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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,

I hope that you have a wonderful holiday! TMS is doing a number of things to help you attract customers this holiday season. Please consider participating in our Holiday Hunt. Holiday Hunt is free and only requires businesses to keep a code for participants near their register to give out when they enter your store. There are fun Yeti references and questions about Tenleytown as part of the hunt. Participating is free and easy!

Best,

Noah

Executive Director

execdir@tenleytownmainstreet.org

Important Business Updates

The Corporate Transparency Act

Businesses with 20 employees or less and less than $5 million in revenue formed before January 1, 2024, ARE REQUIRED to file their initial reports by January 1, 2025, while entities formed on or after January 1, 2024, have 30 days from the date of formation to report.

Understanding and Complying with the Federal Corporate Transparency Act

DC Small Business Center: Understanding BOI Reporting

December 3rd, 11am

Learn more here

DC Pro Bono Law Center: Understanding your Business’ Corporate Transparency Act Reporting

December 4th, 12pm

Learn more here

Certificate of Clean Hands Threshold Increase

In 2024, 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.  

Request a Clean Hands certificate by visiting MyTax.DC.gov.

DC Health Link Enrollment Open Now

From Nov. 1 to Jan 31, explore 27 private insurance plans designed to meet your unique needs and budget. With plans starting as low as $13/month, there’s no reason to wait!

Shop for plans here

The DC Parking Cashout Law

The reporting dashboard is now open! All District employers with 20+ employees, offering parking spaces,  must report their compliance with or exemption from the law by January 15, 2025.

Learn more here.

New SBA Loan Options to Reduce Debt

New SBA changes could help small business owners, including restaurant operators, refinance existing debt with better terms through expanded 504 loan options starting Nov. 15. Restaurants and small businesses with a net worth under $15 million are eligible for max loan amounts up to $5.5 million in 10, 20, and 25 year terms with 3% interest rate.  

Learn more here

CNHED Small Biz Help Website

Explore the helpful Coalition for Non-profit Housing and Economic Development business support website, serving as a hub for the DC small businesses ecosystem.

CNHED Small Biz Resource Hub

CNHED Small Biz Calendar

Current Grant Opportunities

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

Verizon Digital Ready Superfan Grant

Amount: $25,000 + Trip to the Super Bowl

Deadline: Extended

Learn more here

Three Digital Ready superfans will be chosen as grantees to take part in a special small business event during February’s Super Bowl LIX Week and attend the big game. Grantees will also receive a $25,000 grant from LISC.

Coach K Legacy Grant

Amount: $2,500

Deadline: December 10th

Learn more here

Coach K is giving away $2,500 every quarter to help aspiring entrepreneurs & existing business owners take their businesses to the next level.

FedEx Entrepreneur Fund and Boost Camp Program

Amount: $10,000 + Business Coaching

Deadline: December 13th

Learn more here

Apply now to one of 150 spots in this 12-week digital growth accelerator, where you’ll get access to expert-led sessions, education, mentorship, a peer support network, and so much more. Plus, if you are accepted into the program, you’ll also have the opportunity to receive $10,000 in grant funding! *Acceptance into the Boost Camp does not guarantee funding.

Verizon Digital Ready

Amount: $10,000

Deadline: December 13th

Learn more here

Sign up for Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, complete any combination of two courses, coaching events, and community events and apply by December 13th. Not only will you be eligible to apply for a $10k grant but you’ll benefit from free access to business courses, live coaching sessions led by industry experts, and insightful resources.

Secretsos Grant

Amount: $2500

Deadline: December 31st

Learn more here

This grant focuses on the entrepreneurs often overlooked by traditional investment sources – from those who are just starting out to those primed for explosive growth, Secretsos™ is here to offer accessible, substantial support.

Amplifier Grant
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: Rolling
Learn more here
Since 2016 we’ve amplified the individuals, businesses & orgs who are boots on the ground everyday trying to make the world a better place. We’re proud to launch The Amplifier Grant as the next extension of that work, awarding at least $5,000 in funds every season.

HerSuiteSpot Hustler Microgrant

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: Rolling

Learn more here

HerSuiteSpot mission is simple: to provide grants and invaluable resources to promising small businesses across the United States. With applications open each month, the process is straightforward and dynamic. $10 application fee.

PayPal Small Business Loans

Learn more here

PayPal Business Loan, a fixed-term small business loan based on your overall business health. Loans range from $5,000 to $100,000 for first-time borrowers and up to $150,000 for repeat borrowers.

Honeycomb Community Credit Funding

Learn more here

Business owners who launch a Honeycomb investment offering get funding, community buy-in, and give everyone the chance to invest in locally owned businesses.

LEDC Funding for Hispanic & Latino Owned Businesses

Learn more here

Are you interested in starting or expanding your business? The LEDC team of business coaches can provide you with one-on-one advice and training to help manage and grow your business.

LISC Entrepreneurs of Color Fund

Learn more here

The Entrepreneurs of Color Fund was designed to better connect business owners to affordable, flexible capital. Complete the questionnaire in the link below to help us get to know your business.  

US Chamber of Commerce Funding Resources

Learn more here

The US Chamber of Commerce offers options to help secure the funds you need to start or grow your business debt-free.

Venturize Small Business Lending Platform

Learn more here

Venturize is a resource hub for small business owners that need help accessing tools and information to sustain and grow their business, offering education and resources to help bolster businesses and empower business owners to make informed financing decisions.

Walmart & Spark Local Goods: Non Profit Funding

Learn more here

Walmart believes that strengthening local communities creates value for business as well as society. Each year, Walmart U.S. stores, Sam’s Clubs and Distribution Centers award local cash grants ranging from $250 to $5000. These local grants are designed to address the unique needs of the communities where we operate.

Webinars, Workshops & Resources

All events are free unless otherwise indicated.

GoDaddy Empower Workshops: Elevate your Business Growth

November 26th, 7pm

Learn more here

How to Raise Capital, Part I of II

December 4th, 12:00pm

Learn more here

Food Manager Certificate Course

December 6th, 8:30am (In-person)

Learn more here

DC Pro Bono Law Center: Virtual Small Business Brief Advice Legal Clinic

December 9th, 12pm

Learn more here

The Truth About Building Business Credit While Reducing Personal Risk

December 10th, 12pm

Learn more here

How to Raise Capital, Part II of II

December 12th,11am

Learn more here

Make Better Business Decisions with Analytics

December 10th, 4pm

Learn more here

Food Manager Certificate Course in Anacostia

December 16th, 8:30am (In-person)

Learn more here

ADA and Website Accessibility: Why It Matters and What Everyone Needs to Know

December 18th, 12pm

Learn more here

DISB Wealth Mindset Series Registration: Saving with Little

December 12th, 5pm (In-person)

Learn more here

DISB Wealth Mindset Series Registration: Understanding Money

January 9th, 5pm (In-person)

Learn more here

SBRC One-on-One Call Session: “Talk Business After Hours”

Wednesdays by appointment between 4:00pm – 6:00pm

Learn more here

Business Diagnostic Check – In Person Wednesday’s

Wednesdays by appointment between 10:00am – 3:00pm

Learn more here

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Amazon Black Business Accelerator

Create a Professional selling account and certify your business as Black-owned to unlock a suite of resources that can help you find success in Amazon’s store with up to $500 in benefits.

Learn more here

BOA Start Pivot Grow

Bank of America has launched its Access to Capital Connector providing businesses with access to capital, mentoring, and support.

Learn more here

CameraConnect DC

Metropolitan Police Department’s new community camera sharing program, gives residents, business owners, institutions, and others an additional way to help police solve crime in their neighborhood.

Learn more here

Chase Coaching for Business

Free business resources from Chase banking

Learn more here

Connect2Capital Financial Education Center

Free on-demand resources and business essentials like developing a business plan, producing financial statements, or obtaining business credit.

Learn more here

FSC First: Small Business Resources

Our expansion of services features portfolio management, loan servicing expertise, wealth management, financial education, a diverse range of financing programs and revolving loan funds.

Learn more here

Legal Compliance Resources

Keep your business compliant with state and federal business laws. Your legal responsibilities will depend on your business and location.

Internal requirements

Comply before they buy

Ongoing state filing requirements

Ongoing federal filing requirements

Licenses, permits, and recertification

LISC Child Care Providers Guidebook

This playbook is intended to help business development organizations (BDO), community navigators, partners, stakeholders, and funders understand the child care industry, the ongoing challenges child care programs face today, and how to help providers become more stable and financially sustainable.

Learn more here

Score Mentor

SCORE can help you start, grow or successfully exit a business. Small business owners who receive three or more hours of mentoring report higher revenues and increased growth.

Learn more here

US Black Chamber of Commerce

Free one-on-one financial counseling assistance

Learn more here

United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce: Free Business Counseling

USHCC business advisors are bilingual and waiting to help you start, grow, or scale your business. All services are free, and the program is open to the public.

Learn more here

VISA Small Business Hub

Visa has launched a resource hub with useful solutions for your small business – find tools, resources and advice to help you run and grow your business.

Learn more here
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Useful Business Links

14 Commonly Overlooked Small Business Tax Credits

Association of Women’s Business Centers

Business Branding 101 – How To Create Your Brand Strategy

Everything You Need to Know About Your Seasonal Business Taxes

Finding Retail Space For Your Business

How to Choose Small Business Insurance

How to Get a Small Business Loan: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Pitch Your Startup to Investors – A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Write a One-Page Business Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide

Loans, Grants and Other Funding Options for Hispanic-Owned Businesses

Paid Family Leave Legal Resources for Nonprofits & Small Businesses

Navy Federal Free Personalized Finance Counseling

National ACE Report: The 2024 Impact  of Women-Owned Businesses

SBA Business Emergency Preparedness

SBA: Business Resilience Guide

SBA Small Business Resource Guide

SCORE: Creating Legal Contracts

SCORE: Hiring a Lawyer for Your Small Business

Small Business Resources to Tackle Childcare

Step-by-Step Email Marketing Guide For Your Business

Time Management Strategies for Small Business Owners

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.