Business Development

Business Development & Services

OARC is working hard to improve the business climate in West Oak Lane. We have specific programs available to help new and existing businesses, but we also work with elected and other City officials and stakeholders to effectively lobby City government to enforce regulations, zoning approvals, and other issues. All of the Business Associations that OARC supports have the same basic mission:

  • Provide a variety of member benefits that support growth and sustainability for small businesses and entrepreneurs
  • Encourage local residents to shop and do business locally
  • Network with other business association members through the Northwest Philadelphia Business Association Coalition, government agencies, and community residents to ensure a safer, cleaner, community

Accomplishments:

  • OARC has provided technical assistance to the West Oak Lane Business Association for the past several years which has resulted in a 75% increase in membership.
  • OARC facilitated the formation of the Stenton Avenue-Washington Lane Business Association, as well as the Northwest Philadelphia Business Association Coalition.
  • The Northwest Philadelphia Business Coalition (NPBC) provides technical assistance and best practices for their member business associations. NPBC has a unified presence at various networking and community events and festivals; thus, increasing the visibility and image of businesses along commercial corridors in the Northwest

Partners:The Business Center, the City of Philadelphia, PennDOT, West Oak Lane Senior Center, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, GPUAC, West Oak Lane Business Association, Stenton Avenue-Washington Lane Business Association and Northwest Philadelphia Business Coalition, The Merchants Fund, Sustainable Business Network

Funders: Sovereign Bank, Wachovia Bank, Citibank, City of Philadelphia, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Cheltenham Avenue Business Improvement District

OARC has been working with the City of Philadelphia and Cheltenham Township to implement a Business Improvement District on portions of Cheltenham and Ogontz Avenues. In conjunction with Cheltenham Township, legislation to enact the Greater Cheltenham Avenue Business Improvement District (GCA Bid) was passed in Fall 2008.  Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) consist of organizations devoted to improving commercial property values, business profitability and consumer choices in a particular area.  The GCA BID generally includes Cheltenham Avenue with boundaries of Wadsworth Avenue on the west and Broad Street on the east, Ogontz Avenue with boundaries of Cheltenham Avenue on the north and 67th Avenue on the south and Wadsworth Avenue with boundaries of Cheltenham Avenue on the northeast and Michener Avenue on the southwest.  

BIDs keep costs low because all member business owners share in the costs incurred for services provided to the district.  BIDs are planned and run by business people. The BID continues to move forward and is coordinating efforts to address issues around its three primary goals - security, cleanliness and marketing.   

Partners: City of Philadelphia, Cheltenham Township, numerous stakeholders

Funders: Planning Phase funded by DCED (Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development)