Business Brief – January 3 2025

February 5, 2025

 

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

Happy New Year!

 

I hope that you have had a wonderful holiday. 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:

https://forms.gle/GWnzoswb6LnTScmD9

 

Also, please take note of the DC Security Camera rebate program to help with the cost of installing security cameras. 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 and register your business for extended hours of operation with ABCA by January 7th.

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.

 

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 in the event that you want to ensure that your business is in compliance 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

 

Department of Buildings Plan Concept Review Program

Concept Review allows owners, authorized agents, and developers of large projects to meet with DOB staff to discuss preliminary design, building code, inspection requirements, or zoning-related questions before the submission of a permit application.  

Learn more here

 

New DPW Office Location

The Department of Public Works (DPW) has relocated to 899 North Capitol Street, NE, 5th Floor

 

New Streatery Guidelines Adopted

The DDOT Public Space Committee (PSC) adopted new guidelines to support a permanent Streatery Program. See details at the DDOT’s Streatery website. Businesses should review the guidelines to understand the new design requirements and permit processes required to continue operating a streatery in public space.

 

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

 

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.

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.

LEDC Green Cleaning Program

Amount: Free Cohort

Deadline: TBA

Learn more here

Grants for cleaning service providers located in, or doing business in Ward 5, 7, and 8.

 

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.

 

Capital Impact Partners: Nourish DC Collaborative

Amount: $10.000-250,000

Deadline: January 12th

Learn more here

Eligible projects support food aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distribution of regionally produced food products.

 

Spur Local

Amount: Variable

Deadline: February 11th

Learn more here

Spur Local Catalogue for Philanthropy business support program.

 

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) located in DC.

Webinars, Workshops & Resources

All events are free unless otherwise indicated.

Starting a Successful E-Commerce Business

January 8th, 12:00pm

Learn more here

ACE Art of Accurate Pricing

January 9th, 5:00pm

Learn more here

DISB Wealth Mindset Series Registration: Understanding Money

January 9th, 5:00pm

Learn more here

DC Bar Pro Bono Center: Meet w Lawyer for Free

January 15th, 5:00pm

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

Developing a Nonprofit Fundraising Plan

January 29th, 12:00pm

Learn more here,

Website Planning 101

January 30th, 12:00pm

Learn more here

ABCA ABC 101

February 25, 2025

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

CNHED Small Biz Help Website

CNHED Small Biz Resource Hub

CNHED Small Biz Calendar

Connect2Capital Financial Education Center

Learn more here

DC Shop Small: Shop Small, Big Impact

Learn more here

FSC First: Small Business Resources

Learn more here

LEDC Funding for Hispanic & Latino Owned Businesses

Learn more here

LISC Entrepreneurs of Color Fund

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

US Chamber of Commerce Funding Resources

Learn more here

US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce: Business Counseling

Learn more here

Venturize Small Business Lending Platform

Learn more here

Verizon/LISC Digital Ready Support Program

Learn more here

VISA Small Business Hub

Learn more here

 

Business Articles and Resources

Bamboo HR Employee Performance Review

Business License and Permit Guide

Business Plan Fundamentals

Calculating Business Owners Salary

Craft a Strategic Plan for Your Small Business

Employee Record Retention Guide

Funding for Small Business Owners

Grow your Business with these Resources

Main Street Disaster Resilience Kit

SBA 504 Small Business Loans

SBA Microloans for Small Businesses

SBA Business Emergency Preparedness Guide

SBA Business Resilience Guide

SBA Small Business Resource Guide

Small Business Insurance Resources

Small Business Loans: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tax Credits for Gig Workers

Tax Credits for Small Business Owners

Tax Resources for Small Business Owners

Walmart Business Planner

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.