InStore Forgivable Loan Program: Baby’s Kusina and Market

Did you know? The InStore Forgivable Loan Program helps eligible retail and food businesses purchase equipment and make interior improvements.

• Loans are worth between $15,000 to $100,000.
• No payment or interest is collected on the loan for five years. The loan is forgiven after five years if the business remains open and operating at the same location.

Loans are only available to projects that will:

• Provide affordable goods and services.
• Increase business activity along a neighborhood commercial corridor.

The InStore Forgivable Loan Program is a program of the Department of Commerce.

Business owners share their stories

Hear from Baby's Kusina and Market in Brewerytown about what the InStore Forgivable Loan Program means for business owner, Raquel Villanueva Dang (RVD).

Please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your business. Where is your business located?

RVD: My name is Raquel Villanueva Dang, and I own Baby's Kusina and Market with my husband Tam Dang. We are located in the Brewerytown neighborhood of North Philly.

When did you open? What goods or services do you offer? How many people does your business employ?

RVD: We opened in February 2025 and currently have a staff of 20 employees.We are a scratch kitchen + market that focuses on Filipino flavors, ingredients and the celebration of Filipino culture.

What would you want your customers to know and feel when they enter your business?

RVD: We want them to feel warm as if they're coming into an old friend's home and to see the small touches that are thoughtful nods to the Filipino culture our restaurant pays homage to. We want them to see and feel the love that has gone into the space over the past few years trying to get it open.

How does the Department of Commerce support your business?

RVD: We received the InStore Forgivable Loan Program from the Department of Commerce. Opening a business, especially a restaurant, is incredibly difficult. This grant was necessary for us to make the changes we needed to make the space really work for our business.

How has the InStore Forgivable Loan Program helped with your business operations?

RVD: We received $100,000 from the InStore Forgivable Loan Program to install:

• HVAC System
• Fire Sprinkler System
• Burner and Gas Range with Griddle
• Double Deck Convection Oven
• Espresso Machine
• Bulk Grinder + Coffee Brewer (2)
• Open Air Merchandiser
• Chairs and Bar stools
• Tables
• Ceiling fans
• Stainless Steel Commercial Tables
• Sheet Pan Racks and Shelves
• Commercial Mixer and Meat Grinder

We would not have been able to open our restaurant without the use of this forgivable loan. Thank you to the Department of Commerce, Miaya and Missy and Fairmount-Brewerytown Community Development Corporation for the support throughout the process.

What does owning a restaurant in Philadelphia mean to you?

RVD: Filipino food is very much underrepresented and having a restaurant has allowed us to create such a beautiful space for the Filipino community and for others to learn more about our culture and our community. Owning a restaurant means being able to make amazing food and drinks and to share it but for us it holds such a deeper meaning.

What would you say to a business owner who is interested in applying to the Instore Program? What did you learn about the process? 

RVD: Do it! It is not easy but owning a business was never meant to be easy. Use the resources that are available to you and set yourself up for even more success.

Anything else that you'd like to share with us?

RVD: Thank you for making this program available. It has and will continue to change lives. It changed mine and all of our employees who rely on our business to sustain their livelihood.

Interested in interior storefront improvements?

Yours could be next! We're here to assist.

Questions? Businesses can contact:

• The program manager by emailing [email protected] or,
• The Mayor's Business Action Team by calling 215-683-2100.