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Beyond the Grant

Beyond the Grant

Coaching

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

To better serve our grantees, The Merchants Fund launched the Beyond the Grant program in 2020, to offer coaching and support. 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 — 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

Here’s what some business owners had to say after working with The Merchants Fund and receiving coaching support.

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

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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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Open post by themerchantsfund with ID 18039792926092209


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

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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Open post by themerchantsfund with ID 18456656236030530


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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Open post by themerchantsfund with ID 18224513359259394


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

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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Open post by themerchantsfund with ID 18246727324222667


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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Open post by themerchantsfund with ID 17991763430231064


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!

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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“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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Open post by themerchantsfund with ID 17953572500649303


“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

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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Open post by themerchantsfund with ID 17991748567949445


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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