Home Sweet Home

January 17, 2024


Updates from Adams Morgan

Click Here to see previous updates in our newsletter archive

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


Be prepared. Visit to Ready.DC.gov for preparedness information for a

variety of hazards including manmade and natural disasters.

Join the Board of Directors

The Adams Morgan Partnership BID (AMPBID) annual meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 12.

Board Elections: AMPBID holds elections every year at our annual meeting in March. The board consists of 15 seats, nine of which are reserved for commercial property owners and six for business owners. Board members are elected to serve three-year terms (unless they are replacing a board member who resigned before the end of their term).

If you are a business or commercial property owner and are interested in running for a seat on the board, please reach out to Andrew Nimmer for more information.

There are two ways to become a board member nominee: 1) Through a nominating petition, as per the process in our bylaws, those will be accepted until February 1st. Nominating petitions for board members must be submitted to Kristen Barden, Executive Director, at least 40 days prior to the date of the annual meeting (February 1, 2024). Petitions must have the signatures of at least 10 AMPBID members or 2) through the AMPBID’s nominating committee. The committee will present their slate of candidates at the February 13 monthly board meeting.

Postcards with information about the AMPBID Annual Meeting will be mailed to all AMPBID members soon. Ballots for the election will be send in mid-February after the Nominating Committee presents their slate of candidates.


Snow and Trash Reminder

Businesses are responsible for clearing their sidewalks, parklets, and streateries of snow within eight (8) daylight hours of the storm's end. Also, businesses should clear out all snow within their outdoor dining areas (where applicable) and ensure sidewalks are accessible. It's not a bad idea to have a snow shovel on hand -- they're not expensive and they have them in stock at ACE Hardware on Columbia Rd. It's also a good idea to have ice melt products to help prevent refreezing when the snow/ice melts.

Our Clean Team is out after snow events clearing crosswalks, fire hydrants, bus shelters, trash cans, and more -- the sidewalks in front of your business is your responsibility.

Important: Commercial and Residential trash should not be disposed of in municipal cans. The Department of Public Works (DPW) can and will ticket individuals and businesses who use the street litter cans for their personal or business trash. Those cans are for pedestrian use -- other uses lead to overflow and trash on the streets.


Attention Adams Morgan Businesses: Love is in the air

Valentine’s Day Storefront Decorating Contest

We invite you to join the 5th Annual Adams Morgan Valentine's Day retail window decorating contest for a chance to win a cash prize of $500! There will be one retailer/services winner and one restaurant/bar winner. Each winner will receive a $500 prize.

To enter, please complete the Sign Up Form .

Entry deadline: Monday, January 29, 2024

Decorations deadline: Monday, February 5, 2024

Judging: Friday, February 9, 2024

Winners announced: Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Adams Morgan Date Nights

Each year patrons can enter to win a Date Night package from our local businesses on our social media and through our website. For examples of our packages see details here . Please email marketing@adamsmorganonline.org if you’d like to contribute to the raffle. One winner will be chosen each week, Wednesday, February 14 through Sunday, March 16.

Deadline to be included: Friday, January 19, 2024.

Share Your Valentine’s Day Promotions

To participate in general promotions, please email marketing@adamsmorganonline.org with any Valentine’s Day specials, menus, and/or events to be included in our newsletter, social media, website, and more.

Please note that this is not a part of the Date Nights raffle.

Deadline to be included: Friday, February 2, 2024.



Adams Morgan in the News

MPD Community Walk in Adams Morgan

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) hosts weekly community walks to engage residents around safety issues impacting their community and collectively discuss resolutions.

The next walk in our neighborhood:

Third District

Date: Thursday, January 18th

Time: 6:00pm

Location: 1700 Columbia Road, NW

DC Government Enforcement & Safety Updates

DC Health Enforcement on Nail Salons, Beauty Salons, and Barber Shops

Please note there will be increased and surprise inspections and enforcement by the DC Department on Health (DOH). For a list of the items DOH is inspecting, click here . For full regulations on Barbering, Cosmetology, and Personal Grooming updated in 2012 and 2022, click here . You can also watch a DOH presentation .


DC Fire Outdoor Heaters and Sparklers Updates

Two important updates from DC Fire and EMS:

Outdoor Heaters : Restaurants and bars should have a permit before turning on their propane heaters and follow rules for where and where not to place heaters.

Sparklers : Mini cold spark sparklers that are popular in cakes, bottles, and other items can cause serious injuries and are not permitted indoors or outdoors. More info at DC Fire and EMS Department .


DC Security Camera Rebate Program

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. More info on the

DC Camera Security Rebate Program.

Project Update For Your Area-Small Diameter Water Main Replacement Project

Week of January 15

Belmont Road NW, between Columbia Road NW and 18th Street NW

  • There are no construction activities scheduled for this location this week

Week of January 22

Belmont Road NW, between Columbia Road NW and 18th Street NW

  • Wednesday, January 24: We are scheduling to perform a tie-in of newly installed water main at this location next week. More information on this will be provided once we have confirmed the date for the work

Please keep in mind that these construction activities are highly dependent upon favorable weather conditions. Questions should be directed to Director of Community Affairs Emanuel D. Briggs, (202) 787-2003 or emanuel.briggs@dcwater.com

Updates from RAMW

Pass Dram Shop Reform Today

Thanks to all who joined last week's legislative briefings for the Dram Shop Clarification Act.

  • *** Breaking***: DC bar, restaurant, nightclub Liquor Liability (Dram Shop) Reform Bill approved by DC Council Committee on Business and Economic Development (CBED), will next proceed to the full DC Council for consideration.
  • ICYMI : We’ll be supporting the bill online, by phone, and in person leading up to its anticipated Jan. 23 first reading and vote.
  • Take Action : Councilmembers, especially in the local Wards, want to hear from you. Contact Che for more information and how you can add your support to pass dram shop law reform.

RAMMYS Nominations Now Open

Nominations are officially open for the 2023 RAMMY Awards, our annual celebration of all of you who make the DMV’s food and drink scene one of the most outstanding in the world.

  • And the RAMMY Goes to Submit your nominations for any RAMW member in good standing (including yourself) by February 29. Finalists are announced April 8.
  • Where’s the Party? At the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on July 21. Mark your calendars!

Master Wage Modeling

Join us for the latest installment of RAMW’s popular wage modeling series 10 am Jan. 24.

  • Deeper Dive : In this dynamic virtual class, industry experts will guide you through the intricacies of wage modeling, providing insights into the practical, legal, and financial considerations for designing effective compensation structures.
  • Who Should Attend : Whether you’re a small business owner, key decision maker at your company, or human resources professional, this training will help you make informed choices to meet your restaurant’s values, worker satisfaction, and bottom line.
  • On the Agenda : Join us to learn: Wage Modeling Essentials; Different Compensation Models; Leading Current Approaches; Legal and Ethical Considerations; Real World Case Studies; Q&A Session
  • Secure Your Spot Now : This training will help you make informed choices to meet your restaurant’s values, worker satisfaction, and bottom line. Register now .

Apply Now for Sustainability Awards

Applications are now open for the District Sustainability Awards , which highlight businesses, individuals, and organizations working towards a more sustainable DC.

  • Go Green : Funds can be spent on equipment ranging from improving energy and water efficiency to solar panels.
  • Apply Today : Applications close Jan. 30.

New Employee Break Room Poster

DC just released a universal wage law poster with QR codes linking to the most updated information about wage and hour rules.

  • More Info : The poster and connected websites not only help employers to stay informed with current law, but also allows workers to collect the information on their phones and review on their own.
  • Print Now : Click here to download the break room poster.

Chase Presents: The Power of Capital

Learn to think strategically about cash flow and understanding the ins-and-outs of what lenders are seeking. Join our partners at Chase for a Zoom workshop, The Power of Capital facilitated by SBC.

New Business Sentiments survey

The D.C. Policy Center is launching its Quarterly Business Sentiments survey . The survey should take no longer than 20 minutes to complete, and will remain open until 11:59 PM EST on Tuesday, January 30, 2024. Click here to take the survey.


The Business Sentiments Survey has been developed by the D.C. Policy Center’s Alice Rivlin Initiative on Economic Policy & Competitiveness . The survey will supply systematic, comprehensive information on the business community’s experiences to elected officials, the media, and the public. Questions will center on overall business climate, barriers to growth, and business-related interactions with government. Click here to learn more.

Upcoming Webinars

How To Navigate The SBA To Obtain Financing

TUE, JAN 23, 11:30AM-1PM | Free

Using Blogs To Reach Your Target Audience

THU, JAN 25, 11:30AM-1PM | Free

ChatGPT para pequeñas empresas

THU, JAN 25, 7-8PM | Free

How To Gain Customers With A LinkedIn Company Page

TUE, JAN 30, 11:30AM-1PM | Free

Focused Networking for Business Success

WED, JAN 31, 12-1:30PM | Free


ERC: Advice & IRS Audits Event

Since the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) was enacted to provide additional help for employers, there are still many questions on eligibility, risk, and tax considerations. A big reason for the confusion that persists today is the conflicting information that businesses may have received in the past.


A new proposal in congress has the potential to move the ERC filing deadline to as early as Jan 31. To learn what this could mean for you and your company from real experts, please join us as we discuss the ERC and separate fact from fiction. Sarah Corrigan with the U.S. Chamber will be joined by Matt Kelley and Adam Taplinger with Experian Employer Services to discuss of-the-moment IRS updates and audit considerations along with how to handle areas of uncertainty.

Thursday, January 18, 2024, 12:00 PM

Register Now


Small Business Update with U.S. Chamber Chief Policy Officer Neil Bradley

Join this event for a Small Business Update with U.S. Chamber of Commerce Chief Policy Officer Neil Bradley interviewed by CO— Editor-in-Chief Jeanette Mulvey.


They will discuss the state of small business in 2024 and highlight topics and issues every small business owner should be aware of including:

  • Regulatory issues impacting small businesses.
  • 2024 economic outlook and trends.
  • Updates on on-going challenges and issues impacting small businesses.
  • The thriving startup boom and how entrepreneurs can leverage resources available to help start, run, and grow their businesses.

Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 12:00 pm

Register Now

Register for the GWHCC Access to Capital Event

Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 9:00 am, in-person, at the Pepco Edison Place Gallery in Washington DC

This event will help you learn how to navigate the many financial options to help your business grow and prosper. You will also meet the experts, ask questions, and visit our exhibitors.


FREE for GWHCC Members | $10 for the General Public | Lunch and light refreshments will be provided.


Please note that if you cannot register online, walk-ins will be accepted. If you already registered there is no need to do so again. Thank you for your support!

Click here to register


LEDC Food Venture Initiative

Under the LEDC Food Venture Initiative, LEDC now offers two distinct programs designed to support food entrepreneurs at different stages of their journey:

  1. Food Business Incubator : This 8-week hybrid program is ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs with a food business idea. It focuses on the fundamentals of starting a business, aiming to launch participants' ventures within 90 days. READ MORE HERE
  2. Food Business Accelerator: This 12-week hybrid program is tailored for established food business owners with proven concepts earning over $3,500/month. It offers up to 24 courses and workshops, concentrating on significant revenue and operational growth. READ MORE HERE

Each program is uniquely structured to guide entrepreneurs from initial concept to market launch, and then from early success to substantial business expansion.

Ascend.Her Capital Accelerator 2024 Cohort

Applications open through January 19th

Women of color entrepreneurs face unique challenges, from raising capital to external biases affecting day-to-day operations. As an expansion of Wacif's award-winning Ascend Capital Accelerator program , Ascend.Her is dedicated to serving women of color entrepreneurs through a holistic, multi-week program. Our hands-on approach includes interactive workshops, one-on-one expert consultations, and individualized support. Ultimately, our goal is to support the growth and long-term success of women entrepreneurs of color in the Greater Washington, D.C. region, including the surrounding counties in Maryland and Virginia.

This year’s Ascend.Her Capital Accelerator: Lead Cohort is designed to help entrepreneurs of color navigate a complex marketplace and build resilient businesses in an ever-changing marketplace. Together, we will pause and reflect on our experiences as entrepreneurs and leaders to date while determining how to lead businesses into their next chapters of growth and development. Ascend.Her Lead will include up to fifteen (15) local small businesses owned by women of color entrepreneurs from the Greater Washington, D.C. region.

Click here for more information.

ATTN Female-owned minority business enterprises (MBEs):

ELEVATE Applications are now open

Deadline Extended through January 23

The Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development (CNHED) and the George Washington University, School of Business (GWSB) are pleased to announce the launch of the fourth round of ELEVATE, a three-month executive education program designed for minority-owned businesses located in the District of Columbia.


ELEVATE is the only minority executive education program in DC that is backed by a university partner. The 3-month ELEVATE curriculum, developed by the George Washington School of Business (GWSB) Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence, is led by GWSB faculty members.

ELEVATE Cohort IV will convene twice monthly on Saturdays from February 17, 2024, to May 18, 2024, to provide best-in-class instruction to sharpen further the business acumen of the minority, female-owned businesses to enhance their competitive advantage and prime them for growth. Through this program, participants will acquire new skills that will assist them in increasing revenue and employment while also more effectively and efficiently managing their business’s products and services.


Click here to view eligibility requirements and to apply.

Grant Opportunities

💸Funding for Latino-Owned Businesses

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

💸 Commercial Property Acquisition Fund (DMPED)

The Commercial Property Acquisition Fund will provide eligible businesses with down payment assistance of up to $750,000 or 25% of the sale price, whichever is less, for the acquisition of commercial property in the District. This year, businesses will need to complete three mandatory sessions in order to apply for the Fund. OPEN now on a rolling basis until funds are expended. Learn more here .

💸 Amazon Black Business Accelerator

The Amazon Black Business Accelerator is dedicated to helping build sustainable equity and growth for Black entrepreneurs by enabling their success as sellers. More information .

💸 Wish Local Empowerment Program

Wish is dedicating a $2M dollar fund to give roughly 4,000 Wish Local small business grants for black-owned biz. The selected recipients will receive between $500 - $2000. This program will only be open to Black-owned stores to help promote equality and diversity. More information .

Small Business Resource Center

2nd Session General Business License Bootcamp - IN PERSON

Thursday, January 25, 2024; 10:00 am

Register: https://dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/64086

SBRC One-On-One Call Session: Steps to Obtaining a Business License

Monday – Friday; By appointment between 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Register: dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events


SBRC One-on-One Call Session: "Talk Business After Hours"

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

Register: dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events


Llamadatelefonica: 1:1 Pasos para obtenerunalicenciacomercial con la Sra. Herrera

Miercoles con cita de 12:00pm a 1:00pm

Registro: dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events


Meet IN PERSON Monday - 1.1 Business Session

Mondays by appointment between 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Register: dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events


Submit your events and specials!

List your Adams Morgan events and business specials on our webpage for free! Click here to go to the event submission form, fill it out completely, and click on "submit event." Event submissions are reviewed to ensure the events either take place within the Adams Morgan business district or are being put on by an Adams Morgan business, and once approved should appear on the website within 48 hours.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Sponsor one of our community events! Partner with our community while reaching some of the city's most desirable demographics. For details, contact Kristen Barden at 202-997-0783.

BOARD MEETINGS

The Board of Directors of the Adams Morgan Partnership Business Improvement District meets on the second Tuesday of every month (except August, October, and December).

Meetings are currently being held online and begin at 5pm.

Our Annual Meeting is held in March. Contact Brian Barrie for information about attending board meetings.

Tag us on social media!

© Adams Morgan Partnership