Apply For Grants
Beyond the Grant

Beyond the Grant

Coaching

To schedule an appointment with a business coach, please fill out this short form.

To better serve its beneficiaries, The Merchants Fund started the Beyond the Grant program in 2020, offering business coaching to all TMF grantees. Our approach is individualized, built on trust, and meets business owners where they are. That means no generic workshops or stuffy classrooms—TMF coaches are boots-on-the-ground, working with business owners to help them achieve their goals.Our coaches are experts in small business advising as they all currently own or have owned small businesses in Philadelphia. With over 70 years combined experience in the local business community, our team is well-positioned and ready to help.

Testimonials

See below from business owners who have engaged with The Merchants Fund’s technical assistance and personalized coaching:

Over the years I have seen my small business owner friends struggle with low profit margins, high workload, and little opportunity for work-life balance…. Thanks to the coaching sessions through The Merchants Fund, I am happy with the rate of growth at which it is developing and my level of control over it. These coaching sessions have been a godsend. I didn’t know how much I needed administrative support and financial  literacy until I had access to it. Being able to filter my ideas and plans (through a practical business lens) with someone like George has been game changing.

Ana Caballero, Proyecto Tamal

I really appreciate the humanity of this structure and cohort. Rather than just force feeding us business principles, like foie gras ducks, there is a spaciousness and patience to keep us herded in a common direction…  I am finding these conversations very holistic and really revelatory.  How we work/struggle/acknowledge opportunity and hopefully implement change, also heals our generational and family of origin deficits.

Sharon Sherman, Empirical Point Acupuncture

Overall it has been a huge asset for me to have someone I trust to answer questions and offer perspective. George has helped me understand my own business with greater clarity, and he’s helped me work towards the goals that I will likely achieve.

Justin Turkus, Rabbit Ears, LLC

FREE RESOURCES

Whether you need assistance creating a strategic plan, understanding your financials, or connecting with a skilled professional (attorney, accountant, web designer.), our coaches are here to help.

Stay updated

FOLLOW OUR INSTAGRAM

Connect with The Merchants Fund on social media to stay updated on grant cycles, applications, and inspiring grantee stories.


We are excited to announce that the Spring cycle of our ‘2024 Stabilization Grant Program’ is now live!

Stabilization Grants provide funding of up to $10,000 to help a business stabilize in the face of adversity, take advantage of an opportunity to grow, or increase profitability.

Visit merchantsfund.org/grants/stabilization for more info and when you’re ready to apply, click the link in our bio!

#phillysupportphilly #phillymerchants #phillysmallbusiness



Open


We are excited to announce that the Spring cycle of our ‘2024 Stabilization Grant Program’ is now live! Stabilization Grants provide funding of up to $10,000 to help a business stabilize in the face of adversity, take advantage of an opportunity to grow, or increase profitability. Visit merchantsfund.org/grants/stabilization for more info and when you’re ready to apply, click the link in our bio! #phillysupportphilly #phillymerchants #phillysmallbusiness

We are excited to announce that the Spring cycle of our ‘2024 Stabilization Grant Program’ is now live!

Stabilization Grants provide funding of up to $10,000 to help a business stabilize in the face of adversity, take advantage of an opportunity to grow, or increase profitability.

Visit merchantsfund.org/grants/stabilization for more info and when you’re ready to apply, click the link in our bio!

#phillysupportphilly #phillymerchants #phillysmallbusiness

…


Vientiane Cafe is known to locals as a Lao and Thai fusion restaurant. Established in 2002, it became the first restaurant in the Philadelphia area to offer Lao dishes with a twist. The bistro’s rich history combined with their commitment to utilize their grant to improve their business and the community around them earns them this week’s inspiring grantee spotlight.
.
.
.
#smallbusiness #phillymerchants #smallbusinessupport #equitableaccess #diverseentrepreneurs
.
.
.
Check out @vientianebistro at their West Philly and Kensington locations to see for yourself how this inspiring grantee continues to thrive.



Open


Vientiane Cafe is known to locals as a Lao and Thai fusion restaurant. Established in 2002, it became the first restaurant in the Philadelphia area to offer Lao dishes with a twist. The bistro’s rich history combined with their commitment to utilize their grant to improve their business and the community around them earns them this week’s inspiring grantee spotlight. . . . #smallbusiness #phillymerchants #smallbusinessupport #equitableaccess #diverseentrepreneurs . . . Check out @vientianebistro at their West Philly and Kensington locations to see for yourself how this inspiring grantee continues to thrive.

Vientiane Cafe is known to locals as a Lao and Thai fusion restaurant. Established in 2002, it became the first restaurant in the Philadelphia area to offer Lao dishes with a twist. The bistro’s rich history combined with their commitment to utilize their grant to improve their business and the community around them earns them this week’s inspiring grantee spotlight.
.
.
.
#smallbusiness #phillymerchants #smallbusinessupport #equitableaccess #diverseentrepreneurs
.
.
.
Check out @vientianebistro at their West Philly and Kensington locations to see for yourself how this inspiring grantee continues to thrive.

…


Enjoy all-you-can eat authentic Mexican food from some of the best restaurants in town all in one location at Bok on Thursday, September 28th at 6:00 pm. The 2nd Annual Taco Fiesta is a celebration of Mexican cuisine and culture in support of the work of the Association of Mexican Business Owners of Philadelphia. Desserts, aguas frescas, giveaways, live music and a fashion design performance included!
Be sure to invite your friends and colleagues to network while supporting our mission to empower immigrant-owned businesses in Philadelphia.
Thank you to our participating restaurants!

o Adelita Mexican Taqueria & Restaurant
o Alma del Mar
o El Mezcal Cantina
o Los 4 Soles
o Los Taquitos de Puebla
o Marco`s Fish & Crab House
o Mole Poblano Restaurant
o PhillyTacos
o Tamalex Resturant
o Taqueria Morales
o Tortilleria San Roman

Link in bio!



Open


Enjoy all-you-can eat authentic Mexican food from some of the best restaurants in town all in one location at Bok on Thursday, September 28th at 6:00 pm. The 2nd Annual Taco Fiesta is a celebration of Mexican cuisine and culture in support of the work of the Association of Mexican Business Owners of Philadelphia. Desserts, aguas frescas, giveaways, live music and a fashion design performance included! Be sure to invite your friends and colleagues to network while supporting our mission to empower immigrant-owned businesses in Philadelphia. Thank you to our participating restaurants! o Adelita Mexican Taqueria & Restaurant o Alma del Mar o El Mezcal Cantina o Los 4 Soles o Los Taquitos de Puebla o Marco's Fish & Crab House o Mole Poblano Restaurant o PhillyTacos o Tamalex Resturant o Taqueria Morales o Tortilleria San Roman Link in bio!

Enjoy all-you-can eat authentic Mexican food from some of the best restaurants in town all in one location at Bok on Thursday, September 28th at 6:00 pm. The 2nd Annual Taco Fiesta is a celebration of Mexican cuisine and culture in support of the work of the Association of Mexican Business Owners of Philadelphia. Desserts, aguas frescas, giveaways, live music and a fashion design performance included!
Be sure to invite your friends and colleagues to network while supporting our mission to empower immigrant-owned businesses in Philadelphia.
Thank you to our participating restaurants!

o Adelita Mexican Taqueria & Restaurant
o Alma del Mar
o El Mezcal Cantina
o Los 4 Soles
o Los Taquitos de Puebla
o Marco`s Fish & Crab House
o Mole Poblano Restaurant
o PhillyTacos
o Tamalex Resturant
o Taqueria Morales
o Tortilleria San Roman

Link in bio!

…


“Marcos and Alma own a beloved, local seafood spot in South Philly — @marcosfishandcrabhouse — and are also known for also being featured on Season 5 of Queer Eye on Netflix! Down the street, Nacho owns another loved Mexican-owned business named — "Taquitos de Puebla" and serves a very special Sopa Azteca, grilled nopales, and other exquisite Mexican dishes.

Both businesses have unfortunately been victims of vandalism and recently had their vehicles stolen in the summer of 2023. One was a refrigerated truck, which has been especially difficult for `Marco`s Fish` as their fish is fresh each day and requires transit to the restaurant. Now, without the truck, Marcos and Alma`s business is at stake. Nacho also cannot make required pickups for his restaurant`s ingredients.”

Link in bio to donate



Open


“Marcos and Alma own a beloved, local seafood spot in South Philly — @marcosfishandcrabhouse — and are also known for also being featured on Season 5 of Queer Eye on Netflix! Down the street, Nacho owns another loved Mexican-owned business named — "Taquitos de Puebla" and serves a very special Sopa Azteca, grilled nopales, and other exquisite Mexican dishes. Both businesses have unfortunately been victims of vandalism and recently had their vehicles stolen in the summer of 2023. One was a refrigerated truck, which has been especially difficult for 'Marco's Fish' as their fish is fresh each day and requires transit to the restaurant. Now, without the truck, Marcos and Alma's business is at stake. Nacho also cannot make required pickups for his restaurant's ingredients.” Link in bio to donate

“Marcos and Alma own a beloved, local seafood spot in South Philly — @marcosfishandcrabhouse — and are also known for also being featured on Season 5 of Queer Eye on Netflix! Down the street, Nacho owns another loved Mexican-owned business named — "Taquitos de Puebla" and serves a very special Sopa Azteca, grilled nopales, and other exquisite Mexican dishes.

Both businesses have unfortunately been victims of vandalism and recently had their vehicles stolen in the summer of 2023. One was a refrigerated truck, which has been especially difficult for `Marco`s Fish` as their fish is fresh each day and requires transit to the restaurant. Now, without the truck, Marcos and Alma`s business is at stake. Nacho also cannot make required pickups for his restaurant`s ingredients.”

Link in bio to donate

…


We’re a proud recipient of @phillysjunited’s Partnership Grant Program. And we’re in great company! TMF is one of 100 grantees from a diverse network of organizations in Greater Philadelphia whose work helps people and families thrive. Learn more > https://unitedforimpact.org/nonprofit-partners/



Open


We’re a proud recipient of @phillysjunited’s Partnership Grant Program. And we’re in great company! TMF is one of 100 grantees from a diverse network of organizations in Greater Philadelphia whose work helps people and families thrive. Learn more > https://unitedforimpact.org/nonprofit-partners/

We’re a proud recipient of @phillysjunited’s Partnership Grant Program. And we’re in great company! TMF is one of 100 grantees from a diverse network of organizations in Greater Philadelphia whose work helps people and families thrive. Learn more > https://unitedforimpact.org/nonprofit-partners/

…


Six months ago, @leesdeliphilly was destroyed. With grit, determination, and a community of support behind them, they re-opened last week.



Open


Six months ago, @leesdeliphilly was destroyed. With grit, determination, and a community of support behind them, they re-opened last week.

Six months ago, @leesdeliphilly was destroyed. With grit, determination, and a community of support behind them, they re-opened last week.

…


Our spring grant cycle is now open! Application and eligibility requirements can be found at the link in our bio. This cycle will be open until 11:59pm on 5/31/23. #smallbusiness #phillysmallbusiness



Open


Our spring grant cycle is now open! Application and eligibility requirements can be found at the link in our bio. This cycle will be open until 11:59pm on 5/31/23. #smallbusiness #phillysmallbusiness

Our spring grant cycle is now open! Application and eligibility requirements can be found at the link in our bio. This cycle will be open until 11:59pm on 5/31/23. #smallbusiness #phillysmallbusiness

…


Check out this story about @cosmicphilly in @phillyinquirer! #smallbusiness #supportsmallbusiness #phillysmallbusiness #philly



Open


Check out this story about @cosmicphilly in @phillyinquirer! #smallbusiness #supportsmallbusiness #phillysmallbusiness #philly

Check out this story about @cosmicphilly in @phillyinquirer! #smallbusiness #supportsmallbusiness #phillysmallbusiness #philly

…


This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

There has been a problem with your Instagram Feed.