DC Department of Small & Local Business Development (DSLBD)

Earlier this month, we celebrated #SmallBusinessWeek and highlighted the pivotal role of small businesses in our local economy. Thank you to DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and the #DSLBD for hosting many events to showcase and show their continued support of the #smallbusiness community. I would also like to highlight the team at DSLBD for their hard work in nurturing and promoting the diverse enterprises that call the #DC home. The team has been incredibly supportive of small businesses by volunteering to support the week's events, delivering much-needed assistance, and staying true to our mission of supporting the development, economic growth, and retention of District-based businesses while promoting economic development throughout the District's commercial corridors. From facilitating access to capital and procurement opportunities to offering technical assistance and fostering partnerships, DSLBD's commitment to the small business community is unwavering and continuous. With our continued collaboration with the local business community and the backing of the Bowser Administration, DC's small businesses will continue doing BIG things!

📸 Capturing moments of inspiration! Here's a snapshot of Manny Cosme, CPA, business leader, industry expert, and fellow CBE owner, speaking at the CBE Celebration & Networking Reception. Hosted by DC Department of Small & Local Business Development (DSLBD) in collaboration with DowntownDC BID, this event brought together Certified Small Business Enterprises (CBEs) for an evening of empowerment and connection. #DCSmallBusinessWeek #BEDOWNTOWN #CBEcelebration #NetworkingDC #SmallBizSuccess #DCBID #CFOSG

Its #SmallBusinessWeek! Though we highlight our #Smallbusiness community this week, let it not confine our celebrations! Let's embrace the spirit of entrepreneurship daily, honoring the relentless determination, creativity, and resilience that small business owners bring to our lives. After all, behind every small business is a story worth celebrating, and every purchase is a vote of support for dreams realized and futures built! If you want to learn more about #DCSmallBusinessWeek or need assistance with your business, you can visit https://lnkd.in/esvPGvPz. #Shopsmall #Shoplocal

Exciting things are happening at #CapitolRiverfrontBID — Bammy’s is BACK, bringing the rich diverse flavors of the Carribean to the #NavyYard community! 🌴🍹 Let’s give a warm welcome and congratulations to #Bammy's DC for not only spicing up our taste buds but also for contributing to the cultural enrichment of the District. Supporting #smallbusinesses like Bammy’s is how we keep our community unique and thriving. Congratulations on your grand re-opening! 🎉🍾 #DCisOpen

HAPPENING TOMORROW! Fashioning Your IP: What ReFashion Businesses Need to Know Now, Not Later Trademark Basics for Fashion Designers! Join us on the virtual runway, tomorrow Friday April 19th, from 2-3 p.m. ET for an online discussion highlighting ways designers can protect their fashion goods and services through the use of federal trademarks presented by the USPTO Office in collaboration with ReFashion, a new initiative from DSLBD's Innovation and Equitable Development team (Inno.ED). To register, click here: https://ow.ly/37NT50Rjoh1

The DC Department of Small and Local Business Development seeks an IT Specialist (Applications Software). Get the chance to work with a dynamic team at #DSLBD, helping to further this Administration's priorities of supporting our District's small businesses and entrepreneurs. Additional information is available at careers.dc.gov. IT Specialist position, Grade 13 position (Job ID 25700, Open to the public). Please apply by going to PeopleSoft, Self-Service, and Recruiting or https://careers.dc.gov/

A remarkable gathering at the Greater Washington Black Chamber of Commerce open house event this week! ✨ United in pursuit of business excellence and community development, we shared resources, insights, and opportunities, embodying the power of unity. 🫱🏼🫲🏾💼 Thank you to all of the business owners who showed up for yourselves and your business this week. Together, we’re building a stronger, interconnected business community. Stay connected with us, visit DSLBD.dc.gov for more resources! #GWBCC #DSLBD #DCisOpen #Networking #TogetherDC 🚀

As #WomensHistoryMonth comes to a close, a new chapter begins in Congress Heights for DC women entrepreneurs! 🚺📈 This past weekend, #DSLBD had the immense honor of making #WomensHistory by celebrating the launch and grand opening of the new #BlackBoneProject Headquarters, a visionary co-working hub crafted with the needs and aspirations of black women entrepreneurs at its core. BlackBone HQ stands as a vibrant and dynamic environment, meticulously designed to foster networking, creativity, and growth among women entrepreneurs in Wards 7 and 8. Congratulations to Congress Heights Community Training & Development Corporation and the #BlackBone leadership team for this amazing accomplishment —this is the beginning of something extraordinary. 🎉 📍 BlackBone HQ — 3211 MLK Jr Ave SE #BlackBoneHQ #WomenEntrepreneurs #Innovation #DCisOpen

📢 HAPPENING TOMORROW!! 🗓️🚨⏰ Join us during our sessions tomorrow, March 26 from 10:30 am - 3pm to discuss all things #smallbusiness at Greater Washington Black Chamber of Commerce’s March Open House event hosted in collaboration with DC Department of Small & Local Business Development (DSLBD). ➡️ Enjoy three insightful presentations hosted by members of #DSLBD’s leadership team + connect with DSLBD Director Rosemary Suggs-Evans during the evening networking reception from 4pm - 6pm. By engaging with #DSLBD, entrepreneurs have the opportunity to gain access to a wealth of resources and support that can help propel their businesses forward. From technical assistance to CBE certification, business opportunities, and more, DSLBD offers a range of valuable services aimed at fostering the growth of small and local businesses. 📍 Thurgood Marshall Center — 1816 12th Street NW See you there? 💼🫱🏼🫲🏾 ➡️ Register for DSLBD Open House Sessions: https://lnkd.in/eh-33ZQc ➡️ Register to Network with Director Suggs-Evans: https://lnkd.in/evDBetsh #DSLBD #GWBCC #OpenHouse #Networking #SmallBizDC #smallbusinesssupport #DCisOpen

📣 Need funding for your #smallbusiness? Apply for a #RobustRetailGrant today! 💰 The 2024 Robust Retail Citywide grant(s) support existing DC-based retail businesses in maintaining operations and viability. #DSLBD intends to award up to $10,000 per business to approximately 48 businesses. Applications are due by April 15, 2024 at 2 PM. 📌 To apply and review eligibility requirements, visit: https://lnkd.in/e46YtmM3 #RobustRetailGrant #SmallBizDC #SmallBusinessFunding