Washington, DC—The DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) is partnering with the DC Chamber of Commerce Foundation (DCCCF) to retain and expand businesses operating the Upper Georgia Avenue commercial district. The Upper Georgia Avenue Business Assistance Program will work with over 75 Upper Georgia Avenue business owners to grow their sales, strengthen their operations, and promote the commercial district to target markets.
"With the closure of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, many Upper Georgia Avenue businesses have seen a decrease in foot traffic and sales," said DSLBD Director Harold Pettigrew. "Mayor Gray's New Economy strategy calls for resilient small businesses. This program is an important step in supporting the resilience of businesses in the Upper Georgia Avenue commercial corridor, and we look forward to partnering with DCCCF to make it a success."
Through a grant from DSLBD, DCCCF will work with Upper Georgia Avenue business owners to: identify challenges to retaining and expanding their businesses; offer consultations with subject matter experts to help business owners improve their operations, expand their markets, and reposition their goods and services to remain competitive; improve storefront appearances to strengthen their brand; market businesses to increase sales; and, promote the commercial district to target markets. The specific services provided to participating businesses will be defined by the DCCCF based upon findings from business needs assessments and commercial market analysis. For the purposes of this project, Upper Georgia Avenue is defined as Georgia Avenue, NW from Fern Street, NW to Eastern Avenue, NW.
"DCCCF is looking forward to this opportunity to partner with DSLBD in serving Upper Georgia Avenue businesses," said DCCCF Executive Director and DC Chamber of Commerce Vice President Margaret Singleton. "We share Mayor Gray's commitment to the strength and vibrancy of our small business community."
Upper Georgia Avenue businesses interested in participating or learning more about the Upper Georgia Avenue Business Assistance Program can contact Margaret Singleton at the DC Chamber of Commerce Foundation at [email protected]. The DC Chamber Foundation is the 501 (c)(3) affiliate of the DC Chamber of Commerce and is designed to promote training and education, enhance the knowledge of small businesses, and administer a variety of programs that enhance the economic landscape of the District of Columbia.
Those interested in additional detail about this program or support DSLBD makes available to the District's small and local businesses can visit http://dslbd.dc.gov or email [email protected].
About the Department of Small and Local Business Development
The District of Columbia Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) fosters the economic growth, development, and retention of District of Columbia based businesses, and promotes economic development throughout the District's commercial corridors. For more information on all of DSLBD's services, go to http://dslbd.dc.gov or contact us at [email protected].
Media Contacts:
- Brendon Miller (DSLBD), (202) 741-0860