Apply For Grants
Spring Stabilization Grant awardees announced in May. Stay tuned.

Spring Stabilization Grant awardees announced in May. Stay tuned.

Grant BLVD

Grant BLVD

This grant enabled us to take a really big leap and stood in the gap as we aspired to reach for our full potential as a small business and B Corp.

Kimberly McGlonn

Sustaining Philadelphia Businesses since 1854

Sustaining Philadelphia Businesses since 1854

Pandemic Relief

Pandemic Relief

“The Merchants Fund has been a godsend to the smallest of businesses during the Pandemic”

Philadelphia Inquirer

ABOUT US

171 Years of Gifts
and Support

The Merchants Fund has provided support to Philadelphia merchants during times of financial hardship since 1854.
Our vision is for a Philadelphia where merchants have access to the necessary resources and meaningful support to build wealth for their families and communities, ensuring a more prosperous future for all.

LEARN MORE

2024

Grant Year

101

Total business supported

$645,461

Total funds distributed

$6,391

Average grant awarded

$439,947 & counting

Grant funding (to 45 businesses) in Q1 2025

Our Impact

Chabaa Thai Bistro

Chabaa is an intimate Thai BYOB in Manayunk. TMF supported Chabaa Thai Bistro with a $5,000 grant to help them recover from flooding caused by Hurricane Ida.

Art History 101

Jay Pross launched streetwear brand Art History 101 in 2008; it was so successful that he opened his first brick and mortar store on Frankford Ave.

Cantina la Martina

TMF supported Cantina La Martina with a $10,000 grant to help with repairs and increase seating capacity; TMF also provided coaching through our Beyond the Grant program.

Grant Making

Our economy relies on small businesses to flourish, yet many merchants don’t have the financial resources or access to professional support necessary to thrive. The Merchants Fund helps fill this void, particularly for those in communities that have been historically underserved and marginalized.

Apply for a Grant

Are you a small business owner in need of financial assistance?
Stabilization grant cycles are open twice a year.

APPLY FOR A GRANT

Donate to The Merchants Fund

Help Philadelphia’s small businesses thrive. Your tax-deductible gift to TMF provides critical support to local merchants & entrepreneurs.

DONATE NOW

Stay updated

FOLLOW OUR INSTAGRAM

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


Small business owners: What have been your successes and challenges this year, and what is your outlook for the future?

The Federal Reserve is seeking your feedback in this year’s Small Business Credit Survey. Join the thousands of for-profit small businesses who complete the survey to voice what you are experiencing. Survey closes November 1; link in bio.

#SmallBusinessCreditSurvey #SmallBusiness #federalreserve


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Small business owners: What have been your successes and challenges this year, and what is your outlook for the future? The Federal Reserve is seeking your feedback in this year’s Small Business Credit Survey. Join the thousands of for-profit small businesses who complete the survey to voice what you are experiencing. Survey closes November 1; link in bio. #SmallBusinessCreditSurvey #SmallBusiness #federalreserve

Small business owners: What have been your successes and challenges this year, and what is your outlook for the future?

The Federal Reserve is seeking your feedback in this year’s Small Business Credit Survey. Join the thousands of for-profit small businesses who complete the survey to voice what you are experiencing. Survey closes November 1; link in bio.

#SmallBusinessCreditSurvey #SmallBusiness #federalreserve

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The Fall Stabilization Grant Cycle is open! Stabilization Grants support projects that will help a business overcome an obstacle limiting its ability to operate at full capacity or help a business to grow. Read more on our website and apply using the link in bio! The application closes September 30th.


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The Fall Stabilization Grant Cycle is open! Stabilization Grants support projects that will help a business overcome an obstacle limiting its ability to operate at full capacity or help a business to grow. Read more on our website and apply using the link in bio! The application closes September 30th.

The Fall Stabilization Grant Cycle is open! Stabilization Grants support projects that will help a business overcome an obstacle limiting its ability to operate at full capacity or help a business to grow. Read more on our website and apply using the link in bio! The application closes September 30th.

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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


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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

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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.
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#smallbusiness #phillymerchants #smallbusinessupport #equitableaccess #diverseentrepreneurs
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Check out @vientianebistro at their West Philly and Kensington locations to see for yourself how this inspiring grantee continues to thrive.


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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.

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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!


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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


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“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

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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/


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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/

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