Governor Shapiro and DCED Secretary Siger Visit Phoenixville’s Small Businesses During Holiday Season

Thursday February 6th, 2025

Governor Josh Shapiro visited small businesses in downtown Phoenixville, Chester County, during the 2024 holiday season highlighting his Administration’s efforts to invest in main streets and small businesses in communities across our Commonwealth.

 

The Governor was joined by Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger, along with local leaders and business owners, who shared how these initiatives are making a difference in their community.

 

“The Shapiro Administration is committed to supporting the businesses that make up the heart and soul of our communities, and to ensuring regions have the tools they need to create a brighter future for their main streets and downtowns,” said Secretary Siger.

  

Building Stronger Main Streets

 

Governor Shapiro prioritized revitalizing Main Streets and small businesses across the Commonwealth in the 2024-25 budget, including significant new investments such as:

 

  1. $20 million in the Main Street Matters Program to support small businesses and commercial corridors. This program builds on and modernizes the Keystone Communities Program, which has already supported neighborhoods and downtown districts across Pennsylvania.

 

  1. $500 million to support economic development, including $400 million to create the Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites (PA SITES) Program to develop competitive, shovel-ready sites for business expansion or relocation in the Commonwealth. The program received bipartisan support to attract more businesses and create good-paying jobs in the state.

 

"Here in Phoenixville, we’ve seen firsthand how investments in Main Streets and small businesses can transform a community,” said Mayor Pete Urscheler. “Thanks to public-private partnerships and support from the Commonwealth, Phoenixville has become a destination — a place where residents and visitors alike experience the unique blend of history, innovation, and belonging. Whether it’s the bustle of a weekend farmers market, the warmth of holiday lights, or the joy of sharing a meal at a local restaurant, our Main Street brings us together in ways that are both meaningful and essential."

 

"Main Street businesses are the heart of our communities — where dreams come to life, connections are forged, and local economies thrive," said Jessica Capistrant, Phoenixville Regional Chamber President. “Gov. Shapiro’s $20 million investment in programs like Main Street Matters demonstrates a strong commitment to reviving Pennsylvania’s historic towns and cities. These investments empower entrepreneurs to grow, create jobs, and drive opportunity. By reducing red tape and providing critical resources, the state is fostering an environment where local economies can sustain and thrive. And these are true investments — every dollar spent on small businesses and economic development comes back through increased spending, higher home values, and a renewed sense of pride in our communities.”

 

In Phoenixville, Zach Hoffman, owner of Bistro on Bridge, and Representative Paul Friel (D-Chester) talked about the positive impact of these tax cuts and economic investments are making in the community.

 

"We’re now in our 16th year of business, and so much of our success comes from our incredible staff, a supportive borough, a Chamber of Commerce that drives tourism, a respected police force, and community leaders who believe in our downtown,” said Hoffman. “Main Street matters because it’s the heart of our community, and it supports so many businesses and lives. Phoenixville has grown into a major destination, and that wouldn’t have been possible without the small business owners who took a leap of faith to follow their dreams—and the community that backs them every step of the way."

 

"From launching the PA SITES program and investing in Main Street Matters to modernizing government through permit reform, Gov. Shapiro's leadership has delivered meaningful steps toward growing our economy,” said Rep. Friel. “These achievements show what’s possible when legislators from both sides of the aisle and the Governor’s Office work together for the good of our state. We are all committed to making Pennsylvania a destination where businesses thrive, jobs are plentiful, and families can build lasting prosperity.”


Source: Press Release, Dec 6, 2024, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania | Office of the Governor l Communications Office, Main Capitol Building, Room 308, Harrisburg, PA 17120 [portion]