Stabilization Grants

The Stabilization Grants program, administered by The Merchants Fund, is designed to support small businesses in Philadelphia that need funding to grow or to address barriers that hinder their operational capacity. The fund places special emphasis on addressing historical and systemic disinvestment, as well as inequities in capital access faced by business owners in underserved communities. By prioritizing equitable wealth-building, the grant seeks to strengthen the overall economic health and sustainability of the region. These grants are offered twice annually, in the spring and fall. The next grant cycle is scheduled to open in Spring 2026. Funding is specifically aimed at businesses that operate a physical location accessible to the public, including food trucks and kiosks. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, be in good standing with tax authorities, and possess all required licenses and permits. The business must be independently owned, located within Philadelphia, and have an annual revenue between $50,000 and $750,000. Eligible businesses must also have operated for a minimum of two years and must not have applied for a Stabilization Grant within the past year or received one within the last 24 months. The application process begins with an eligibility questionnaire accessed via the fund’s grant portal, Temelio. Qualified applicants can proceed to preview and then submit a full application through a series of guided steps. Applicants must create a user account on the platform, designate their organization type, and enter their business and contact information. Once the application form is started, progress is saved, allowing users to return and complete it before final submission. All required fields must be completed before submission, after which applicants will receive an email confirmation. There are several categories of businesses explicitly excluded from applying. These include providers of professional services such as medical, legal, insurance, and counseling; child or elder care providers; graphic designers; architects; real estate companies; and nonprofit organizations. TMF reserves the right to determine eligibility and deny applications that do not meet their criteria. Additional ineligible business types are detailed in the program's reference materials. Support and inquiries regarding the application can be directed via email to grants@merchantsfund.org. While specific award timelines and performance periods are not listed, the program’s biannual cadence suggests a consistent review and award schedule, typically aligned with spring and fall funding windows.

Clearly demonstrate financial need; ensure eligibility criteria are met before applying