DC Department of Small & Local Business Development (DSLBD)

SAVE THE DATE ?? Mayor Bowser presents an unforgettable evening at the Asian Night Market Pop-Up as we kick off this year’s Dine All Night celebration! ???? ?? When: Thursday, September 19th ? Time: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM ?? Where: Lotus Plaza & Chinatown Park (I Street NW between 5th & 6th Streets) In celebration of the Year of the Dragon, immerse yourself in the rich flavors and vibrant traditions of Washington, DC’s Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Enjoy delicious dishes from local vendors, free food samples (with RSVP), and live entertainment throughout the night. ???? Whether you’re a foodie or simply looking for a unique night out, this is the perfect event to explore downtown DC, support local businesses, and enjoy a cultural experience like no other! ? ?? FREE food samples with RSVP: tinyurl.com/dcnightmarket Don’t miss out on this exciting evening of food, fun, and community. Bring your friends and family for a night to remember! ?? #AsianNightMarketDC #DineAllNight #SupportLocal #DCEvents #MOAPIA #DSLBD #DCisOpen #DCArtAllNight #BeDowntown

As we close out #BlackBusinessMonth, I am grateful for the many incredible Black-owned businesses I've been honored to visit throughout August and the year. These businesses embody the resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit that define DC. Under DC Mayor Muriel Bowser's leadership, the DC Department of Small & Local Business Development (DSLBD) has been committed to supporting and amplifying the voices of the over 30% of Black business owners who continue to significantly impact our city's economy. As we reflect on the month and the year, it's apparent that while we've made progress, there is still more work to be done. We have listened, learned, and collaborated with remarkable entrepreneurs to support their ongoing growth and success. This continuous collaboration underscores our commitment to fostering a thriving ecosystem where all businesses, especially those owned by our Black residents, can thrive. I am deeply honored to be a part of this journey and look forward to continuing to champion the initiatives that uplift and empower our small business community. Together, we will build a brighter, more inclusive future for DC. #BlackBusinessMonth #SupportSmallBusiness

#ICYMI: ?? Calling All DC Makers and Entrepreneurs! ??? Get ready for the Made In DC Pull & Up and Pitch Your Biz Series! This is your golden opportunity to showcase your innovations, connect with industry leaders, and possibly win up to $2,500 for your maker business. ?? Important Pitch Application Deadlines: ??? Deadline for Pitch?#1: August 15, 2024 at 2 pm ET ??? Deadline for Pitch?#2: August 29, 2024 at 2 pm ET ??? Deadline for Pitch?#3: September 19, 2024 at 2 pm ET *Eligible businesses may not apply for more than one 2024 Made in DC pitch opportunity. Don’t let this chance slip away! Mark your calendars - Our first pitch event is scheduled for this Friday, August 16 from 5 pm - 7 pm at Sycamore & Oak. Apply now to secure your spot in the competition and show the DC community what your business has to offer. ? To learn more and apply, visit: dslbd.dc.gov/madeindc ?? ? To register for the event, click here: https://lnkd.in/eWsY2Y7R #MadeInDC?#LocalBusiness?#SupportLocal?#PitchYourBiz

?? Exciting Collaboration Announcement! ?? The DC Department of Small and Local Business Development’s (DSLBD) DC APEX Accelerator has successfully connected two standout clients: Educology Solutions (ESI) and AI Squared. ESI, a leading IT professional services firm, and AI Squared, a top innovator in Data and AI Integration, are teaming up to tackle lucrative government contracts. This strategic partnership, facilitated by the DC APEX Accelerator, leverages their complementary core competencies to pursue opportunities integrating AI and large language models (LLMs) with other technologies. Projects include the IRS Taxpayer 360 Employee Tools Solution and the Marine Corps’ Condition Based Maintenance Plus (CBM+). “Through this strategic collaboration facilitated by DSLBD’s DC APEX Accelerator, Educology Solutions and AI Squared are not just pursuing government contracts; they are redefining the landscape of technological integration within the public sector,” said DSLBD Director Rosemary Suggs-Evans. “The DC APEX Accelerator is dedicated to empowering small businesses to prime contracts by facilitating impactful collaborations and partnerships.” ESI President Robin Appia and AI Squared CEO Dr. Benjamin Harvey, Ph.D. highlight their excitement for this partnership’s potential to transform data management and decision-making. Milton Goodman, Program Manager at DC APEX Accelerator, noted, “the importance of collaboration between small business defense government contractors, enhancing the defense industrial base in support of mission critical requirements.” For more on how we assist businesses in government contracting, visit www.napex.us or contact [email protected]. APEX Accelerators #DCAPEXAccelerator #SmallBusiness #GovernmentContracting #AI #TechInnovation #Collaboration #DSLBD

?? In partnership with the George Washington University Museum and Textile Museum, I am excited to announce DC Department of Small & Local Business Development (DSLBD) is hosting an official launch event to kick off the newest initiative championing DC fashion entrepreneurs that utilize sustainability in their business models and supports local businesses in the DC fashion industry: ReFashion ?? Highlights ?? ???Panel: Gain insights from a discussion on “Balancing Profitability and Responsibility: Navigating the Complexities of Sustainable Fashion.” ??Fashion Showcase: Join us as DC-based fashion designers present their sartorial talents. ???Networking and Museum Tour: Connect with a community of like-minded practitioners who share a common commitment to building a vibrant fashion space in DC and get a tour of the GW Textile Museum. Details ??? Wednesday, August 14th, 2024 1 PM EST George Washington University Textile Museum 701 21st St NW, Washington, DC 2005 ??Update: event is now at capacity however please email [email protected] to be added to wait list or standing room list. https://lnkd.in/eG3Y3H-Y About ReFashion: The initiative focuses on four fashion sustainability areas - technological innovation, recommerce, textile upcycling/alternatives, and fashion empowerment - to support growth of the fashion economy in Washington DC and reduce the fashion industry’s environmental impact locally and beyond the District. Learn more about ReFashion and to sign up for regular updates click here: https://lnkd.in/eKpfPvvJ

This past Monday I had the amazing opportunity to present my own business pitch at DC Department of Small & Local Business Development (DSLBD). It was a fantastic experience for us interns to showcase our innovative ideas and strategic vision to a wonderful audience. This experience has given me the confidence and knowledge to understand what it takes to start my own film production company. A huge thank you Jasmine Boyd for guiding us through developing our business ideas and putting together this incredible summer internship at DSLBD. The skills and insights I gained there were instrumental in shaping and delivering this pitch. I’m so grateful to all the mentors and colleagues for their support and guidance throughout this journey. I also want to shout-out my fellow interns MaKayla Harris and Maxwell Burton for all of their hard work and well executed presentations! Look forward to continuing the momentum and exploring new challenges ahead! #BusinessPitch #Innovation #SummerInternship #ProfessionalGrowth #Networking

??? #ICYMI: Greenovation 2024 Recap!???? Last week, in partnership with Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) and DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) #DSLBD hosted #Greenovation2024 in #DowntownDC at DC's The Square ???? This gathering for local sustainability united Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs) with industry leaders in a dynamic exchange of ideas and opportunities. Attendees not only engaged in matchmaking sessions and workshops but also seized the opportunity to pitch directly to industry buyers, gaining immediate feedback and fostering potential partnerships. This invaluable experience equipped local businesses with the tools to thrive in the sustainable sector. Together, we’re advancing towards a more resilient and #SustainableDC! ???? #BeDowntown #DCisOpen

?? August is National Black Business Month and we’ll be celebrating all month long! ?????? Did you know? ?? Over 3 million Black-owned businesses in the U.S. contribute $133.7 billion in sales and employ more than a million people! In Washington D.C., a proud 15% of businesses are Black-owned, leading the nation in diversity and innovation. Here’s some ways you can support Black-owned businesses this month ?? ??? Shop local at Black-owned businesses ?? Attend local events featuring Black entrepreneurs? ?? Amplify awareness by using the hashtag?#BuyBlack?on social to spotlight your favorite businesses ?? To learn more about DSLBD small business resources, visit: https://lnkd.in/ekfqgvtC ???? Share with us some ways you plan to show your support and don’t forget to tag a DC-based Black-owned business below! ?? #BlackBusinessMonth?#BuyBlack #SupportBlackBusiness?#DCProud

?? We are just 3 days away from the 2024 BlackBone Summit! ?? ???Date:?Saturday, July 27, 2024 ???Location:?Sycamore & Oak - 1110 Oak Drive SE, Washington DC ??Time:?8:00 am - 6:00 pm This is your chance to learn from industry leaders and build or enhance your network of professional connections. Don't miss out on insights from distinguished speakers like Mayor Bowser, Director Rosemary Suggs-Evans, MPD Chief Pamela Smith, President of Congress Heights Community Training & Development Corporation (CHCTDC) Monica Ray, and many more! The BlackBone Summit & Exchange hosted by CHCTDC is dedicated to empowering Black women in the business world, providing resources, support, and opportunities tailored to your unique needs. From access to capital and mentorship to small business training and incubation spaces, this event has everything you need to take your career or business to the next level. The event features interactive activities, breakout sessions, and live performances with a focus on health and wellbeing. Equip yourself with the information, strategies, tools, and networks necessary to create the ultimate business or career you desire. This is an investment in yourself and your future. Get Connected, Inspired, Empowered and bring a friend! ???Register now:?www.blackboneproject.com #BlackBoneSummit #WomenInBusiness #DCisOpen

We would like to introduce a few of our confirmed Guest Speakers for this years BlackBone Summit; Angela Hailstorks, Rosemary Suggs-Evans, Della Clark, Cathy Hughes, and Police Chief Pamela Smith! At the Blackbone Summit you will gain the opportunity to learn from the insights and experiences of Industry Leaders and Innovators, you don’t want to miss out! Register for free here: https://lnkd.in/e32cPHuH #1000BLACKWOMEN #BLACKBONE