PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia's Parks and Recreation Department collaborates with creative incubator REC Philly to offer unused space at local recreation centers to local entrepreneurs. The Knight Foundation supports the program and will award grants ranging from $25,000 to $75,000 for successful business concepts.
The Philadelphia Department of Commerce will also provide business mentorship and technical training to selected entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs can submit more than one business idea. Finalists will be chosen in November, and eventual winners will be announced in April.
These spaces will be available for lease at affordable rates. Most spaces are between 250 and 750 square feet and will come with basic amenities. Locations are dependent on the number of applications received. The license agreements will last one year and can be renewed up to three times if needed. Each license will last one year but may be extended if the business idea is viable and generates a profit.
