Black Squirrel

03/23/2026

Black Squirrel joined HealthSpark Foundation’s Network & Nurture event in Norristown, bringing together nonprofit leaders, businesses, and community partners for meaningful connection and collaboration.

We had the privilege of hosting a roundtable with nonprofit leaders and business owners. Our team is so grateful to be in rooms where ideas are shared, partnerships are built, and community comes first.

02/09/2026

Healthcare real estate in Philadelphia is changing quickly.

From major hospital expansions to new models of care and technology-driven design, the way medical environments are planned, financed, and built is evolving — and the implications go far beyond healthcare alone.

The PA Healthcare Real Estate Conference brings together developers, healthcare leaders, investors, and policymakers to examine where the market is headed next and how systems are responding.

📅 February 24 | 8:00 a.m. ET | Crystal Tea Room (100 Penn Square East (Wanamaker Building), Philadelphia

Explore how mega-projects, outpatient hubs, telehealth infrastructure and design innovations are transforming care delivery and learn how capital, technology and community partnerships are shaping the future of healthcare commercial real estate in Philadelphia.

02/06/2026

Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) play a critical role in financing small businesses, affordable housing, and community-led development, especially where traditional capital falls short. But as federal cuts threaten CDFI resources, the question becomes: who steps in?

An emerging argument points to community foundations as part of the answer — not just through grants, but by directing a portion of their invested assets toward mission-aligned lending that supports local economies.

Redirecting capital closer to home isn’t just values-driven. It’s a practical strategy for sustaining the institutions that communities already rely on.

Op-ed: There's a clear business case for community foundations to redirect some of their invested assets from Wall Street to Main Street through community development financial institutions.

02/03/2026

The Federal Reserve recently cut its benchmark interest rate again, a move that’s already rippling through the economy.

For small businesses and developers, rate cuts can lower borrowing costs and ease pressure on financing. But they also come amid broader uncertainty, including a prolonged government shutdown and mixed economic signals.

What matters most right now isn’t just the rate cut itself — it’s how lenders respond, how capital moves, and whether small and community-based businesses actually feel the difference.

Understanding these shifts helps business owners and developers make more informed decisions in an unpredictable environment.

02/02/2026

Last week’s BizScoreLine Kickstart 2026 gathering brought together small business owners, lenders, and partners for an honest conversation about capital readiness.

Rather than focusing on transactions, the evening centered relationships - how early engagement, clear financial storytelling, and trust-building can help businesses position themselves for sustainable growth.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the conversation meaningful and practical!

01/30/2026

Looking for a way to support local entrepreneurs and discover something special? Join us at Immigrant Marché on February 6!

Come shop artisan goods, books, and treats from local vendors while supporting immigrant-owned businesses that are strengthening Philadelphia’s local economy. Every purchase helps advance cultural exchange, local job creation, and community-rooted economic growth.

Date: February 6
Time: 5:00–8:00 PM
Cost: Free

Bring a friend and make an evening of it - we'll see you there!

01/29/2026

🎉 Today’s the day! 🎉

The Philadelphia 2026 Forecast is happening this morning, bringing together leaders across development, investment, and the civic ecosystem to discuss what’s ahead for the city as it enters the Semiquincentennial era.

Conversations happening now will help shape where capital flows, how neighborhoods evolve, and who benefits from the changes ahead. If you’re attending, we look forward to being in the room with you!

01/28/2026

As Philadelphia prepares for the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding, businesses across the city are thinking about what this moment might mean for them.

From increased visibility and foot traffic to construction disruptions and rising costs, the impact won’t be the same for everyone.

We’re curious — how do you expect Philadelphia 250 activities to affect your business overall?

🌟 Very positive
🙂 Somewhat positive
➖ No impact
⚠️ Somewhat negative
❌ Very negative
🤔 Not sure

Share your perspective in the comments.

01/26/2026

Philadelphia is heading into a pivotal year!

As 2026 approaches, the city is facing a rare convergence of global attention, leadership transitions, and significant capital movement tied to the Semiquincentennial. The Philadelphia 2026 Forecast brings together the people shaping development and investment decisions right now, offering insight into what’s ahead and where opportunity may emerge.

If you’re working in real estate, development, finance, or economic development, this is a timely moment to step back, look ahead, and hear directly from market leaders.

📅 Thursday, January 29 | 8:00 a.m. ET | Learn more and get tickets.

01/24/2026

Business ownership is one of the most powerful tools for building wealth and long-term stability, but access to ownership is not evenly distributed.

Recent federal data show that while business ownership has increased nationally, participation varies significantly by race, ethnicity, gender, and geography. In cities like Philadelphia, these gaps reflect deeper structural and economic realities.

Understanding who owns businesses - and who doesn’t - is essential if we’re serious about building a more inclusive local economy.

Read more about the data and what it reveals.

Business ownership, like homeownership, is a major driver of economic mobility and wealth for many individuals and families, but it varies considerably by race, ethnicity, and s*x. Federal data sheds new light on how, in recent years, business ownership has risen sharply throughout the country but a...

01/22/2026

Too often, talented professionals are forced to start over—not because of a lack of skill, but because systems weren’t built with them in mind.

The Welcoming Center's International Professionals Program (IPP) exists to change that reality. The program supports immigrants with international education and work experience as they navigate the transition back into professional roles in the U.S.

IPP focuses on career strategy, communication support, and employer connections—helping participants translate their expertise into opportunity, rather than leaving it behind.

When skilled professionals are able to contribute at their full capacity, entire communities benefit. Apply now!

Translation & interpretation services are available! Give us a call at 215-557-2626 and we will get you direct help in your language.