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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!

We are looking forward to helping you reach your goals in 2025 which includes making sure that your business is safe. We have created a survey below to report incidents in the Tenleytown corridor:

Tenleytown Main Street Business Incident Form

Also, please take note of the DC Security Camera rebate program to help with the cost of installing security cameras. With the cold weather that we have had recently, please make sure you are taking care of your sidewalks when it snows. Our Clean Team is there to assist but is not responsible for clearing sidewalks in front of businesses. Thank you and I look forward to seeing you soon on the corridor!

Best,

Noah

Executive Director

execdir@tenleytownmainstreet.org

Important Business Updates

2025 Inauguration Readiness

Keep aware of Inauguration news.

Learn more here

Business License Renewals

DC Business License renewals will occur this month. Expired licenses incur a $250 fee, which raises to $500 after 31 days of the inactive license, in addition to license fees. Renew today!

My DC Business Center

Clean Hands Threshold Raised

The Council of the District of Columbia enacted legislation that increased the threshold amount to receive a Clean Hands certificate from $100 to $1,000. Check MyTaxDC to make sure your business is clear.

Corporate Transparency Act

A federal judge has put a temporary halt on required registering, but it is best to enroll now so that your business is in compliance when that changes. Avoid fines! Learn more here.

DC Health Link Business Enrollment Open Now through January 31st

Sign up for Small Business Health Insurance with the DC Health Exchange.

Learn more here

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

ABCALicense Renewal and Annual Payments Due March 31 by 4pm

The alcohol license renewal period for class C and D retailers (excluding Taverns and Nightclubs) and Caterers and the annual payment will be due for all Class A license holders will begin soon. Renewal and annual payment packets will be emailed to the email address on file with ABCA in mid-February. No packets will be sent by postal mail. Payments can be made online by following the instructions included in the renewal and invoice notice. If your email address has changed: Update Here by January 30 or contact ABCA.AlcoholLicensing@dc.gov.

ABCA License Filings

January 30th: Semiannual Report: Caterer and Third-Party Alcohol Delivery license holders

January 30th: Quarterly Statement for Brew Pub, Hotel and Restaurant license holders.

March 3rd: Annual Report for Full-Service Grocery Store (Class B), 25 Percent Grocery Store (Class A), 25 Percent Retailer (Class B) license holders

Learn more here  

New Year Cash Flow Check-in
Reflect on 2024. Think about what went well, and what didn’t go well. What do you want to bring into 2025? What’s better left behind?
1. Audit your financial performance. Review your profit and loss statements, as well as your business and personal credit. Where did you see success? What could improve?
2. Set your goals. Start with your 10-year vision, then work backward to 5-year, 1-year, and quarterly.
3. Build your income plan with our easy guided budget template.
4. Create your daily routine. A goal without a plan is just a dream. Think about how you can make healthy financial choices daily and weekly.
5.Cash Flow Health Dashboard

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.

Mommy to Millionaire Pitch Perfect Grant

Amount: $5,000

Deadline: January 30th

Learn more here

Mommy to Millionaire and The Pink Print have joined forces to provide a $5,000 Grant Opportunity to Entrepreneurs!

Start.Pivot.Grow Quarterly Grant

Amount: $2,500

Deadline: January 31st

Learn more here

Our $2,500 quarterly micro grants provide non-dilutive funding, meaning you don’t have to give away a portion of your business to get the financial support you need.

Malone Unlimited Small Business Grant

Amount: $1,500

Deadline: February 3rd

Learn more here

Malone Unlimited wants women and non-binary individuals who own small businesses to beat the odds! That is why we are offering a $1,500 unrestricted grant to help you grow your business.

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.

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

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

Tax Credits for Small Business Owners

Tax Resources for Small Business Owners

Taxes for Small Businesses Overview

Webinars, Workshops & Resources

All events are free unless otherwise indicated.

Prepare for New Immigration Enforcement Changes

January 16th, 11:00am

Learn more here

SCORE: Email Strategies for Business Owners

January 16th, 1:00pm

Learn more here

Goof-Proof Your Business

January 17th, 12:00pm

Learn more here

How AI Can Help Your Small Business

January 21st, 12:00pm

Learn more here

How to Navigate the SBA to Obtain Financing

January 22nd, 12:00pm

Learn more here

Content that Connects: Building your Brand

January 23rd, 1:00pm

Learn more here

Basic QuickBooks Guide for Small Business Owners

January 23rd, 1:00pm

Learn more here

DC Pro Bono Law Center 8-Part Business Law Training Series for Small Business Owners

January 23rd – March 13th, 4:00pm,

Every Thursday for 8 weeks, $150 course fee.

Learn more here

Lamond-Riggs Shared Kitchen Open House

January 24th, 4:00pm

The University of the District of Columbia  is looking for caterers, pop-up restaurant owners, food truck operators, bakers, and food entrepreneurs to attend their Shared Commercial Kitchen.

Learn more here

Developing a Nonprofit Fundraising Plan

January 29th, 12:00pm

Learn more here

Website Planning 101

January 30th, 12:00pm

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

LEDC Entrepreneur Training for Success Program
Amount: Free Cohort
Deadline: TBA
Learn more here
Entrepreneur Training for Success (ETS) is a 3-month cohort-based program that centers around business training and enhancing leadership skills.

Truist Retail Readiness Entrepreneurship Training Program
Deadline: January 26th
Learn more here
A 10 part program designed to help underserved entrepreneurs become retail ready.]

Santander X Cultivate Small Business Cohort 11
Deadline: January 30th
Learn more here
We know growing a food business is tough. Santander’s Cultivate Small Business offers training, mentors & capital to food businesses.

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.

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
CNHED Small Biz Help Website
CNHED Small Biz Resource Hub
CNHED Small Biz Calendar
FSC First: Small Business Resources
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

Protect your Business against Check Washing Scams
1. Go Digital: Set up automatic payments through your bank to eliminate the need for mailing checks.
2. Use Security Envelopes: Avoid using envelopes that say “payment enclosed.” Instead, opt for opaque security envelopes.
3. Write Smart: Gel pens are harder to erase, but counterfeiters are increasingly sophisticated—consider minimizing check use altogether.
4. Stay Vigilant: Check your bank statements daily for unauthorized transactions and report them immediately.
5. Secure Your Mail: Never leave outgoing mail in your outdoor mailbox.
Learn more here

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.