News and resources to help your business thrive

In this issue:

Main Street Announcements

Art All Night

Current Grant & Funding Opportunities

Important Business Updates

Workshops, Webinars & Resources

Hello everyone,

I hope that your business is thriving now that students and families are settled into the fall schedule. Please keep in mind that Tenleytown Main Street is here to help you. Reach out to me directly if you have any questions or need support!

Best,

Noah

Executive Director

execdir@tenleytownmainstreet.org

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

Hearst Foundation Grants
Amount: Varies
Deadline: Rolling
Learn more here
National foundation supporting nonprofit organizations working in education, health, culture, and social services. Applications accepted year-round

Google Ad Grants for Nonprofits
Amount: Up to $10,000
Deadline: Rolling
Learn more here

Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations receive up to $10,000 per month in Google search advertising to attract donors, customers, and volunteers.

W.K. Kellogg Foundation Grants
Amount: Varies
Deadline: Rolling
Learn more here

Year-round application process focused on health equity, early education, and family economic security. Requires a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) first.

Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation Grants
Amount: Various amounts
Deadline: Applications due November 1
Learn more here

One of DC’s largest local funders, supporting community organizations across the District. Worth prepping your materials now ahead of the October 1 opening.

Commercial Property Acquisition Fund

Amount: Up to $300,000

Deadline: Rolling

Learn more here

This fund provides down payment assistance through grants of up to $300,000 or 25% of the sale price (whichever is less) to eligible DC-based businesses looking to maintain and expand their physical operations by acquiring commercial property in the District.

DSLBD Current Funding Opportunities

Check here regularly
Most of DSLBD’s major FY26 grant rounds have now closed for this cycle, but DSLBD posts new opportunities on a rolling basis, worth checking weekly.

DLCP’s new licensing system (BOSS) is now live

Details on the DLCP Hub

The Business One Stop Solution launched in August, consolidating business registration and licensing into one platform. If you haven’t logged in yet, expect a different interface than the old system, and some temporary service hiccups are still possible during the transition.

Updated Sales Tax Guidance from the Tax Payer Advocate

Learn More Here

OTR got confirmation that the increase to the DC sales and use tax has been postponed to October 1, 2027. It will be 6% until September 30, 2027 and then 7.0% beginning October 1, 2027. OTR has updated its sales and use tax page here.

The BEST Act is rolling out

Learn More Here

DLCP is implementing the Business and Entrepreneurship Support to Thrive Act, which simplifies and modernizes business licensing across the District.

Save More with DCSEU

Learn More Here

Take advantage of DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) HVAC rebates to upgrade to more efficient central air conditioning, heat pumps, and heat pump water heaters. Save even more on heat pump technologies when switching from gas to electric equipment. The DCSEU offers $250 to $5,000 off qualifying electric heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and air conditioners. All heating and cooling equipment (including water heaters) must be installed by a DC licensed contractor to qualify.

Contracts Clinic: FREE One-On-One Business Advice Clinics with DC Bar Pro Bono Center
Date: October 27 and November 17, 2026
Time: 9:30 am – 12:00pm
Cost: Free

Location: Virtual
More information here

“The D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center is sponsoring two opportunities for small businesses and nonprofits to review critical business and/or operational contracts with volunteer attorneys. On October 27, 2026, and November 17, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., business owners will be able to meet virtually with attorneys to review template agreements used as part of their operations or significant third-party agreements they are looking to renew or to renegotiate. For more details and to register for this free opportunity, go to: https://probono.center/ContractsClinic.

Small Business Clinic: FREE One-On-One Business Advice Clinics with DC Bar Pro Bono Center
Date: November 19, 2026
Time: 5:00 pm – 7:30pm
Cost: Free

Location: Virtual
More information here

The D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center is also partnering with the Executive Office of the Mayor to sponsor a walk-in legal clinic for entrepreneurs in the District. On November 19, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m., small business owners will be able to meet in person with volunteer attorneys at the John A. Wilson Building (1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, G Level) for brief advice on general legal questions about their aspiring and existing small businesses. For more details and to register for this free opportunity, go to: https://probono.center/SmallBizClinic.

Business Clinic: The DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection Business Diagnostic Check

When:  Thursday October 22^nd
Time: 10:00am – 2:30pm (drop in)
Location:  The Foundry at 1055 Thomas Jefferson Street NW Washington DC 20007

Don’t have a Neoserra account?  Register for an account here:  DLCP eCenter Direct

Where are you in your entrepreneurship journey? The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection’s Business Resource Center (BRC) is here to help you map out exactly where you stand on the road to business success! Whether you’re just getting started or looking to expand, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Join us for an in-person session, where industry experts will provide one-on-one technical assistance to help you navigate the regulatory process. Representatives from the following organizations will be in attendance:

• DLCP Business Resource Center (BRC)
• DLCP Corporations Division
• DLCP Business Licensing Division (Short-Term Rental)
• Department of Buildings (DOB)
• DC Bar Pro Bono Center
• M&T Bank – Offering insights on small business banking and financial services
• DSLBD (Department of Small and Local Business Development) – Available to assist with CBE (Certified Business Enterprise) questions and guidance
• Office of Tax and Revenue OTR

What You’ll Gain:

• Expert guidance on registering your business entity (LLC, Corporation, Non-Profit, and more)
• Step-by-step support on obtaining your business license and securing necessary permits/certificates of occupancy
• Direct consultation with DC Bar Pro Bono Center professionals on legal business matters
• Financial advice and banking solutions from M&T Bank
• CBE certification support and resources from DSLBD

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and take actionable steps toward your business success!

 *Please bring a laptop* 

Register Here!

Janney Elementary School Fun Run

The Janney Elementary 5K is one of Tenleytown’s favorite community traditions, bringing together families, students, and neighbors for a morning of running, walking, and fun. Open to all ages and abilities, the event includes both a 5K and a Fun Run, so there’s a place for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned runner or a casual walker. The 5K also serves as a fundraiser, directly supporting Janney and its students. We encourage our neighborhood businesses to join us! Learn more and sign up for the 5K or Fun Run at janney5k.org. You can also learn more about potential sponsorship opportunities. We hope to see you there!

DC FPC Reducing Wasted Food Working Group Survey

DC Food Business Food Waste Prevention Survey

The DC Food Policy Council (FPC) Reducing Wasted Food working group is seeking feedback from those working at businesses serving and selling food in DC. We want to hear your experiences with food waste prevention, food recovery, and composting, with the goal of creating business sector specific toolkits to support existing efforts and empower those who have not yet started.The survey is open to all but staff and management working in food service, sustainability, operations, facilities, purchasing, or related roles are especially encouraged to respond.Survey Link: DC Food Business Food Waste Prevention Survey.

Deadline: October 25, 2026

Quality Childcare Network Inc – Vendors Wanted!

If your business or organization is interested in tabling at the Quality Childcare Network Expo on October 24 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm at 4646 Wisconsin Ave NW, contact lbrent@qualitychilcarenetwork.org for more information. There is no set vendor fee, instead, vendors are expected to make a donation towards Quality Childcare Network Inc.

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 Street 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.