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News and resources to help your business thrive

In this issue:

Main Street Announcements

Important Business Updates

Current Grant & Funding Opportunities

Workshops, Webinars & Resources

Main Street Announcements

Hello everyone,

There are a lot of great opportunities in this issue including Tenleytown’s Small Business Grant program which provides up to $5,000 for your business. This issue also features a number of important grants and workshops for women owned businesses in celebration of Women’s History Month. Please reach out if you have questions about these opportunities or are seeking support for your business this month!

Best,

Noah

Executive Director

execdir@tenleytownmainstreet.org

Important Business Updates

New DC Legislation: Cutting “Red Tape”

Mayor Bowser has announced two major bills to simplify doing business in the District:

Supporting Local Business Enterprises Act: This bill strengthens the 35% CBE subcontracting requirement and ensures faster payment standards for small firms under the Quick Payment Act.

Procurement Reform Amendment Act: This legislation raises the threshold for noncompetitive small purchases to $25,000 and streamlines the contract approval process to reduce administrative delays.

2026 Architecture License Renewal: Cycle Now Open

Deadline: April 30, 2026

The DLCP has officially opened the 2026 renewal cycle for all professional architects. You must complete 24 hours of HSW-approved continuing education to maintain your license.

Learn more here

Celebrating Women’s History Month!

March serves as an opportunity to recognize the impact of women-owned businesses, which currently accounts for over 40% of enterprises in the District. These businesses contribute significantly to the economic stability and character of the Tenleytown corridor and the city at large. This month provides a dedicated space to highlight their professional achievements and the ongoing growth of women-led ventures in our community.

Women in Policy Alliance: A Toast to Women’s History Month

Date: Tuesday, March 24 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Location: Sonoma Restaurant & Wine Bar.

Learn more here

This event features a leadership panel and happy hour focused on strategies for the next generation of women leaders.

6th Annual Women in Business Luncheon

Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 11:30 A.M. to 2:30 P.M.

Location: Fairmont Hotel (Colonnade Room & Courtyard)

Price: $200.00 Member; $250.00 Non-Member

Learn more here

Join the DC Chamber of Commerce for high-impact networking and thought-provoking dialogue featuring guest speaker Linda Clemons, a world-renowned sales and body language expert.

Fresh Talk: Stacey Abrams at the National Museum of Women in the Arts

Date: Thursday, March 26 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Location: Performance Hall

Price: $25 General Admission; $20 Members; $15 Students

Learn more here

Stacey Abrams joins Shaniqua McClendon and Glory Edim for a live podcast recording of Assembly Required to explore how art and literature drive civic engagement. A salon-style cocktail reception follows from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

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.

Aspire Incubator Program 2026

Amount: Up to $5,000 in stipends + Pitch Prizes

Deadline: Monday, March 23, 2026 (2:00 PM)

Learn more here

This program is for DC residents who are returning citizens or justice-involved with an active DC basic business license. Participants receive training in accounting, marketing, and regulatory compliance while working toward stipend milestones.

DMPED: FY26 Growth Fund

Amount: Varies

Deadline: Monday, March 23, 2026 (4:00 PM)

Learn more here

The Growth Fund supports small businesses relocating to or expanding in DC. To be eligible, you must occupy commercial space (including coworking) and create at least five new jobs over two years. This is a performance-based incentive for companies looking to scale their footprint in the District.

DoorDash Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund

Amount: $5,000 – $15,000

Deadline: Rolling

Learn more here

This rolling grant provides $10,000 in emergency relief for small businesses (restaurants, bakeries, and grocers) impacted by natural disasters or major infrastructure failures.

Amber Grant for Women

Amount: $10,000 (Monthly) + $50,000 (Annual)

Deadline: Rolling (End of each month)

Learn more here

One $10,000 grant is awarded to a woman-owned business every month. In March, they are also offering a specific $10,000 Food & Beverage category grant. All monthly winners are eligible for a $50,000 year-end grant.

W.K. Kellogg Foundation Grants

Amount: Varies

Deadline: Rolling

Learn more here

The foundation operates with an open, year-round application process focused on health equity, early education, and family economic security. Applicants must first submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI).

Google Ad Grants for Nonprofits

Amount: Up to $10,000

Deadline: Rolling

Learn more here

This ongoing program provides eligible 501(c)(3) organizations with up to $10,000 per month in search advertising to attract donors and volunteers.

NASE Growth Grant

Amount: Up to $4,000

Deadline: Rolling (Quarterly)

Learn more here

This grant can be used for marketing, hiring, or expanding facilities. Applicants must be NASE members in good standing (annual members can apply immediately).

Workshops, Webinars & Resources

Webinar: Business Plan & Cash Flow Projections

Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Location: Online

Price: Free

Register via WBC

Learn the fundamentals of writing a business plan and developing cash flow projections, including how the two work together when applying for funding. This session is designed to help entrepreneurs chart a clear path to profitability with actionable insights.

Webinar: Storytelling with AI for Entrepreneurs

Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Location: Online

Price: Free

Register via DC SBDC

Discover how to use AI tools for strategic storytelling while maintaining a human voice to better connect with your customers. Participants will learn practical workflows and ethical best practices for high-quality content production

DMPED March Madness 2026

Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Location: Nationals Park

Price: Free

RSVP here

This yearly showcase previews upcoming real estate development, housing projects, and workforce initiatives in the District. Attendees can network with potential partners and learn about the city’s project pipeline directly from District agencies.

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 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.