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News and resources to help your business thrive

In this issue:

• Main Street Announcements

• Robust Retail Grants Closing April 15th – Apply now

• Grant & Funding Opportunities

• Important Business Reminders

• Workshops, Webinars & Resources

Main Street Announcements

Hello TMS Family!

I hope that your business is thriving during this busy time of year! I wanted to remind you that we are currently accepting applications for Tenleytown Main Street Small Business Grants. Sign up now! These grants provide up to $5,000 in financial support for your small business. The applications are due on April 10. Please submit applications using this link: Apply here

Be on the lookout for a survey for a free course in small business finance with Sandra at PNC Bank. She has offered to present a program on financial topics that are important for your small business. We will be asking for topics of interest and availability soon.

Lastly,  TMS will be hosting our first PorchFest event on June 1st, in the early afternoon with music and arts throughout the corridor. Please contact us if you are interested in having music in your small business as we plan our venues. We will follow-up with more information soon!

See you in Tenleytown!

Noah Getz
Executive Director

execdir@tenleytownmainstreet.org

Robust Retail Grants Now Open – Apply Now!

Robust Retail Grant Application – Closing soon!
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: April 15th

Link for Robust Retail Info Video

Fill out Application here
The Department of Small and Local Business Development is offering Robust Retail grants, which are direct-to-business grants to assist existing DC-based retail businesses with the maintenance of business operations and viability.

Eligible applications will be placed in a lottery for one of 48 grants of up to $10,000 available for city-wide grants. At least 3 grants will be awarded to businesses in each ward.
Your business must have:  Active DC Business License – Corporate Registration File Number  – Certificate of Clean Hands  – Federal EIN Number – IRS W9 Document – Recent photo of your storefront

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.

The Kitty Fund Mompreneur Business Grant

Amount: $25,000

Deadline: April 16th

Learn more here

The Kitty Fund will award $25,000 total to 25 small business owners who identify as mothers in 2024. Eligible businesses must be based in the U.S., have annual revenues under $5M, and employ between 2 to 50 people.

Fresh Food Access For All
Amount: $5,000-$10,000
Deadline: April 19th
Learn more here
The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) is excited to launch the Fresh Food Access For All in partnership with The Kroger Foundation and support Latino small businesses, startups, and community-serving organizations across the country that are addressing food insecurity in their communities by increasing access to healthy and affordable food.

Cadence Cash Thrive Grant

Amount: $5,000

Deadline: April 30th

Learn more here

Cadence Cash Equal Access Fund is proud to introduce the Cadence Cash Thrive Grant, a quarterly program aimed at supporting small businesses that contribute positively to their communities.

The American Dream Awards
Amount: Variable
Deadline: April 30th
Learn more here
The American Dream Awards shine a spotlight on small businesses that epitomize the modern American Dream through their innovative solutions, outstanding community contributions, and commitment to sustainable business practices. Must have Hello Alice Account.

Shea Moisture Grant
Amount: Variable
Deadline: Rolling
Learn more here
Black-owned businesses who are registered and based in the U.S, in operation for at least two years, with at least $25,000 in annual revenue, are eligible.

US Chamber of Commerce Funding Resources

Amount: Variable

Deadline: Open

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.

LEDC Funding for Hispanic & Latino Owned Businesses

Amount: Variable

Deadline: Open

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.

Important Reminders

Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection is visiting businesses to ensure their business licenses are up-to-date and in compliance. Please check yours ASAP to see if it is out-of-date or will soon expire. Renew now! There are new licensing categories with lower license costs. You must have an Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) Certificate of Clean Hands to renew your license. More info on Basic Business License & Business Licensing Portal.

CNHED Greater Voices for Small Business Owners Monthly Meeting
Join CNHED for their monthly Greater Voices for Small Business Owners Monthly meeting on April 17th from 10:00-11:30am. This is an excellent opportunity to engage with other business owners and discuss relevant issues. GVSBO meets monthly on the the 3rd Wednesday of every month.
Meeting info here

Restaurant Revitalization and Dram Shop Clarification Amendment Act
DC Council recently passed this important legislation benefiting restaurants, bars and hospitality establishments. An overview of the legislation is recapped here: Restaurant Revitalization and Dram Shop Clarification Amendment Act* Important Info
Highlights:
Liquor Liability Reform lowers restaurant and bar insurance premiums
Simplifies ABC manager licenses, anti-harassment training and tip reporting
Creates new service charge rules, including lawsuit protection; rules for caterers  and service charge rent relief
Creates new food delivery service regulations
Reminder: Next Tipped Wage raise from $8 to $10 on July 1, 2024

Webinars, Workshops & Resources

All events are free unless otherwise indicated.

SCORE: Creating a Quick Business Plan
April 11th, 12:00pm-1:30pm
Learn more here

SCORE: How to Secure Grant Funding
April 16th, 12:00pm-1:30pm
Learn more here

SCORE: Marketing Part 1: Developing Your Marketing Plan
April 17th, 12:00pm-1:30pm
Learn more here

SCORE: Marketing Part 2: Promoting Your Business
April 18th, 12:00pm-1:30pm
Learn more here

Summer Hiring – Compliance Considerations and Tips for Success

April 18th, 1:00pm

Learn more here

SCORE: How to Start a Successful Food Business
April 24th, 12:00pm-1:30pm
Learn more here

SCORE: Developing Financial Projections for Your New Small Business
April 25th, 12:00pm-1:30pm
Learn more here

Understanding Various Sources of Capital

Tuesday, April 30th at 12:00pm

Learn more here

SCORE: Running a Nonprofit Like a Business
April 30th, 12:00pm-1:30pm
Learn more here

Navigating the Landscape of Access to Capital for DC Businesses

May 1st, 2pm-5pm

Learn more here

US Black Chamber of Commerce, Free one-on-one financial counseling assistance
Every Wednesday

Learn more here

Are You Eligible for PPP Loan Forgiveness
Learn more here
The SBA is making it easier for people to apply to have their PPP loans forgiven. Borrowers can use the SBA’s Direct Forgiveness Portal (DFP) to apply. When a borrower applies through the portal, their lender will be notified.

CNHED DC Small Business Workshop Calendar

Learn more here

This is a great time to improve your business. Please check out our DC Small Business Help Workshop Calendar.  This resource aims to coordinate and share the myriad of workshops, trainings and programs offered to local entrepreneurs and small businesses, and centralize the information in one place to make it easier for small businesses to find.

Free Score Mentor
Learn more here
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. Enter your ZIP code to find a free SCORE business mentor today.

United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce: Free Business Counseling
Learn more here
USHCC business advisors are bilingual and waiting to help you start, grow, or scale your business. Take advantage of this free service by making an appointment today. Our business advisors are experts in start-ups, finances, funding, procurement, marketing, branding, and growing a team. All services are free, and the program is open to the public.

DC Small Retailer Property Tax Credit
Learn more here
Your business may qualify for the $5,000 Small Retailer Property Tax Credit. It’s an underused resource for a wide range of retail and restaurant businesses with federal gross receipts under $2.5 million.

DC Security Camera Rebate Program

Learn more here

A rebate is available for the actual cost of an individual camera (up to $200) with a maximum rebate of $750 for businesses. The rebate is only for the cost of the camera, including sales tax; installation, accessories, and storage are not covered.
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Useful Business Links
Bamboo New Hire Checklist
BambooHR: The Definitive Guide to Onboarding
Bookkeeping for Small Business Owners
DC Pro Bono Law Center: The Fundamentals of an Operating Agreement
Guide to Filing Business Taxes | CO- by US Chamber of Commerce
How to Adapt Your Leadership Style Depending on Your Business Goals
How to “Spring Clean” Your Business
IRS Resources for Small Business Owners
Tax Deductions for Small Businesses

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.