NW Philly Small Business Summit

REGISTER FOR THE SUMMIT

The Northwest Philly Small Business Summit, hosted by Mt. Airy CDC, is coming Monday November 10, to NewCourtland’s conference facilities at 6950 Germantown Ave.

This is a one-day event designed to empower local Northwest Philly businesses by offering practical workshops, expert panels, and ample networking opportunities.

This year, we’ve expanded our workshops to include new topics based on community feedback, and we’re certain that businesses of all types, stages, and sizes will find value throughout the day.

Breakfast (included with admission) will be provided by High Point Cafe and lunch (pre-purchase optional) will come from Malelani Cafe. End the day with a networking happy hour that is included in the price of admission.

General attendance is $30 and includes a continental breakfast and happy hour refreshments.

Discounts: 50% admission discount available to members of the Go Mt. Airy Business Association. An admission discount of $5 is available to business members of Germantown United CDC, Manayunk Development Corporation, Roxborough CDC, Chestnut Hill Business District, and East Falls Development Corporation. For the appropriate discount code, please email Sydney Camisa Deas, Development & Events Manager, at scamisadeas@mtairycdc.org.

Lunch: $15 (pre-purchase required by November 3; vegan and gluten-free options available). You are welcome to bring your own lunch or purchase something from one of our local food establishments. If you choose to leave the premises during lunch, please be prepared to miss a portion of our lunchtime programming.

Headshots: You may also elect to add on a professional headshot with our photographer Kira Luxon for an additional $35 (minimum of 10 participants required).

REGISTER FOR THE SUMMIT

NW PHILLY SMALL BUSINESS SUMMIT AGENDA

*Event schedule is subject to change.

8:30–9am: REGISTRATION, NETWORKING, & CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST 

  • Enjoy coffee, tea, and pastries provided by High Point Cafe as you check in and get to know fellow business owners.

9am–12pm: WORKSHOPS 

  • 9am: Knowing Your Customer: Mapping a Social Media Strategy (With Dionne Watts-Williams)

Learn how to speak your audience’s language without compromising your brand voice. Practical strategies to give your story and your business the visibility it deserves using social media platforms.

  • 10am: Small Business Tax Hacks: Preparing for the BIRT (With Christian Crespo, Rebecca Lopez-Kriss & Ian Shumard of the City of Philadelphia Department of Revenue)

All businesses with for-profit activity in the city must now file and pay Business Income and Receipts Tax (BIRT), with their first returns covering 2025 activity due on April 15, 2026. Learn about what’s required, transition benefits, and available resources.

  • 11am: Implementing Sustainable Business Practices (With Kim Quick of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia)

Learn about the principles of social responsibility in business, the benefits of green practices, and how to integrate sustainability into your business model.

12–1:30pm: LUNCH / PANEL / PRESENTATIONS

1:30–4:15pm: WORKSHOPS

  • 1:30pm: TikToks & Reels: Leveraging Short-Form Videos for Promotion (With Lauren Belcher)

Learn strategies for promoting your business using engaging short-video formats.

2:15-2:30pm: POPSICLE BREAK from Frios Gourmet Pops

  • 2:30pm: Increasing Tourism Impact for Small Businesses During the 250th Anniversary (With Jacki Mowery of Philadelphia Visitor Center & Daecia Borgia of Visit Philadelphia)

Learn about how small businesses can tap into the excitement and increased tourism surrounding the 250th anniversary.

  • 3:30–5pm: HAPPY HOUR NETWORKING

Relax and unwind with happy hour refreshments sponsored by Young American Hard Cider and Weavers Way Co-op. Network with fellow business owners and reflect on the day’s learnings.

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

REGISTER FOR THE SUMMIT