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Department of Small and Local Business Development

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#iBuyDC Challenge 23

In support of Small Business Saturday, the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) is presenting the #iBuyDC Challenge this holiday season. This social media campaign is designed to encourage consumers to Shop Small®.

SmallBiz Assist

DSLBD offers a one-on-one meeting time for DC-based entrepreneurs and businesses to learn more about our programs, connect with additional services in the District, and develop a for-profit business.

To sign up, CLICK HERE.

District CBE Law Reform

The Executive has listened to the small and local business community and has been working hard on strengthening the current CBE Law to weed out non-local CBEs, streamline payments to CBE subcontractors, and increase penalties for bad actors, among other comprehensive changes.

CBE Eligibility Wizard

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

DSLBD Updates Regulations Governing Local, Small, And Disadvantaged Businesses Enterprises Contracting

Small and Local Business Development, Department of - Notice of Final Rulemaking - Amending 27 DCMR Ch 8 - Amending rules to reflect changes made by the Small and Certified Business Enterprise Development and Assistance Amendment Act of 2014

All-New District CBE Waiver Portal

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).

Featured Services

Current DSLBD Small Business Grants.

DC APEX

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

Commercial Revitalization

Our revitalization programs help retail corridors and neighborhoods.

Certification, Joint Venture

How to apply for a Joint Venture.

File a Complaint with DSLBD

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

District CBE Waiver Portal

Find Certified Companies

Made In DC Certification Program

Enroll today and join a vibrant and creative business community. Made in DC is a DC government certification program operated by DSLBD.

Latest

Nov 21 2023

Mayor Bowser Encourages DC to Shop Local Ahead of Small Business Saturday

(Washington, DC) – Today, on National Entrepreneurs’ Day, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Department of...

Nov 17 2023

Mayor Bowser Unwraps the Holiday Season, Opens 2023 Downtown DC Holiday Market

Mayor Muriel Bowser celebrated the start of the winter holiday season at the opening of the 19th...

Oct 16 2023

Mayor Bowser Kicks Off DC Startup Week

Joined by Recently Appointed Leaders, Mayor Announces Second Round of Inclusive Innovation Equity...

Sep 25 2023

Mayor Bowser Kicks Off Art Week to Support DC’s Creative Communities

Residents and Visitors Encouraged to Attend Free Events Throughout DC, Including Art All Night, the...

Sep 21 2023

Mayor Bowser Invites the Community to Support Local Restaurants During First-Ever ‘Dine All Night’

(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser invites residents and visitors to celebrate the...

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 in...

Feb 13 2020

DSLBD: SmallBiz Quarterly | FY20 Q1

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

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 8 2023

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

Before the Committee on Business and Economic Development The Honorable Kenyan McDuffie,...

Feb 9 2022

Fiscal Year 2021 Performance Oversight Hearing Testimony of Director Whitfield

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

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...

Nov 6 2020

Public Hearing on B23-0918 & B23-0959 (Virtual)

Download Complete Testimony Good afternoon, Chairman McDuffie, distinguished members of the...

Feb 3 2023

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

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

Jul 27 2020

Public Notices: Proposed Rulemaking (N0094810)

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

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 the U....

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...

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...

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....

DSLBD’s Tweets

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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]