ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

The Economic Development Program was established in 1981 and works toward the revitalization of the economy of Eastern North Philadelphia and Kensington. The program's efforts focus on the neighborhoods that comprise the city, state and federally designated American Street Enterprise and Empowerment Zone. The Economic Development Program is composed of the following components:

1. The Job Resource Center strives to assist local residents in finding employment and/or training to meet their needs not only with local businesses but also with businesses in the tri-state area. An annual Job Fair attracts over 30 employers and over 500 job seekers.
2. The Business Services Center assists retail and commercial businesses with city services, government and private financing, licenses, identify rental and property sale opportunities and provides various other technical assistance needs to business owners.
3. The Business Rental Rebate Program serves new or expanding businesses located in the American Street Empowerment Zone. Over 80 local businesses have been supported by this program since 1996.
4. The Economic Development Program also works to develop creative initiatives and partnerships that will support the economic stability of The Lighthouse programs and its surrounding community