Biz Connections: A Web Guide to Business in Local Neighborhoods

Philly is renowned for its diverse neighborhoods and idiosyncratic offerings: tourist spots, residential quarters, college hangouts, bodegas, artsy joints, etc. It goes without saying that entrepreneurs have a lot to choose from when scouting locations to set up shop or searching for ways to enhance their business. As a way to organize this information, numerous districts are using sharp and functional web tools to bring curious entrepreneurs, business owners and patrons the information they need when seeking office space, shopping for materials or surveying their clientele. Learn about the following districts through their sites.

Center City Philadelphia

Center City District and Central Philadelphia Development Corporation's joint website boasts a number of functional features including an easy-to-use search bar. Use this bar, located at the top of the home page, to search for information on the business community and browse through office space listings in Center City. Search listings by location, space size and even building age.

http://www.centercityphila.org/

South Street Headhouse District

Check out the SSHD's website for the latest updates on events in the vibrant South Street area. Browse the menu at top of the page to search for information on dining, nightlife, local news and more. One highlight is the directory listing on the right-hand side of the home page. Click antiques, art galleries, bars/nightlife and dozens more to see a detailed listing of local stores and businesses offering these services. A comprehensive guide to every small business in the South Street area!

http://southstreet.com/

Old City District

Old City's site mirrors the district's image: multihued, vivid and exciting. Browse through the flash wheel at top to Shop, Dine or Explore. For business information, click the "B for Business" link to the right of the home page. Here you can learn how to advertise your business, search for retail space or download a list of current businesses in Old City.

http://www.oldcitydistrict.org/

Visit East Passyunk

Farmer's markets, boutiques, gourmet eateries, art galleries - the options in East Passyunk are endless. Browse their site's business directory to see the dozens of businesses that call East Passyunk home. For those interested in business properties in this area, there's a helpful page with contact information linked on the left-hand menu.

http://www.visiteastpassyunk.com/index.html