Temple University SBDC will oversees ensuring no neighborhood or business is left behind.
The PHL Fest Small Business Readiness Strategy ensures businesses across Philadelphia are fully prepared to capture economic opportunities in Summer 2026. The strategy is delivered through a citywide readiness playbook to ensure scale, equity, and consistency.
What is the PHL Fest Small Business Readiness Playbook?
The Playbook is a citywide guide and support framework designed to help Philadelphia small businesses prepare for FIFA World Cup 2026–driven visitation and spending. It provides clear steps, tools, and resources to help businesses improve visibility, operations, and customer readiness.
Who is the Playbook for?
The Playbook is designed for all Philadelphia small businesses, including retail, food & beverage, service providers, creative businesses, and hospitality-adjacent operators—whether or not they are located on a designated commercial corridor.
How is the readiness strategy delivered citywide?
Readiness support is delivered through a two-pronged model:
- Strengthen Your Biz corridors receive place-based, corridor-level activations. - Businesses outside these corridors are supported through Temple Small Business Development Center, ensuring equitable access to training and advisory services citywide.
- Group workshops - Online and hybrid training - One-on-one advising - Access to readiness tools and best practices
This ensures all businesses can participate in the FIFA 2026 opportunity.
Do businesses need to be in a corridor to participate?
No. All businesses are eligible to participate in readiness programs. Corridor-based activations provide additional marketing and foot-traffic opportunities, but the core Playbook and training resources are available citywide.
What does the Playbook help businesses do?
The Playbook helps businesses:
- Prepare for international visitors - Upgrade technology and online presence - Improve discovery, reviews, and digital visibility - Understand customer behavior and data - Participate in coordinated promotions and tours
Is there a cost to participate?
Many readiness resources, workshops, and tools are free or low-cost, supported through partnerships and public/private investment. Additional premium tools or services may be optional.
How does this benefit small businesses long-term?
While designed for FIFA 2026, the Playbook focuses on long-term business health, including:
- Increased visibility and customer discovery - Stronger digital infrastructure - Better customer engagement and retention -Sustainable growth beyond the event window
How does this ensure equity across neighborhoods?
By combining corridor-based activations with citywide readiness support, the strategy ensures:
- Access to resources regardless of location - Consistent standards and tools citywide -Local customization without fragmentation
How can businesses get started?
Businesses can:
- Enroll in readiness workshops - Access online training modules - Connect with advisory support - Participate in neighborhood promotions when available
(Registration and onboarding details will be communicated through PHL Fest and partner channels.)
