In March 2021, Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) joined forces with Kiva, a nonprofit worldwide microlender, to offer DC  businesses and DC resident entrepreneurs no-barrier, favorable term crowdfunding loans to help them open, operate, pivot and grow their business in the District of Columbia. 

This lucrative market holds many opportunities for the District’s small businesses because the law requires all licensees to have an SBE/CBE subcontracting plan. From large businesses, such as William Hill, to the smaller operators to come, they are trying to find YOUR business. Come learn how your business fits into this exciting new industry through the Betting on Small Business Power Hour Series.

DSLBD is proud to announce that we have improved the Agency Subcontracting Requirement Waiver Requests Page by creating an all-new District CBE Waiver Portal (made possible through the District Enterprise System). 

Recently, the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) has launched a citywide campaign to further support and promote District businesses. This campaign, the #iBuyDC Challenge, allows residents and businesses to showcase how they support the local economy everyday while highlighting the local businesses they love to visit and challenge their friends and family to do the same to keep the challenge going. 

Mayor Bowser has announced the District Government's FY21 Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Spending Goal and announced that the FY21 Green Book has gone all virtual with a newly created Green Book Website and Interactive District Spend Data Dashboard. Visit the GreenBookDC.com Today! 

DSLBD's Build Back Better DC video series provides District small businesses with unique access to advice and useful tips, resources, timely information and in-depth conversations with industry leaders across the various sectors. Watch now!

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