The Enterprise Center launches new Curbside Business Vehicle to provide services to small businesses in underserved areas

PHILADELPHIA, February 9, 2022- The Enterprise Center unveiled its new Curbside Business Services “Biz on Wheels” vehicle alongside local elected officials, partners from a variety of Chambers of Commerce, and other minority small business owners. The launch ceremony was held in front of the Beech Interplex complex along the historic Cecil B. Moore Avenue commercial corridor in North Philadelphia.
“This new Biz on Wheels vehicle is an absolute game-changer for our small business services team,” said Della Clark, President, and CEO of The Enterprise Center. “During the pandemic, we heard directly from our small business owners that time and access to digital technology were the two largest barriers preventing them from advancing their business goals. We designed this vehicle to provide comprehensive services on the go, bringing a team of small business experts directly to the front door of those often-overlooked businesses. We thank our partners and funders, without whom this initiative would not be possible.”
The Enterprise Center will utilize the Curbside Business Services vehicle on a weekly basis, visiting commercial corridors throughout the Greater Philadelphia region, including South Jersey and Delaware. The specially-outfitted sprinter van has onboard scanning and faxing tools, allowing business owners to leave their consultation with a complimentary flash drive, including all their critical documentation.
Small business specialists will be available for scheduling one-on-one business consultations for bookkeeping, marketing, financing opportunities, and legal advice. The Enterprise Center plans to use the vehicle along with geographic hot-spotting data to bring business coaching and resources to commercial corridors in underserved areas that do not have convenient access to these services.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and when they thrive, that has a positive and lasting impact in neighborhoods all over the city,” said Karen Fegely, Deputy Commerce Director for Neighborhood Business Services at the City of Philadelphia. “Providing our commercial corridors with on-the-spot access to development services and resources to grow will generate wealth that directly benefits those communities. The City of Philadelphia is proud to support this innovative initiative to give our business owners a boost, especially minority owners and retail establishments that have been heavily impacted by the pandemic. As we work together to rebound in the wake of the pandemic, thanks to programs like this, we can make our continued economic recovery truly equitable.”
The vehicle launch is in partnership with Mt. Airy, USA, The African American Chamber of Commerce, Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia, and Beech Companies.
The Curbside Business Services Vehicle is supported in part by funding from Spark Therapeutics, the Minority Business Development Agency, Comcast, and Wells Fargo.
The Enterprise Center is currently working with commercial corridor managers and local Chambers of Commerce to schedule visits throughout the region. Curbside vehicle schedule information will be posted on The Enterprise Center’s Twitter and Instagram accounts. More information can be found at www.curbsidebizservices.com
About The Enterprise Center
The Enterprise Center was established in 1989 by David Thornburgh and Larry Bell and is carried on today by President & CEO Della Clark. The Enterprise Center has a rich and diverse practice supporting minority entrepreneurs and under-resourced communities spanning more than three decades. Clients and partners trust The Enterprise Center to advise and deliver on transformative economic development connected to minority business growth cycles and community wealth-building initiatives. Learn more about The Enterprise Center here.