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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 Tenleytown!

We will be reaching out soon with details about our Business Membership Program. This is a great chance for your business to receive a number of incentives like free advertising for a low yearly cost that contributes to improvements and programming in Tenleytown.

Please reach out to let us know how we can support you. I look forward to seeing you soon in the corridor!

Best,

Noah

Executive Director

execdir@tenleytownmainstreet.org

Important Business Updates

The Presidential Emergency has ended

President Donald Trump’s temporary control of District police expired on September 13th.  While MPD is no longer “compelled to provide MPD services as directed by the president,” federal agents and National Guard troops are expected to maintain their presence on city streets.

Learn more here.

Federal Coordination Continues

Mayor Bowser issued an executive order last week establishing ongoing collaboration with FBI, DEA, ATF, National Park Police, and Capitol Police, while notably excluding Department of Homeland Security agencies — including ICE — from future coordination plans.

Trump Administration Releases Executive Order on Federal Grantmaking

On August 7th, the Trump Administration released a new Executive Order (EO) on federal grantmaking. Agencies will now designate political staff to review funding opportunities to ensure they are aligned with Administration priorities and not duplicative of another agency’s programs. Designated political staff will also review awards before they are finalized as well as monitor annual progress and ensure continued alignment with priorities. No new funding notices will be issued until agencies have set up this process as defined in the EO.

Learn more here

White House’s fact sheet

DLCP Fall Forum 2025 – Meet Director Crowe

September 23rd, 11:00am

This gathering will be a wonderful opportunity to learn more about DLCP has been doing to Grow DC’s business economy and to protect consumers, and what it is on the horizon for FY 2026; meet DLCP’s senior leadership and management team and share your ideas with the agency and how we can work together for District residents and businesses.

Connect with colleagues and community partners.

Learn more here

LEDC Smart Cleaning Program

The Smart Clean Program (SCP) is a pioneering initiative to help improve community health, protect the environment, and enhance business opportunities in a growing economy.

Learn more here

Free Webinar: ICE Raids and I-9 Audits: How to protect your business from costly mistakes

Learn more here

ICE Resumes Workplace Enforcement at Restaurants

Protect Your Teams and Restaurant: Verify your I-9 documentation is complete, current, and accessible. Ensure management teams understand proper protocols for potential workplace visits. Visit RAMW.org/Immigration for resources.

DC OAG: Know your Rights

Learn more here

National Immigration Law Center Form I-9 Audits or Inspections FAQ’s

What is a Form I-9 audit or inspection? What does your business need to be prepared?

Learn more here

ICE Emergency Hotline

To report ICE raids or other ICE activity  If someone has been taken by ICE and you need information on available resources: 202-335-1183  

Learn more here

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.

2025 Credibly Small Business Award

Amount: up to $30,000

Deadline: September 30th

Learn more here

The 2025 Credibly Small Business Award offers cash prizes of up to $30,000 to help small businesses accelerate their growth.

High Five for Mom’s

Amount: up to $10,000

Deadline: September 30th

Learn more here

The High Five Grant For Moms, hosted by The Mama Ladder, provides funding to help mom entrepreneurs grow their businesses.

Cornerstone Grant by Square

Amount: up to $10,000

Deadline: September 30th

Learn more here

Four small businesses receive $10,000 each, along with a year of mentorship from financial and business experts and increased exposure through Square’s newsletters and platforms, which reach over a million people.

LISC & Foot Locker Foundation

Amount: Up to $100,000

Deadline: September 30th

Learn more here

Grants of up to $100,000 are available to nonprofit organizations supporting youth in low- to moderate-income communities. Funding can be used to expand or enhance programs that connect young people to stable housing, employment pathways, education, and community resources.

ShesConnected ATT Small Business Grant

Amount: $5,000

Deadline: September 30th

Learn more here

ATT is excited to inspire a broader community of entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners through the AT&T Small Business Contest alongside esteemed AT&T athletes that are making moves on and off the field and paving the way for the next generation.

Awesome Foundation Grant

Learn more here

Black Founder Startup Grant

Learn more here

BREVA Thrive Grant

Learn more here

Comcast Innovation Fund

Learn more here

Exelon Corporate Giving Program
Learn more here

Freed Fellowship Grant

Learn more here

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Application

Learn more here

Hustler’s Microgrant

Learn more here

LISC Small Business Seeking Financing Ready Series

Learn more here

National Association of the Self-Employed

Learn more here

Outta Excuses

Learn more here

Start.Pivot.Grow

Learn more here

Skip Monthly Grants

Learn more here

Wish Local Empowerment Program

Learn more here

Women’s Venture Fund

Learn more here

YippityDoo Big Idea Grant

Learn more here

ZenBusiness

Learn more here

DC Government Funding Resources

ObviouslyDC.com has the latest in DC government funding and grant opportunities for businesses.

DC Community Grant Program

Learn more here

DC Security Camera Rebate Program

Learn more here

The Coalition Guide to Small Business Financing
Descargar Guía en Español
Download Guide in English

Webinars, Workshops & Resources

All events are free unless otherwise indicated.

Business Ownership

September 18th, 11:00am

Learn more here

Discover Secrets to Franchise Business Success

September 20th, 10:00am

Learn more here

ServeSafe Food Manager Class in Spanish
September 23rd, 9:00am
Learn more here

Big Benefits for Small Businesses through DC Health Link

September 23rd, 12:00pm

Learn more here

Fuel Your Business’s Green Growth with Capital Strategies

September 24th, 12:00pm

Learn more here

Using LinkedIn to Market and Grow Your Business

September 24th, 12:00pm

Learn more here

Employment Law 101: What DC Business Owners Need to Know

September 25th, 12:00pm

Learn more here

Helping Business Owners Prioritize Succession Planning

September 30th, 12:00pm

Learn more here

Cost, Pricing and Breakeven

September 30th, 6:00pm

Learn more here

Cash Flow Planning

October 7th, 12:00pm
Learn more here

DC Pro Bono Law Center

Free Legal Clinic for Small Employers: Hiring & On-Boarding DC Employees

October 15th, 10:15am

Learn more here

Free Spanish ServSafe Available through August
Learn more here
Free ServSafe Training through September 2025
Learn more here

DISB Insurance Scams to watch out for:

Stolen Premiums: The agent pockets your payment instead of sending it to the insurer. You’re left with no coverage.

Fake Insurance: You’re sold a bogus policy from a fake company. Claims will be denied.

Unneeded Coverage: You’re pushed to buy expensive or duplicate policies you don’t need.

Churning: You’re convinced to cancel a good policy to buy a “better” one — just so the agent earns a commission.

Sliding: Extra coverage is added without your consent, raising your premium.

Twisting: Facts are distorted to get you to switch policies — even if it puts your coverage at risk.

How to Protect Yourself

Verify the agent and insurer are licensed in DC: Check here

Pay smart: Use check, credit card or money order — never cash. Pay the insurance company directly.

Get receipts and review documents before paying.

Take your time — don’t be rushed into a decision.

Follow up: If you don’t receive your policy within 60 days, contact the insurance company directly.

Ask questions and get clear answers in plain language.

Be cautious online: Scammers can forge your e-signature or enroll you in policies you didn’t agree to.

If you think you’ve been scammed, report it to:

DISB Enforcement and Consumer Protection Division: 202.727.8000

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: IC3.gov or call 202.278.2000

Federal Trade Commission: ReportFraud@ftc.gov

New Retirement Solution for Solo Entrepreneurs

JPMorganChase just launched a Solo 401(k), a retirement solution for the self-employed and solo entrepreneurs expanding its existing Everyday 401(k) program. Solo 401(k) allows small business owners to quickly set up a 401(k) plan online, offering flexible investment options, including J.P. Morgan Asset Management’s ready-to-use solutions or customized plans.

Learn more here

Creating Your Remote Work Plan: 4 Steps to Success

How to Build Your Bench of Employees

How to Scale a Business

Small Businesses Can Thrive Leveraging SBA Funding

Tech Can Help Scale Your Business

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.