Small Business Week Celebrates Businesses at the Heart of DC

April 16, 2018

 

Each year the U.S. Small Business Administration, and small business champions across the country, celebrate the nation’s small business leaders and entrepreneurs. In the District, Tenleytown Main Street is partnering with other Main Streets, BIDs, DC agencies, and the Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development (CNHED) to recognize small businesses. Throughout the week special events and promotions will highlight the importance of small, local enterprises, and offer opportunities to grow your business.

 

 “Small Business: The Heart of DC” Rewards Program (April 30 – May 4)

New for 2018, DC is marking Small Business Week with the launch of the “Small Business: The Heart of DC” Rewards Program to incentivize Washingtonians and visitors to patronize small businesses throughout the week.

Participating businesses offer a 10% discount to customers who present the “Small Business: The Heart of DC” rewards card when making their purchase throughout the week. Participating is a great way to connect with consumers who value and want to support local small businesses like yours!

Enrolling in the rewards program is easy and it only takes a few minutes. Register online and the Coalition for Nonprofit Housing & Economic Development will follow up with to you to drop off a rewards poster and cards. The deadline to register is April 27. Visit https://www.cnhed.org/dcsbw-rewards-program/ to sign up today.

 

Share your small business story and connect with customers (April 29 – May 5)

Consumers today want more than just good products. Shopping, dining, and buying are all about the experience and connection with a business. And here’s where small businesses shine. Not only do you offer great products, you bring unique passion and expertise that customers can’t find elsewhere. During Small Business Week, Tenleytown Main Street wants to help you tell your story and connect with customers.

Complete this brief (we promise!) form, and tell the community how you got started and what keeps you going. Throughout the week, we’ll highlight local businesses like yours and why they matter.

Your story could inspire new or returning customers to visit your business, or even motivate a potential entrepreneur. Don’t forget to share your story here or email info@tenleytownmainstreet.org to connect with our storytelling team.

 

Virtual conference packed with FREE expert business advice (May 1 – 3)

The U.S. Small Business Administration and SCORE Association will host a free, three-day virtual conference, Tuesday, May 1 through Thursday, May 3. Participate in live webinars, get expert advice from business mentors, and network with business owners and industry experts. Registration is free – and even better no travel required.

Learn more and sign up online. A schedule of live events will be sent to registrants via email.

 

3rd Annual POWERUP DC Small Business Forum – Movin’ Your Business Forward (May 1)

DC Health Link and its business partners host the POWERUP DC small business forum to provide valuable information and resources to business owners and non-profit professional who have an interest in starting, growing, and prospering their businesses. Gain information about current business trends and opportunities, and take part in seminar tracks designed to address each stage of business development.

Learn more and register online for the half-day forum.

 

Small Business & Economic Development Summit (May 2)

The DC Chamber of Commerce’s 2018 Small Business and Economic Development Summit is the Chamber’s annual event recognizing business accomplishments and connecting corporate and government buyers with Washington area businesses. Develop business leads, network with small business leaders, get new ideas to advance your business, and take part in workshops on critical business topics. Register online.

 

DCRA Business Matchmaking Event (May 3)

It’s like speed-dating, but for businesses! The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs Small Business Resource Center hosts the 3rd annual Business Speed Coaching event. Network and, in 15-minute time slots, have face-to-face sessions with DC government and non-government agencies that provide technical assistance throughout the District. Participating agencies include: DCRA, DC Health, DSLBD, DISB, OCP, DC Bar Pro Bono Center, Washington DC Economic Partnership, LEDC, DCSBDC, DCWBC, and more! Register to attend.

 

Chat with Councilmember Cheh (May 5)

Meet directly with Councilmember Mary Cheh, who represents Tenleytown and the rest of Ward 3 in the DC Council. Raise your issue, discuss policy impacting local businesses, or just connect during a Small Business Week edition of Chat with Cheh in Tenleytown. Come to Coffee Nature, 4224 Fessenden St, on May 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.