workload and demands
  • How to innovate and stay relevant over time and change
  •  How to optimize and leverage existing resources
  •  Innovation to maintain a competitive edge
  • Managing reliable teams
  • Marketing
  •  Operational efficiency to meet increasing demand and expectations
  • Optimizing technology use and  best practices
  •  Sale expertise – how to earn more business sales
  • Strategic agility and renewal – vital for adapting or finding new opportunities
  • Sustainable practices

 In the event of closing or selling your business, a business may be categorized as being in the exit stage. This is an important decision point and one where you should seek support before pulling the trigger. You will also need expertise to help you identify new opportunities to pivot your business or find new alternatives.

 TIP: You can search for organizations or programs that align with your business stage by selecting the keywords #idea stage, #startup stage, or #growth stage. 

ABOUT THE PhillyBizHub BUSINESS SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS (BSOS)

There are hundreds of BSO’s serving Philadelphia to help you build the skills and expertise needed in every stage of your business.The BSO’s featured on this platform are primarily non-profit and government-based support organizations that can help you build expertise.   

There are numerous categories of business support organizations that entrepreneurs can connect with to gain skills and access to support. You should do your own due diligence and inquire with multiple providers to find the right fit as every program has its own service model, focus, and fee structure. Many of the programs on this platform are low- or no-cost.

Quickview list of PhillyBizHub Business Support Organizations (BSOs):

  • Business Associations
  • Chambers of Commerce
  •  Community Development Corporations (CDCs)
  •  Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)
  • Economic Development Organizations
  • Government 
  • Industry Associations
  •  Investment Firm or Fund
  •  Libraries
  • Procurement or BID Portal
  • Professional Associations
  • Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)

How to View a List of BSO’s by category. 

Use the PhillyBizHub Resource Finder search function and enter your chosen category as a keyword. For example:

BSO Search inquiry: Industry Associations – if you are looking for a list related to a specific industry association

BSO Category: Industry Associations 

Keyword: #industryassociation

CONNECT WITH A PhillyBizHub® BUSINESS SUPPORT ORGANIZATION

Government

The City of Philadelphia Department of Commerce is focused on supporting businesses of all sizes and at different stages to have access to resources they need to develop business expertise.

Connect with local government resources to access business resources and expertise to help you develop your business:

The City of Philadelphia Department of Commerce’s Mayor’s Business Action Team (MBAT) is an important local resource providing entrepreneurs and businesses one-on-one support. Support can be provided by email, over the phone, or in person.   

The Philadelphia Permit Navigator helps businesses understand and streamline zoning, permitting, licensing, inspection, and compliance requirements.

Taxes are an important part of a business’s financial accountability and health. Visit the Philadelphia Tax Center, online, to open a Philadelphia business tax account and obtain a –Philadelphia Tax Identification Number (PHTIN), and become informed about the many different types of business taxes and filing requirements in the City of Philadelphia. For more information, you may also refer to the Philadelphia Tax Center online guide.  

Chambers of Commerce

Chambers of Commerce are business membership organizations that advocate for local businesses, promote business-friendly policies, and connect members through networking and collaboration. They provide resources to help companies grow, succeed, and build credibility through affiliation.

Connect with a Chamber of Commerce resource:

Search:PhillyBizHub Organization Finder

Keyword: #chamberofcommerce

Save search results to your PhillyBizHub User Page and Quicklink Dashboard: Select and save any resource organization you want here.

Community Development Corporations (CDCs)

There are dozens of CDC’s in Philadelphia. These are organizations who support economic development in a particular neighborhood geography, supporting businesses, entrepreneurs, and community members through various initiatives. They often provide business support relevant to businesses in a specific neighborhood commercial corridor.

Connect with a Community Development Corporation (CDC):

Search:PhillyBizHub Resource Finder

Keyword: #communitydevelopmentcorporation

Save search results to your PhillyBizHub User Page and Quicklink Dashboard: Select and save any resource organization you want here.

Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI)

CDFIs are mission-driven lenders that provide affordable financing, business coaching, and financial education to help small businesses grow. They specialize in supporting entrepreneurs who may not qualify for traditional loans and can help you strengthen your financial management skills while building credibility with other lenders.

Connect with a CDFI and other financial institutions to access resources that help you develop expertise in business and finances:

Search:PhillyBizHub Resource Finder

Keyword: #communitydevelopmentfinancialinstitutions, #CDFI, #financialmanagement

 Save search results to your PhillyBizHub User Page and Quicklink Dashboard: Select and save any resource organization you want here.

Economic Development Organizations

Entities focused on growing the local economy, often through business attraction, retention, and expansion efforts, such as the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC). 

Connect with an Economic Development Organization for access to education, coaching, training and any skills development programs that match your needs:

Search:PhillyBizHub Resource Finder

Keyword: #economicdevelopmentorganization, #economicdevelpment, #PIDC, #workforcedevelopment

Save search results to your PhillyBizHub User Page and Quicklink Dashboard: Select and save any resource organization you want here.

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Industry Associations

Organizations that provide industry-specific information, trends, knowledge, resources, connections, networking and advocacy for industry-specific businesses, professionals, and entrepreneurs operating in or entering that sector, such as technology, healthcare, financial services, professional advisory services, or manufacturing. 

Connect with an Industry Association resource to access resources and support to help you develop industry specific business expertise:

Search:PhillyBizHub Resource Finder

Keyword:#industryassociation

Save search results to your PhillyBizHub User Page and Quicklink Dashboard: Select and save any resource organization you want here.

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Libraries

Free Library of Philadelphia – Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC)

The Free Library of Philadelphia’s BRIC offers entrepreneurs and small business owners free access to expert guidance, research tools, and professional development resources. Through workshops, one-on-one consultations, and specialized databases, BRIC helps you explore business ideas, create plans, conduct market research, and build the skills needed to grow your business.

Search:PhillyBizHub Resource Finder

Keyword: #library

Save search results to your PhillyBizHub User Page and Quicklink Dashboard: Select and save any resource organization you want here.

Procurement or BID Opportunities

Organizations across the region support the growth and competitiveness of diverse and small businesses — including minority-, women-, veteran-, and disability-owned enterprises, as well as small and disadvantaged businesses seeking to compete for public and private contracts. The City of Philadelphia’s Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) helps connect certified businesses to contracting opportunities, guides them through the certification process, and promotes equitable participation in city procurement.

Connect with procurement resources to learn how to qualify for certifications, navigate bidding opportunities, and strengthen your business operations to compete and grow in regional and global markets.


Search:PhillyBizHub® Resource Finder

Keyword: #procurementbidportal, #procurement, #bid, #portal

Save search results to your PhillyBizHub User Page and Quicklink Dashboard: Select and save any resource organization you want here.

Professional Associations

Groups of professionals in specific fields that provide industry connections, continuing education, professional credentials, industry-specific networking, and staying current on regulations and best practices.’

Sample list of Philadelphia Professional Associations 

  • AFP-GPC is a membership-based organization for fundraising professionals in Philadelphia.
  • ATD Philadelphia welcomes talent development professionals in the Philadelphia metro area.
  • CFAP is a professional association for investment professionals in Philadelphia.
  • GPAEE connects local energy engineers focused on efficient design and energy strategies.
  • GPAR is a membership organization for real estate professionals in the Greater Philadelphia area.
  • NAPO-GPC is for Philadelphia professionals interested in the organizing and productivity industry.
  • NAAAP Philadelphia promotes the career advancement and development of Asian professionals.
  • Pan-Am Philadelphia is for local Latino professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.
  • PADC serves attorneys of diverse backgrounds working at law firms and corporate law departments.
  • PBA connects attorneys, judges, and legal professionals across the Philadelphia region.
  • Philadelphia ALA connects legal management professionals and law firm administrators in Philly.
  • Philly AFP connects local fundraising professionals, development officers, and nonprofit leaders.
  • Philly SHRM creates opportunities for HR professionals to lead people and lead organizations.
  • YPC PHL brings together young professionals, creatives, and emerging leaders across Philadelphia.

Connect with a Professional Association to build your  professional expertise in your specific area of practice:

 Search:PhillyBizHub® Resource Finder

Keyword: #professionalassociation

 Save search results to your PhillyBizHub User Page and Quicklink Dashboard: Select and save any resource organization you want here.

Small Business Administration (SBA) 

Local offices of federal government agencies that provide support to entrepreneurs and small businesses, including loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling, and other forms of assistance. 

Connect with the Philadelphia Small Business Administration for access to resources and programs that help you develop your business expertise:

 Search:PhillyBizHub Resource Finder

Keyword: #smallbusinessadministration, #SBA

 Save search results to your PhillyBizHub User Page and Quicklink Dashboard: Select and save any resource organization you want here.

Can’t Find What You’re Looking For?

Send Feedbackto PhillyBizHub

> Tell us what’s missing.

Connect with a member of the Mayor’s Business Action Team(MBAT)

Email MBAT: business@phila.gov  

Call Direct: 1-215-853-2100.