Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) announced DC Small Business Week, which will take place next week from April 29 to May 4, 2024. To honor the District's 70,000 plus small businesses, Mayor Bowser and DC agencies will host a series of events and summits.
"During Small Business Week, let us take a moment to acknowledge that behind every storefront lies the passion and determination of an entrepreneur with a dream, and every purchase we make from small businesses is a sign of appreciation for the diverse and thriving community that they help to build." - Rosemary Suggs Evans, Acting Director, DSLBD.
For more than 50 years, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America's entrepreneurs and small business owners. Mayor Bowser is proud to support this effort.
Events during DC Small Business Week 2024 are free to the public but limited space. Attendees are encouraged to register for these virtual and in-person experiences.
UPCOMING EVENTS
#DCisOpen Small Business Week Kickoff Event: April 29th
Join Mayor Bowser and the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development for the DC Small Business Week kick-off event. The event aims to gather support for our thriving small business community and showcase the wealth of opportunities available for our local entrepreneurs.
DC is proud to celebrate the grand opening of Bandura, an esteemed interior design company, and the continued growth of Zekes Coffee and other small businesses along the Rhode Island Main Street corridor. These businesses, which have received funding through the DC government for small business improvements, are shining examples of the positive impact of community support.
When: April 29, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM
Where: 2216 Rhode Island Ave NE
Street and Sidewalk Vending Workshop: April 29th
District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP)
The Street and Sidewalk Vending Workshop Series is part of DLCP’s efforts to support Mayor Bowser’s “Come Back Plan”. It provides support and technical assistance to vendors and residents interested in street vending in the District of Columbia. The Street and Sidewalk Vending Series includes presentations on topics such as Sidewalk Vending applications and Renewals, Application Timelines, Associated Fees, Location Selection, and additional support from DLCP.
When: April 29, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM
Where: Sycamore and Oak, 1110 Oak Dr. SE, Washington, DC 20032
To learn more, visit, dIcp.dc.gov
Power Up For Success: 2024 DC S
mall Business Summit and Expo: April 30th
The DC Chamber of Commerce, DC Health Link, DSLBD, and DISB are partnering to host the DC Small Business Summit and Expo “POWERUP for Success on April 30th. This full-day program is for the Washington, DC, business community. We invite you to experience innovative exhibitors and robust workshops featuring diverse suppliers and financial institutions speaking on business best practices, networking, and grant opportunities for the business community.
When: April 30, 2024
Time: 8:00 - 3:00 PM
Where: 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW
Navigating the Landscape of Access to Capital for DC Businesses: May 1st
DC-based businesses and DC residents exploring entrepreneurship are invited to join DSLBD’s Inno.ED team on May 1, 2024, from 2 - 5 PM for an interactive, in-person workshop! Learn how to find capital and create a funding-readiness strategy (Passport).
The workshop agenda includes:
* Money Feels - Your Money Mindset
* Landscape of Capital Options for your DC Business
* Intentional Fundraising
* Bootstrapping
* Foundational Financing
* Crowd building for Capital
* Debt Financing - It’s Not All Bad
* Doubling Up - Finding Matching Money
* Funding-readiness Strategy Creation (Passport)
When: May 1, 2024
Time: 2:00 - 5:00 PM
Where: MLK Library, 901 G ST NW
DC Small Business Week Pitch & Resource Exhibition at MLK Library: May 1st
Entrepreneurs, ignite your ambition during DC Small Business Week and join us for a transformative journey #Downtown at the DSLBD Small Business Week Pitch & Resource Exhibition, hosted in partnership with DC Public Library.
Whether you're seeking networking opportunities, access to capital, or the chance to learn from the best in the business, we invite you to #BeDowntown for an event designed to empower and elevate District-based entrepreneurs.
Pitch Competition (Auditorium): 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Small Business Resource Tabling Exhibit (5th floor event space): 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
When: May 1, 2024
Time: 9:30- :00 PM
Where: MLK Library, 901 G ST NW
#BeDowntown: CBE Celebration & Networking Reception: May 2nd
In celebration of DC Small Business Week, join DSLBD during DC Small Business Week at the CBE Celebration & Networking Reception on May 2. Hosted in collaboration with Downtown DC BID, this exclusive gathering invites Certified Small Business Enterprises (CBEs) for an evening of celebration, appreciation, and connection. It’s a prime opportunity to meet with business leaders, industry experts, and fellow CBEs to share successes & network over light refreshments.
Attendees MUST use the 12th Street entrance to enter the building.
*The parking garage is located at 555 11th Street NW, next to Potbelly.
When: May 2, 2024
Time: 6:00- 8:00 PM
Where: 555 12th ST NW
DLCP's General License Boot Camp: May 2nd
Business activity in the District requires owners/operators to be licensed according to the business activity conducted (e.g., convenience stores, home improvement contractors, residential rentals, restaurants). Join DLCP to learn and address requirements from the Internal Revenue Service, DC Tax and Revenue, and the DLCP Corporations Division.
When: May 2, 2024
Time: 10:00- 12:00 PM
Where: Marshall Heights Community Development Organization, Inc. 3939 Benning Rd NE, Washington, DC 20019
To learn more, visit: dIcp.dc.gov