Dear Small Business Community,

As we close the books on the first quarter of the fiscal year, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable journey we've embarked upon together in such a short time. The DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) has remained steadfast in its commitment to supporting and nurturing the small business community, and I am grateful for your trust and partnership.

I also want to express my appreciation to Mayor Bowser for allowing me to act as the Interim Director of DSLBD. It has been a great honor to move up from Deputy Director to this position and lead this department while collaborating with a vibrant and tenacious community of small business owners.

Additionally, I want to express my deep appreciation and admiration for the incredible team at DSLBD. Over the past few months, our dedicated employees have shown unwavering commitment and resilience through times of transition and change. Their support has been instrumental in the success of the Department and our ability to serve you, the small business community, effectively.

Our goal, as always, is to continue to be your dedicated advocate and resource in the year ahead. The first quarter of this fiscal year has brought both change and opportunities, but I am pleased to report that we have navigated them.

In the coming months, DSLBD, the Administration, and citywide partners will work with Mayor Bowser to launch initiatives to fortify our vibrant downtown area. Downtown DC has long been the heart of our city, and its vitality is more crucial than ever. This is an opportunity for us to pivot and think strategically about what lies ahead for Downtown. We are committed to ensuring that the pulse of our business community remains strong and that our city's economic engine continues to thrive.

But we can only do this with your input and collaboration. We want to hear from you, the entrepreneurs and business owners, on how DSLBD can better support your needs and aspirations. Your ideas, experiences, and insights are invaluable to us, and we are eager to incorporate them into our plans for the future.

As we bid farewell to the old year and welcome in the new, I want to extend my warmest wishes to all of you. May the coming year be filled with boundless opportunities, prosperity, and success. Let's embark on this exciting journey together and make 2024 a year to remember.

Thank you for your dedication to the small business community, and I look forward to the great things we will achieve together in the months ahead.

Rosemary Suggs Evans

Rosemary Suggs Evans

Interim Director

“The Green Book is one of our best tools for including DC’s local businesses in the District’s procurement strategy. Since 2016, we have continually allocated a larger percentage of District spending to support businesses based here in DC, and this year’s $1.2 billion spending goal is the largest yet,” said Mayor Bowser. “When DC’s businesses thrive, our residents thrive too. And leveraging District government to benefit DC’s businesses will help ensure that all Washingtonians have a fair shot throughout 2024.”

On Tuesday, December 5, 2023, DSLBD hosted a show and tell unveiling the EmPOWERment Fund. This is a grant program started by Interim Director Suggs-Evans to ensure that those that live, work, and play in the District and further the goal of supporting local businesses have the financial resources they need to continue to thrive here.

In FY24, DSLBD created the groundbreaking EmPOWERment Fund with a $300K initial investment. The grant program will further economic prosperity for several individuals who directly contribute to the success of the city's local businesses, many who are local residents and returning citizens. DSLBD's Commercial Clean Team Program offers comprehensive services to enhance the city's urban environment. The program includes the removal of litter, graffiti, illegal posters, stickers, weeds, snow, and ice.  

Throughout COVID, their unparalleled dedication and commitment to supporting our small and local businesses is unparalleled. Additionally, as the Administration furthers its equity initiatives, Mayor Bowser will continue to hold the door open for all to thrive and grow in the District and this new grant program is a pen-to-paper testament to this commitment. 

DC Art All Night 2023: An Unforgettable Evening of Art, Culture, and Creativity

On September 29 & 30, Mayor Bowser invited District residents and visitors to the 2023 Art All Night Festival. Made possible through the dedicated efforts of the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD), DC is set to come alive with creativity and culture. This year's event promises to be a spectacular celebration of the arts, featuring a diverse range of artistic expressions that will captivate residents and visitors alike. 

DC Art All Night is a testament to the resilience and creativity of our city," said Mayor Bowser. "This event has become an annual tradition, bringing our diverse community together to celebrate the power of art and culture. I encourage all residents and visitors to join us for a night of inspiration and creativity." 

With activations in all 8 wards, DC Art All Night transformed the city into an all-encompassing canvas of art, music, dance, and more. Artists of all backgrounds and mediums come together to showcase their talents, making this event a true celebration of the city's vibrant creative community. We look forward to you joining us in September for Art All Night 2024.

DC Start Up Week

DC Startup Week (DCSW) is the fastest-growing startup community in the DMV region with over 15,000 entrepreneurs. Once a year, they bring together DC-based businesses to this expansive entrepreneurship conference over 5-days to connect, collaborate, share resources and celebrate our thriving ecosystem. DSLBD Director Suggs Evans was proud to participate on a panel to discuss resources that are available to District-based businesses.

District Connect 2023

District Connect is DSLBD's premier annual small business expo designed to empower the District's Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs) and local businesses.

This incredible expo was a day filled with knowledge, networking, and opportunities to connect with decision-makers, learn from experts, and discover the tools entrepreneurs need to thrive.

This event offered a unique platform for connecting with contracting and capital opportunities, fostering growth, and building invaluable relationships within the local business community.

Supporting DC Main Streets

DC Main Streets is a comprehensive program that promotes the revitalization of business corridors in the District of Columbia. Created in 2002 through the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Main Streets serves as the citywide coordinating program that provides services and funding for the 28 Main Streets found in the District of Columbia.

Through our 28 independent, nonprofit neighborhood Main Street programs, we revitalize communities by retaining and recruiting businesses, improving commercial properties and streetscapes, and attracting consumers. In addition, leaders in these neighborhood organizations assist businesses and coordinate sustainable community-driven revitalization efforts in their neighborhoods.

As a result of the DC Main Streets program, the District has seen an increase in new businesses and jobs. In addition, facade improvements and building rehabilitation projects have upgraded the image of the commercial corridors, while marketing and branding efforts have resulted in additional exposure and increased market share.

Shop Local for the Holidays: #iBuyDC

The Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) was proud to kickoff our annual #iBuyDC Challenge this holiday season.

This social media campaign is designed to encourage consumers to Shop Small. The #iBuyDC Challenge allows residents and businesses to showcase how they support the local economy every day while highlighting the local businesses they love to visit and challenge their friends and family to do the same to keep the challenge going. Although we encourage residents to join the #ibuydc challenge during the holidays, you can join the challenge any time throughout the year.

Tag us on social media @smallbizdc and use the hashtag #ibuydc to show us which small business you are shopping local with.

This campaign is one of the many ways DSLBD continues to support the development, economic growth, and retention of District-based businesses and promotes economic development throughout the District's commercial corridors.

CBE All Things Green

Grant Opportunities Are Now Open!

The District of Columbia (DC) Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) is excited to announce that it will be soliciting applications for four independent programs under the Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) All Things Green Grants.

Applications are due by February 16, 2024 at 2 pm.

CBE All Things Green is an initiative within DSLBD to support CBEs in the expanding green and sustainable energy and buildings market. In partnership with the Department of Energy and the Environment (DOEE), DSLBD is supporting CBEs with opportunities to prepare them for DOEE, DCSEU, and more market opportunities. DSLBD will refer CBEs to the CBE Green Contract Services grantees so they can utilize marketing and back-office services offered through the program, and grantees may propose strategies to recruit additional CBEs.