From the Director's Desk
Dear Washingtonians,

I am pleased to announce as of February 2018, I have been confirmed as the Director of the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD). As a former small business owner in the District, I understand DSLBD’s role in developing a thriving small business community and I am committed to assisting small business owners within all eight wards.

During my brief tenure, DSLBD has released the third installment of the green book, celebrated Small Business Saturday #ShopSmallDC, and certified the creation of a new BID. Within the last month, I have visited over a dozen small businesses and several Main Streets throughout the District; and I have gained considerable feedback from small business owners and community leaders regarding the impact of DSLBD programs and the CBE certification process. As your advocate, I am committed to ensuring that DSLBD provides optimal resources, effective programs, and a seamless certification process.

I look forward to your continued feedback as we strive to create an environment of connectivity to local, federal, and global opportunities, and access to capital for DC businesses.

Sincerely,
Director Kristi Whitfield
March Is Women's History Month: #WomenMeanBusiness
DSLBD recently launched #WomenMeanBusiness, a social media campaign used to highlight and celebrate D.C. based women owned businesses in March.

Please be sure to check out our daily Twitter highlights HERE .
March 2018: DSLBD'S Upcoming Events
Main Streets Visits:
Tenleytown Main Streets
Van Ness Main Streets
North Capitol Main Streets

DSLBD Event Participation :
SXSW : Austin,Texas

Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 9th Annual Small Business Expo :   Washington, DC 

DSLBD Workshops :
Grants Information Session: Emerging Districts
DSLBD will host a public meeting to inform interested people and applicants about the process of applying for this grant.

Disability Start Up Network
A stakeholders meeting at the Department on Disability Services to support disabled entrepreneurs.

Grants Information Session: Grocery Grants
DSLBD will host a public meeting to inform interested people and applicants about the process of applying for this grant.

Youth Entrepreneurship Roundtable
DSLBD and My Brother's Keeper DC will host the fourth quarterly youth entrepreneurship roundtable to highlight and connect programs supporting youth entrepreneurship.

HR Essentials for Small Businesses II: People Power Your Small Business & Managing Time/Pay: Employee Misconceptions & Truths that Protect
When is it time to hire? Where do you find staff? How do you hire them? How do you train them? Pay them? Let us show you how through the various incentives and hiring programs offered by the DC Department of Employment Services. You'll hear from the Business Services Group, Work Opportunity Tax Credit, On The Job Training Programs and Project Empowerment. Doing all of these things efficiently is key to making your firm a success. Hiring just one person can increase revenue and productivity! "You have to give me breaks". "You owe me overtime for working late yesterday". "You can’t make me work this weekend". Most employers have heard at least one of these claims from an employee – but are they true? We’ll explore employee misconceptions about time and pay. You’ll discover the real truths surrounding these demands, as defined by current law. You'll gain a better understanding of how to protect your rights as an employer while doing right by your employees.

10 Tax Tips for Small Businesses
Are you an emerging entrepreneur, existing business owner, or a member of the gig economy? Learn more about how the recent tax changes can impact your business.

"I'm Certified, Now What?!" Next Steps for Contracting Success
Next steps for new CBEs and business development tips.

HR Essentials for Small Businesses III: First Source Employment Program: What, When, Why and How?
What is First Source? When do I have to comply? Why First Source? How do I comply?
At this session, you’ll learn what the First Source Program is, key provisions, requirements, exemptions and benefits. Get your questions answered by the experts from the DC Department of Employment Services.

Cooperative Stakeholders
A monthly stakeholders meeting to support cooperative development.

Strategies for Pursuing Government Construction Contracts as a Small Business
The DC Procurement Technical Assistance Center (DC PTAC), a program of the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) will be hosting a Government Construction Contractor Forum.

For more information, please contact us at  dslbd@dc.gov .
See What We've Been Up To!
Black History Month
At the start of February, DSLBD launched our monthly small business campaign. During the month of February, current and historic black businesses were highlighted on social media using #celebratesmallbizDC.


Will You Be My Valentine?
In honor of Valentine's Day, Director Whitfield delivered DSLBD merchandise to D.C. based small businesses such as Hunny Bunny, Bazaar Spices and Gotta Go Now.


February Main Streets Visits
Director Whitfield visited the following Main Streets:
  • Congress Heights Main Streets
  • Deanwood Main Streets
  • Minnesota Ave Main Streets
  • H Street Main Streets


A Fair Shot: Job & Prosperity Fair
On February 24, 2018 DSLBD participated in the A Fair Shot: Job & Prosperity Fair. During the fair, DC PTAC and Build A Dream breakout sessions were held for attendees.