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News and resources to help your business thrive

In this issue:

• Main Street Announcements

• Important Business Announcements

• Grant & Funding Opportunities

• Workshops, Webinars & Resources

Main Street Announcements

Hello from TMS!

February is still chilly but the grant season is heating up. Please take a look at the opportunities that are available for small businesses in this edition and let us know if we can help you with your applications. Early planning is always the best approach to a successful grant application and makes the process much less stressful.

Also, keep in mind the DC Security Camera rebate program and our incident report form to help keep your businesses safe.

Tenleytown Main Street Business Incident Form

Thank you and I look forward to seeing you soon on the corridor!

Best,

Noah

Executive Director

execdir@tenleytownmainstreet.org

Important Business Updates

Department of Labor Employee Rights Poster

2025 DOL Employee rights and information poster (aka “break-room poster.)

Get poster here

Permanent Streatery Enforcement Postponed

DDOT has announced that the enforcement date will be pushed back from 7/31/25 but no new date has been announced quite yet. Guidelines will remain as is. Stay tuned for more info!

American Express Small Business Hub Page

If your business accepts American  Express, make sure your information is listed in this useful and important directory.

Learn more here

Free ServSafe Training through September 2025

DC restaurants and hospitality businesses can access free ServSafe food safety and alcohol management certifications as part of a new DMPED-funded program.

Claim Your Share of the $6 Billion Credit Card Settlement

Business owners who accepted Visa or Mastercard credit or debit cards between 2004 and 2019 may be eligible to receive a portion of a $6 billion settlement over interchange fees.

Learn more here

Tax Resources

Small Retailer Property Tax Relief Credit Expanded.

Small businesses that earn less than $3 million in annual sales can apply for a credit of up to $10,000 to offset the cost of their property taxes or rent. Visit MyTax.DC.gov and click on “Forms” then “Business Tax Forms and Publications.”

Reminder that the Clean Hands threshold has been raised to $1,000.

Get Clean Hands here

Access Point: Taxes for Small Businesses

Accounting Basics Every New Business Owner Should Learn

Cash Flow Improvements for Small Business Owners

Key Accounting Tasks That Should Be Done Quarterly

Mastering Small Business Taxes – A Startup Guide to Taxes

Small Business Tax Credits, Deductions, and Updated Guidance

Tax Credits for Small Business Owners

Tax Resources for Small Business Owners

Taxes for Small Businesses Overview

DC Security Camera Rebate Program

Protect your business – a  rebate is available of up to $750 for businesses for the cost of the camera, including sales tax; installation – accessories, and storage are not covered.

Learn more here

Paid Family Leave Employee Tax Rate Increase

The PML employer contribution is now set at .75% per employee from .26% and the first quarter tax payment is due by April 30th. If you have questions email atdoes.opfl@dc.gov for more info. Learn more here

Current Grant & Funding Opportunities

If you would like help preparing your application for any of these opportunities please contact Tenleytown Main Street at info@tenleytownmainstreet.org.

Spur Local

Amount: Variable

Deadline: February 11th

Learn more here

Spur Local Catalogue for Philanthropy business support program.

EmpowerHer Boundless Futures Foundation

Amount: Variable

Deadline: February 15th

Learn more here

We provide financial and leadership resources for aspiring female entrepreneurs building businesses to solve today’s biggest social issues so they can have a boundless impact in society.

Lenovo Evolve Small Application

Amount: $25,000

Deadline: February 17th

Learn more here

Lenovo Evolve Small initiative will be giving 10 small businesses the chance to win an AI Grant, with customized technology, exclusive mentorship on how to integrate AI into your small business and business coaching.

WACIF Ascend Beauty Accelerator

Amount: $2,500 value

Deadline: February 21st

Learn more here

The Ascend Beauty Cohort is designed to help entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of the beauty retail space and build resilient businesses in an ever-changing marketplace.

Awesome Foundation Grant

Amount: $1000

Deadline: February 28th

Learn more here

Have a crazy brilliant idea that needs funding? We award $1,000 grants every month.

SHE:DC Microgrant

Amount: $1,00 – 2,5000

Deadline: March 1st

Learn more here

The SHE:DC Micro-Grant Fund was designed to create opportunities to help DMV women makers grow their businesses.  

Outta Excuses Small Business Empowerment Grant

Amount: $3,000

Deadline: March 31st

Learn more here

The Outta Excuses Small Business Empowerment Grant is designed to support small business owners by providing crucial financial assistance and strategic coaching. ($15 app fee.)

SoGal Black Founder Startup Grant

Amount: $500 – $10,000

Deadline: Rolling

Learn more here

The Black Founder Startup Grant program from the SoGal Foundation and other sponsors provides grants of up to $10,000 to Black and multiracial women and nonbinary entrepreneurs.

Wish Local Empowerment Program

Amount: $500 – $2,000

Deadline: Rolling

Learn more here

Wish Local is a series of programs that allows small businesses to partner with Wish for Black owned stores.

Commercial Property Acquisition Fund

The Commercial Property Acquisition Fund provides eligible businesses with down payment assistance of up to $750,000 or 25% of the sale price, whichever is less, for the acquisition of commercial property in the District. Businesses must be eligible to be an equity impact enterprisee and must also complete a mandatory training program in order to apply for the Fund. For all inquiries related to the Fund, contact: CPAF@cfenterprises.org.

Learn more here

Connect2Capital Financial Education Center

Learn more here

DC Shop Small: Shop Small, Big Impact

Learn more here

LEDC Funding for Hispanic & Latino Owned Businesses

Learn more here

LISC Entrepreneurs of Color Fund

Learn more here

MDNA Capital Readiness Program

Learn more here

US Chamber of Commerce Funding Resources

Learn more here

Venturize Small Business Lending Platform

Learn more here

The Coalition Guide to Small Business Financing

Funding for Small Business Owners

SBA 504 Small Business Loans

SBA Microloans for Small Businesses

SBA 7(a) Working Capital Pilot Program Financing

Webinars, Workshops & Resources

All events are free unless otherwise indicated.

Elevate: Minority Executive Education Program
Amount: Free Cohort
Deadline: February 11th
Learn more here
The Coalition’s Executive Leadership Education Venture Advancing Talented Entrepreneurs Program provides best-in-class training to minority-owned small businesses (MBEs) in DC.

Planning for a Healthy Business

February 4th, 11:00am

Learn more here

Mastering Social Media Marketing

February 11th, 11:00am

Learn more here

Mastering Business Finances: Strategies for Small Business Success

February 12th,12:00pm

Learn more here

Ask an Expert: Landing Your Product in Major Retail Stores

February 12th, 4:00pm

Learn more here

Bookkeeping Basics for Small Businesses Owners

February 13th, 1:00pm

Learn more here

Small Business Content Marketing – Planning and Creating Engaging Content

February 18th, 1:00pm

Learn more here

Capital Business Resource Seminar

February 18th, 6:00pm

Learn more here

Tax Considerations for Childcare

February 19th, 12:00pm

Learn more here

Tax Strategies for 2025

February 19th 12:30pm

Learn more here

Start Small Think Big Intro to Bookkeeping and Financial Statements

February 19th, 4:00pm

Learn more here

How to Pay Less in Payroll Taxes

February 20th, 11:00am

Learn more here

Commercial Leasing Basics for Small Business Owners

February 20th, 4:00pm

Learn more here

DC Bar Pro Bono Center Small Business Brief Advice Legal Clinic

February 20th, 5:00pm

Learn more here

If you have any questions or require accommodations or language interpretation services for this clinic, please contact npsb@dcbar.org

Start Small Think Big General and Licensing Compliance

February 25th, 4:00pm

Learn more here

Understanding Cost of Goods Sold: Improving Profit Margins and Profitability

February 26th, 12:00pm

Learn more here

Secure Your Small Business: Cybersecurity Essentials

February 26th, 6:00pm

Learn more here

GWHCC Business 201: Your Next Level Business

February 28th,10:00am

Learn more here

ACE NextGen Business Accelerator Program
Learn more here
Amazon Black Business Accelerator
Learn more here
Bank of America Start.Pivot.Grow
Learn more here
Chase Coaching for Business
Learn more here
FSC First: Small Business Resources
Learn more here

LEDC Entrepreneur Training for Success Program
Learn more here

Minority Business Development Agency Resources
Learn more here
Morgan Stanley Small Business Academy
Learn more here
US Black Chamber of Commerce ByBlack Program
Learn more here
Verizon/LISC Digital Ready Support Program
Learn more here
VISA Small Business Hub
Learn more here
____________________________________________________

Seven Steps to Emergency Preparedness in Your Business
1. Conduct a Risk Assessment
2. Develop an Emergency Plan
3. Establish a Crisis Communication Strategy
4. Train Your Team
5. Back Up Data and Secure Assets
6. Create a Business Continuity Plan
7. Review Insurance Policies
More resources here

Business Owner Reflections:

1. Clarity Drives Confidence: Revisiting your goals regularly ensures alignment with long-term visions and provides a clear direction for strategic decisions.

2. Don’t Throw the Baby Out with the Bathwater: Resource optimization is crucial. Many clients achieved progress by refining what already works, rather than starting from scratch.

3. Adaptability is Key: Embracing change allows businesses to leverage new opportunities and stay resilient, especially during shifts in the business and regulatory landscape.

4. What does success look like for your business in 2025.

5. How can you make better use of your existing resources?

6. How ready is your business to adapt to changing regulations and opportunities.

Business Safety Tips
1. Empty cash registers overnight to prevent loss of funds during a break-in.
2. Secure cash in a properly mounted, bolted-down safe that cannot be easily removed. Lock boxes can be easily pried open or removed.  
3. Be vigilant and report suspicious activity, including individuals showing signs of casing businesses. Promptly report such behavior to authorities.
4. Remove keys from lockboxes or other easily accessible locations to prevent unauthorized access.

Winter Weatherization Tips
Seal and Insulate: Proper insulation and sealing of windows and doors can significantly reduce energy consumption and keep indoor spaces warm.
Inspect Heating Systems: Regular maintenance of heating systems ensures efficiency and prevents breakdowns during the coldest days.
Adopt Green Heating and Cooling Solutions: Consider transitioning to green energy systems.
Prevent Frozen Pipes:  Insulating exposed pipes and keeping indoor temperatures consistent can help avoid costly repairs and water waste caused by burst pipes.
Clear Snow and Ice Safely: Maintain clear walkways and entry points to prevent accidents. Use eco-friendly de-icing products to minimize environmental impact while ensuring safety.

SBA Business Emergency Preparedness Guide

SBA Business Resilience Guide

SBA Small Business Resource Guide

Small Business Insurance Resources

We Want To Hear From You!

Send Tenleytown Main Street information on promotions you are offering, your latest business news, and/or special events you are hosting. TMS will highlight your business on our website, mobile app, and/or social media channels. Email Tenleytown Main Stree at info@tenleytownmainstreet.org or tag us in your social media posts (@TenleytownMS on Twitter/Instagram or @TenleytownMainStreet on Facebook).

Tenleytown Main Street is an accredited Main Street program that is funded in part

by the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development.