Emergency Grants

Emergency Grants

Emergency Grants

For small businesses

Purpose

Up to $20,000 in grant support to businesses facing hardship due to qualifying events such as fire, natural disaster, extreme acts of physical vandalism, utility failure, or a highly disruptive public works projects.

NOTE: If the emergency does not fall into one of the categories above, email grants@merchantsfund.org before completing an application to see if you qualify.

Funding Priorities

  • Small & Micro business owners that have been historically undercapitalized and cannot withstand a prolonged loss of revenue.
  • Businesses with an annual revenue of less than $500,000
  • Located in Philadelphia
  • Independently owned & operated
  • Operates a storefront/physical location (food trucks & kiosks are eligible)
  • Is in compliance with all federal, state and local taxes (or on an approved payment plan)
  • Has the required federal, state and local licenses/permits to operate legally
  • Annual revenue of $1.5M or less
  • Must be able to demonstrate financial need for a grant
  • Ineligible businesses include, but are not limited to, those that provide professional services (e.g. medical/therapeutic/counseling, legal, insurance), graphic design, architecture, real estate, child/elder care providers, and non-profit organizations. Additional ineligible businesses can be found on the quick reference sheet. These lists are not comprehensive and TMF reserves the right to deem any application ineligible or deny any application.
  • If you have a question about eligibility, please call or email before completing an application.

How To Apply

  • Visit the TMF online grant portal by clicking on the APPLY NOW button below
  • Click Create New Account, then log in (use existing username/password, if applicable)
  • Once logged in, click Apply at the top of the page
  • Click the blue Apply button in the top right of the TMF Emergency Grant Program description box
    • Applications will automatically save all progress. If you need to close it and finish later, there is no need to start a new application, simply login using your email and password you created and click “Edit Application” on your home screen. To submit your application, make sure all required information is completed and scroll down to the bottom of the application to click the blue SUBMIT button. You will receive an email confirmation once your application is submitted.
  • If you have questions or need assistance, please email grants@merchantsfund.org

Funding provided by:


Stay updated

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Are you a passionate fan of the small businesses that make Philadelphia home? We want to talk! Apply on LinkedIn.





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



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.





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



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.