East Falls Development Corporation

Our History

The East Falls Business Association is a thriving network of business owners + stakeholders in East Falls, located in Northwest Philadelphia. We seek to grow the fabric of the East Falls business community by assisting entrepreneurs in launching, building, and expanding successful businesses in East Falls.

Membership Benefits

Access to Resources

  • Maximize growth opportunities with information on current grants and local funding opportunities.
  • Attend workshops and seminars providing valuable knowledge and skills to enhance business operations.
  • Get guidance from educational workshops, seminars, and educational materials on topics such as marketing, branding, finance, and legal compliance.

Advocacy + Representation

  • Provide platforms for networking with other local businesses, potential clients, suppliers, and partners.
  • Foster valuable connections leading to collaborations and business growth.

Visibility + Credibility

  • Provide platforms for networking with other local businesses, potential clients, suppliers, and partners. Foster valuable connections leading to collaborations and business growth.

Collective Bargaining Power

  • Increase your business leverage and reduce cost by buying into the collective bargaining power of the association to negotiate better deals on services, supplies, and utilities.
  • Partner in neighborhood programs and grants to better the community such as the City of Philadelphia Safe Cam Network.

Support + Mentorship

  • Gain access to a supportive business environment where members seek advice, mentorship, and guidance from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts, helping newer businesses navigate challenges and achieve success.
  • Gain access to business and strategic planning tools to help grow your business.

What will your dues go towards?

  • Neighborhood-wide events that promote our businesses
  • Joint promotional efforts
  • Other initiatives driven by the Business Association membership to support our entrepreneurs (ie no interest loan program)

Rachel Oristano, Thornback Acupuncture

I have had my small acupuncture and counseling business in East Falls since 2017. I started renting a small office part time on Indian Queen Lane, then full time on Conrad street in 2020. When I moved from West Philly, I made sure to be within 15 minutes of my East Falls office.

I opened my expanded practice on Midvale Ave earlier this year, I chose the location so that I could stay in East Falls. This would not only allow me to maintain my current client base, but it would also keep me connected with the East Falls Business Association.

The EFBA is constantly working for the East Falls community, both the residents and local small businesses. I know that if I need support I can reach out at any time and they will help me thrive.

Vault + Vine

The EFDC has been an invaluable resource to me as a business owner. As a new business owner with little experience, I have been fortunate enough to have access to guidance and resources that have allowed my business to survive.

This last year has been full of challenges that could have put us out of business, from a break in, to a street closure, and several utility service interruptions. The EFDC has been there every time to help us find stabilization funding, quick solutions, contact information for people who could help, and ways to reach out to customers to keep them coming through our doors. There have been times when the support that was needed was the opportunity to vent and have a shoulder to cry on, and I can say that we have had access to that too.

Beyond this, the EFDC has also provided plentiful opportunities to connect with neighboring businesses, allowing us to trade ideas and resources that continue to foster camaraderie and community. These opportunities and relationships have given life to other projects whose goals are to bring improvements to our neighborhood, therefore making the EFDC an anchor for both commerce and community development.

Tina Phillips, Owner, Famous 4th Street Cookie Company

The East Falls Development Corporation has been an integral part of my business’s success and development.  Through cooperation and support of the EFDC, we secured a StoreFront Improvement Program and were able to participate in the Philadelphia Police SafeCam Program.  The expertise, advice and assistance we received from EFDC was critical to our building’s security, maintenance, and beautification.  We are lucky to be a part of this beautiful community.  

East Falls Dry Cleaners

I appreciate EFDC for all they do- and for spending the time to help me fill out successful grant appications.  I am happy to know there is such help for the neighbors in East Falls.

VaceTime: Landscaping

I am so thankful for The East Falls Development Corporation for supporting and advocating for me since the day we connected. EFDC has made themselves available in numerous ways; from much needed grant information to the introduction of various members of their network, all of whom have been great. There are very few people in the world who genuinely love to help a small business owner, with EFDC I know I have a great organization for resources, but more importantly a reliable friend.

Bela Shehu, of NINObrand.

As the owner of NINObrand, a clothing line business located in East Falls, I am delighted to share my experience with the East Falls Development Corporation, and the invaluable support they have provided to our business. The EFDC has been instrumental in driving positive change and growth in our community, and their commitment to the economic development of East Falls is truly commendable. Their unwavering support, mentorship, and community engagement initiatives have not only benefited NINObrand but have also contributed to the overall prosperity of our neighborhood. I am immensely grateful for their support and look forward to continued collaboration for the betterment of East Falls.
Their deep-rooted commitment to revitalizing the riverfront business district and their long-term vision for the area have been truly inspiring. The East Falls Development Co. has effectively engaged with the community, actively incorporating feedback and ideas through charrettes and visioning sessions, ensuring that their initiatives align with the diverse needs of East Falls.
Their initiatives, such as highlighting and promoting local businesses through social media, organizing events, and creating networking opportunities, have been instrumental in raising awareness, and fostering a sense of pride and unity within East Falls.

Have Questions?
Want to Learn More?

We want to hear from you. Please email michelle.feldman@eastfallspa.com with any questions.

Stay Connected!

Newsletter Signup

Scroll to Top