Celebrate DC Small Business Week 2025!
Join DSLBD in celebrating DC Small Business Week 2025 from May 5-10 as we honor National Small Business Week! DSLBD is dedicated to supporting and celebrating our local small businesses, which are essential to DC's robust economy. As part of National Small Business Week, the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) invites you to participate in a weeklong event showcasing our small business community's vibrancy, resilience, and innovation. These businesses form the core of DC's economy by driving innovation, creating jobs, and strengthening our communities. DSLBD promotes its growth by providing opportunities to connect, learn, and thrive during DC Small Business Week.
What to Expect:
Networking Events
Build meaningful relationships with fellow entrepreneurs, community leaders, and local agencies.
Informational Sessions
Gain expert insights from DSLBD and partner agencies on funding opportunities, business development, and procurement.
Entrepreneur Showcases
Explore dynamic showcases featuring local makers, Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs), and retail innovators.
Schedule of Events
Monday, May 5 | Mayor Bowser Celebrates 2025 Robust Retail Grantees & Kicks Off DC Small Business Week
Join Mayor Muriel Bowser as she officially kicks off DC Small Business Week 2025, celebrating the District's thriving small business community. This special event will recognize the 2025 Robust Retail Grant Awardees—local businesses that represent the strength, creativity, and resilience of DC's retail corridors.
As the District honors National Small Business Week, Mayor Bowser will highlight small businesses' important role in driving DC's economy, creating jobs, and building vibrant communities across all eight wards. This kickoff is not just a celebration—it's a call to action to support local businesses and ensure every entrepreneur has the tools they need to grow and thrive.
Event Highlights:
- Remarks from Mayor Bowser
- Recognition of 2025 Robust Retail Grantees
- Community celebration of DC's small business ecosystem
- Opportunities to connect with DC agencies and local entrepreneurs
Join the movement to shop local, invest in DC, and foster strong communities through the success of small businesses.
Let's celebrate the power of small businesses to shape the future of DC.
Tuesday, May 6 | PowerUp DC 2025: Small Business Expo
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 | 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
Empowering DC's Small Businesses to Grow, Adapt, and Lead
Join the District's premier business event—PowerUp DC 2025: Small Business Expo—as part of DC Small Business Week! Hosted in partnership with the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) and key District agencies, this all-day expo is designed to supercharge small business success across the city.
Whether you're just starting or ready to scale, PowerUp DC will connect you with the tools, insights, and relationships needed to thrive in today's evolving marketplace.
What to Expect:
- Inspiring Panels on business development, government procurement, access to capital, and more
- Interactive Resource Fair featuring city agencies, technical assistance providers, and community partners
- Networking Opportunities with entrepreneurs, buyers, and business leaders from across the region
- Special Panels spotlighting Women in Business, Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs), and industry-specific opportunities
Participating Agencies Include:
- Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED)
- Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP)
- Office of Contracting and Procurement (OCP)
- Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB)
- DC Health
- Small Business Administration (SBA)
DSLBD will host:
- A procurement panel focused on winning District contracts
- Tabling and one-on-one connections with business specialists
- Targeted sessions for local makers, CBEs, and underrepresented entrepreneurs
Don't miss this high-impact opportunity to power up your business with practical knowledge, meaningful connections, and the full support of your local government.
Registration is free and open to all entrepreneurs based in the DC area: DCHEALTHLINK.COM/powerupdc2025.
DSLBD Open House & Small Business Week Pitch Competition
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library | 901 G Street NW
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 | 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
5th Floor Auditorium + Atrium | Workshops on 4th Floor
The DSLBD Open House is back—and bigger than ever.
Join the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) for a full day of discovery, connection, and celebration at the 2025 DSLBD Open House & Small Business Week Pitch Competition—a cornerstone DC Small Business Week event.
This signature experience offers entrepreneurs, makers, and Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs) a unique opportunity to:
- Connect with DSLBD leadership and partner agencies
- Explore small business services and certifications
- Compete in high-energy pitch competitions
- Learn how to access capital, contracts, and community support
Program Highlights
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Pitch Competitions
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ReFashion: Sustainable Fashion Innovation (Applications currently closed) – Learn more about ReFashion Pitch
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Dream & Aspire Alumni (OPEN)
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Made in DC Makers (OPEN)
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Interested in pitching? Applications are still open! Don’t miss your chance to win up to $2,500 for your business during Small Business Week! Apply by Monday, April 28th at 2:00 PM EST. To learn more and apply for the pitch competition, click here.
Prizes range from $1,000 to $2,500 for top winners in each category! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to plug into DC’s small business ecosystem, meet decision-makers, and be inspired.
Interactive Workshops (4th Floor, 11:30 AM–3:00 PM)
- How to Become a CBE
- Access to Capital
- Green Book Live Demo
- Contract Bonding & Surety Info
- ReFashion Innovation Pitch Room
- APEX Accelerator Resources
- OTR & DLCP Small Business Support Sessions
Small Business Resource Fair (5th Floor Atrium, 11:00 AM–2:30 PM)
Connect with:
DC Government Agencies:
- DSLBD – Department of Small and Local Business Development
- DMPED – Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
- DLCP – Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection
- DOB – Department of Buildings
- DISB – Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking
- OTR – Office of Tax and Revenue
Local and Community-Based Organizations:
- DC Chamber – DC Chamber of Commerce
- WACIF – Washington Area Community Investment Fund
- TD Bank – (TD Bank, N.A., a national banking institution)
Federal and Partner Organizations:
- SBA – U.S. Small Business Administration
- IRS – Internal Revenue Service
- USPTO – United States Patent and Trademark Office
1-on-1 Consultations (1st Floor, 11:30 AM–2:30 PM)
Walk-ins are welcome for DSLBD, DLCP, OTR, and more technical assistance. Get personalized guidance on how to grow and strengthen your business.
Whether you're launching, growing, or scaling your business, this is your day to connect with DC's small business ecosystem, meet decision-makers, and be inspired.
Don't miss the return of DSLBD's biggest open house of the year!
Celebrate Mother's Day with Local Love at Flowers by Alexes!
Saturday, May 10, 2025 | 11 AM – 4 PM
Flowers by Alexes, 851 Upshur St NW, Washington, DC 20011
Join us for a special Mother's Day Vending Event hosted by Flowers by Alexes, featuring an exclusive showcase of Made in DC businesses! Just in time for last-minute gifts and local treasures, this vibrant pop-up brings together some of DC's most talented makers, artists, and small business owners—all offering unique, handmade, and heartfelt items perfect for celebrating mothers, grandmothers, and other mother figures.
Browse a curated selection of:
- Floral arrangements and plants
- Handcrafted jewelry
- Artisan candles and home goods
- Gourmet treats and more
This event is all about supporting locals and celebrating the community. Whether you're looking for the perfect gift or want to support small businesses, come out and enjoy the creativity and love that DC's small business community has to offer.
Brought to you in partnership with Made in DC and the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD).
Let's show our love for Mom—and DC!
Explore More Small Business Month Events & Resources:
Discover regional events hosted by regional small business partners to support, connect, and grow your business. In celebration of Small Business Week, local and national partners are hosting a variety of free events—from virtual summits to in-person showcases—offering entrepreneurs insights, inspiration, and actionable tools at every stage.
GWHCC Business Expo 2025
Date: April 29, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt Vernon Pl NW, Washington, DC
Join the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GWHCC) for one of the region’s largest business-to-business networking events. Connect with corporate buyers, government agencies, and community partners. This full-day experience includes educational panels, matchmaking sessions, and access to vital resources to grow your business.
C-Suite to Main Street: America’s Small Business Day 2025
Presented by CO— | U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Date: May 1, 2025
Time: Virtual times may vary | In-person: 1:00 - 5:00 pm
Location: Virtual & U.S. Chamber of Commerce - 1615 H St NW, Washington, DC 20062, United States
Join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for a dynamic day of deep learning and in-person networking at C-Suite to Main Street: America’s Small Business Day 2025. Kicking off Small Business Month, this event brings together entrepreneurs, business experts, and executives to share valuable insights and actionable tips to help small businesses accelerate growth and scale their operations. Tune in virtually for a livestream featuring stories of small business resilience and innovation, or join in person at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters for the opportunity to network with leading business executives, including Jocelyn Gailliot, Co-Founder and CEO of Tuckernuck.
SBA National Small Business Week Virtual Summit
Date: May 5–10, 2025
Time: Ongoing Daily Access
Location: Virtual
The U.S. Small Business Administration's flagship summit offers a full week of free virtual content, including expert-led sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. Topics include marketing, access to capital, cybersecurity, government contracting, and more, designed to help small businesses at every stage grow and thrive.
SCORE | Small Business Education for Entrepreneurs
Date: May 6–10, 2025
Time: Various Times
Location: Virtual
Gain insights and skills to elevate your business through SCORE’s Small Business Education for Entrepreneurs, a free, weeklong virtual series of expert-led webinars and workshops. Covering topics such as digital marketing, financial planning, business strategy, and more, this series is ideal for founders at any stage.
DC Small Business Development Center (DCSBDC): Grow Your Business with AI-Powered Tools by Google
Date: May 6, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Dorothy I. Height / Benning Neighborhood Library, Washington, DC
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a powerful technology that can help simplify business tasks and create new opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs – but knowing how to use it may seem out of reach. Developed in collaboration with experts at Google, this workshop will introduce the fundamentals of AI and demonstrate how Google's AI-powered tools can help small businesses operate more efficiently, improve customer experiences, and drive growth. Speaker(s) include Mr. Sterling McKinley, Grow with Google DMV Coach.
For additional DC SBDC webinars and workshops, register here:
https://ic.dcsbdc.org/events.aspx
Innovation Day at MLK Library
Date: May 7, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: MLK Library, Fabrication Lab (Lower Level), 901 G Street NW, Washington, DC
After attending the DSLBD Open House, continue the momentum of Small Business Week by joining us for Innovation Day at the MLK Library. Hosted by Threshold and the DC Public Library, this event offers the community an opportunity to explore cutting-edge tools and technologies being developed by local founders. Innovation Day features interactive demonstrations, hands-on experiences, and idea labs, all focused on highlighting neighborhood-driven innovation. This is a pitch-free event, centered on fostering creativity and exploring new possibilities.
Acton Children’s Business Fair – Washington, DC
Date: May 10, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: 1521 20th Street NW, Dupont Circle, Washington, DC
Support young entrepreneurs at the Acton Children’s Business Fair, where youth ages 6–14 launch and run their own mini-businesses for a day. It’s an inspiring showcase of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Great for families, educators, and business leaders who want to invest in the next generation.
Fueling Small Business Growth with Incubators & Accelerators
SBA Workshop: Unlocking Opportunities for Entrepreneurs
Date: May 14, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Location: Virtual
This SBA workshop will explore how incubators and accelerators can provide entrepreneurs with the support, resources, and networks they need to scale their businesses. Learn about available programs and how to access them to take your business to the next level.
Support Your Local Small Business
If you are a proud DC resident, a local business owner, or someone who supports vibrant communities, DC Small Business Week is designed for you.
Join the celebration with the #iBuyDC Campaign.
Join us in showing love to local businesses by participating in the #iBuyDC campaign, a citywide movement to uplift and invest in DC's small business economy.
Here's how to participate:
On Social Media:
- Post a photo or video of your favorite DC small business—shopping, dining, or exploring.
- Share a story about why supporting local matters to you.
- Use the hashtag #iBuyDC and tag @smallbizDC so we can amplify your support!
Stay Connected
Follow DSLBD on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for event updates, behind-the-scenes looks, and highlights from around the city.
Let's grow together. Celebrate DC Small Business Week with us.