dslbd

Department of Small and Local Business Development

Agency Home Responsive

FY2025 Robust Retail

The 2025 Robust Retail Citywide Grant offers up to $10,000 to support 48 DC retail businesses, strengthening their operations and sustainability. With $480,000 in funding, DSLBD is committed to keeping DC’s retail scene thriving.

SmallBiz Assist

In celebration of National Entrepreneur Month, DSLBD invites DC-based entrepreneurs to book a one-on-one meeting to explore our programs, connect with local resources, and grow their businesses.

To sign up, CLICK HERE.

CBE Green Grant

DSBLD seeks a market opportunities study, direct marketing to and of CBEs, and back-office direct services and training in topics and areas that would strengthen CBEs' preparedness and competitiveness for green energy-related procurement opportunities. The grant opens on January 20, 2025, and will close on February 14, 2025, at 2:00 PM (EST).

CBE Eligibility Wizard

Using the CBE Wizard, you can begin the process of helping your business become a Certified Business Enterprise (CBE).

Featured Services

Current DSLBD Small Business Grants.

DC APEX

DSLBD offers personalized business counseling and competitive insights for navigating the...

File a Complaint with DSLBD

Complaints regarding the CBE Program can be filed with DSLBD via phone, email or mail.

Certification, Joint Venture

How to apply for a Joint Venture.

Commercial Revitalization

Our revitalization programs help retail corridors and neighborhoods.

District CBE Waiver Portal

Latest

Feb 28 2025

Statement on February 2025 Revenue Estimates

(Washington, DC) –Today, the DC Government released the revised revenue estimates for the...

Feb 25 2025

Mayor Bowser Launches Applications for 2025 Robust Retail Grant Program

(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Department of Small and Local Business...

Jan 28 2025

Mayor Bowser Announces Art All Night 2025 Dates and DC Main Streets Awardees

(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Department of Small and Local Business...

Dec 2 2024

Mayor Bowser Announces Holiday Safety Initiatives and Encourages DC to Shop Local

(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser, Director Rosemary Suggs-Evans of the...

Nov 27 2024

Mayor Bowser Encourages Residents to Shop Local and Support DC Small Businesses This Holiday Season

(Washington, DC) —Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Department of Small and Local Business...

Jan 9 2023

Wishing You A Prosperous New Year

...

Sep 16 2020

Letter from the Director - CBE Law Reform

Click Here To View The Mayor's Press Release Click Here To View The Official Letter from the...

Apr 29 2020

DSLBD: Small Biz Quarterly | FY20 Q2

DSLBD SmallBiz Quarterly FY20 Q2 Download PDF (with access to links via online viewing) View...

Feb 13 2020

DSLBD: SmallBiz Quarterly | FY20 Q1

DSLBD SmallBiz Quarterly FY20 Q1. View newsletter in Slideshare. Download...

Oct 15 2019

DSLBD: The Small Biz Quarterly I FY19-Q4

DSLBD FY19 Q4 Small Biz Quarterly Newsletter: https://www.slideshare.net/DSLBDDC/dslbd-...

Feb 14 2024

Fiscal Year 2023 Performance Oversight Hearing Testimony of Acting Director Rosemary Suggs Evans

Good morning, Chairperson McDuffie, members of the Council, my colleagues in the local business...

Feb 8 2023

Fiscal Year 2022 Performance Oversight Hearing for: Department of Small and Local Business Development

Before the Committee on Business and Economic Development ...

Feb 9 2022

Fiscal Year 2021 Performance Oversight Hearing Testimony of Director Whitfield

February 9,2022 Before the Committee on Business and Economic Development ...

Jun 14 2021

Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Oversight Hearing for the Department of Small and Local Business Development

Statement of Kristi C. Whitfield, Director, Before the Committee on Business and Economic...

Feb 10 2021

Fiscal Year 2020 Performance Oversight Hearing Testimony of Director Whitfield

Good Morning, Chairman McDuffie, members of the Committee, staff, and residents of the District of...

Feb 3 2023

Bowser Administration Cuts the Ribbon on the First Black-owned Restaurant in Woodley Park

(WASHINGTON, DC) – On Saturday, February 4th, at 1:00 PM, the Department of Small and...

Sep 22 2021

Mayor Muriel Bowser Kicks Off 10th Anniversary of Citywide Art and Cultural Festival - DC Art All Night

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES: September 22, 2021 CONTACT: Shayne Wells (DMPED)...

Jul 27 2020

Public Notices: Proposed Rulemaking (N0094810)

The Director of the Department of Small and Local Business Development (“Director”),...

Mar 22 2020

Small Business Recovery Microgrants

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Mar 18 2020

Small Business Financial Assistance Now Available Through the SBA

Greetings District Small Business Community, Yesterday, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that...

Feb 13 2020

DSLBD Director Kristi Whitfield Hosts 2nd Episode of Mayor Bowser's Every Opportunity to Rise Podcast

Access to capital is critical for many small business owners and DSLBD Director Kristi Whitfield...

Feb 13 2020

DSLBD Director Kristi Whitfield Hosts Mayor Bowser's Every Opportunity to Rise Podcast

DSLBD Director Kristi Whitfield was honored to host Mayor Bowser's Every Opportunity to...

Dec 6 2019

Director Whitfield, Culture Coffee Too Owner Join DC Storefront Podcast

This is a fantastic episode featuring DSLBD Director Kristi Whitfield and Ms. Veronica Cooper...

Aug 1 2019

Anacostia Residents Seek Development Without Displacement

Anacostia Residents Seek Development Without Displacement WAMU.com, 8/1/19 Most D.C....

Aug 1 2019

Kojo In Your Community: Small Businesses, Entrepreneurship And Employment East Of The River

Kojo In Your Community: Small Businesses, Entrepreneurship And Employment East Of The River WAMU...

Department of Small and Local Business Development

Office Hours
Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm

Connect With Us
441 4th Street, NW, Suite 850 North, Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 727-3900
Fax: (202) 654-6032
TTY: (202) 727-3900
Email: [email protected]