DC Department of Small & Local Business Development (DSLBD)

? Countdown: 2 weeks left to apply! Don't miss your chance to apply for up to $10K in funding for your small business. Apply now: https://lnkd.in/e9Gs-nqJ Did you miss the Robust Retail Information Session? ?? ?? Watch the recorded session here: https://lnkd.in/gUFNJ9N6 Questions? Email [email protected].

The time has come! Join Mayor Bowser and DMPED for our annual March Madness event on Thursday, March 20. March Madness is the District's yearly business showcase of new real estate, housing, and workforce support initiatives. The event will feature announcements and offer attendees an opportunity to network and engage with District Government agencies and local industry leaders. Registration is required, so be sure to RSVP: https://lnkd.in/e8JzXHWW We hope to see you there!

Now that the Mayor’s press release is out, I’m really excited to share the newest DC Main Street operators. Running the program’s first grant competition in two years was an arduous and rewarding process. After months of program revision, applicant trainings, and panelist vetting, we’ve finally announced the grantees and held our first onboarding. Thanks to my colleagues Virginia-Marie Roure and Jessica Mailander whose additional labors made this possible. Thanks also to the panelists whose insights were invaluable. Congratulations to the grantees including: - Foggy Bottom Association - Greater Washington Urban League - MARSHALL HEIGHTS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION - SB Works Congratulations to the new Main Streets in Foggy Bottom/West End, Riggs Park/Manor Park, Deanwood Heights, and Upper Georgia Ave! Looking forward to continuing the good work with you this year #DCMainStreets https://lnkd.in/gmr-mXzn

Last week, #DSLBD had the pleasure of attending the Eastern Market Main Street Annual Meeting and connecting with the incredible businesses and residents that make this neighborhood so special. A huge thank you to Judy Thomas, Executive Director of Eastern Market Main Street, for the invitation and for leading such impactful work! Eastern Market is a vibrant community with a rich history, and Main Streets play a critical role in preserving its character while helping local businesses thrive. If you’re a DC-based brick-and-mortar small business looking for funding, our Robust Retail Grant opportunity is currently open! You could be eligible to receive up to $10K, but don’t wait—applications close March 31, 2025. ?? To learn more and apply at https://lnkd.in/efY2uKUU #EasternMarket #SmallBizDC #DSLBD #MainStreet #SmallBusiness #TogetherDC

#ICYMI — DSLBD was proud to support Greater Washington Black Chamber of Commerce Business Summit: Open House this week to connect with entrepreneurs, industry experts, and visionary leaders in DC small business ecosystem. From engaging panel discussions to one-on-one technical assistance sessions, this event was all about empowering local businesses with the tools and connections they need to thrive. A special shoutout to Director Rosemary Suggs-Evans for sharing her expertise on unlocking creative spaces and transforming vacant properties for the arts—a crucial conversation for DC’s small business and creative communities. Huge thanks to President Aisha Bond, Esq., her team at #GWBCC and the support of Citizens Bank for putting this impactful event together. ???? #SmallBizDC #GWBCC #BusinessSummit #SupportSmallBusinesses #TogetherDC

?? Calling all DC small businesses! Need funding to grow and sustain your business? #DSLBD is proud to announce applications for the 2025 Robust Retail Citywide Grant are now OPEN!??? Licensed DC-based retail businesses that operate out of a brick-and-mortar, commercial retail space could be eligible to receive a $10,000 small business grant! Don’t wait—apply today! ?? Deadline: March 31, 2025, at 2 PM EST ??To learn more & apply visit: https://lnkd.in/e9Gs-nqJ #RobustRetailGrant #SmallBizDC #DSLBD #SupportingSmallBusinesses

???Calling All Small Business Owners!??? Join?#SmallBizDC?at the?Greater Washington Black Chamber of Commerce Business Summit: Open House?tomorrow?Tuesday, February 25, 2025! This is a must-attend event for entrepreneurs looking to?connect, learn, and grow?with industry leaders in?finance, law, media, and international business. ???DSLBD will be tabling from 12 PM - 2 PM?at the Resource Fair—stop by to engage with us and grab valuable small business resources! Later in the day,?catch Director Rosemary Suggs-Evans on a special panel, “Unlocking Creative Spaces – Transforming Vacant Properties for the Arts” at 5 PM. This discussion will explore innovative ways to repurpose vacant spaces for creative and business use—don’t miss it! Event Details: ???Date:?Tuesday, February 25, 2025 ???Location:?Thurgood Marshall Center – 1816 12th St NW, Washington, DC ??Time:?12:00 PM - 7:00 PM ???Register now:?https://lnkd.in/eZvN__yM Don’t miss this opportunity to?network, gain industry insights, and access valuable resources?for your small business! See you there?! ???? #SmallBizDC #GWBCC #DSLBD #SmallBusinessSummit #SupportSmallBusinesses

We’re proud to testify at today’s DC Council oversight hearing on behalf of #DSLBD. In FY24, we made significant strides in supporting DC’s small businesses, and we look forward to building on that progress in the year ahead. ?? Tune in here: https://lnkd.in/e_AucR5S

The best time to launch ?? or grow ?? a business is NOW! Explore funding options, mentoring, counseling, training, contracting assistance and other resources that can help: https://www.sba.gov #NatlEshipWeek

? Only 2 Days Left to Apply! Don’t miss your opportunity to apply for the #CBEGreenGrants and grow your Certified Business Enterprise this year! ???? ?? Deadline: Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, at 2 PM EST Apply now! ?? https://lnkd.in/dW8fCcYG