April 2, 2025
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
April AMPBID Board Meeting
|
The next board meeting of the Adams Morgan Partnership Business Improvement District (AMPBID) will be on
Tuesday, April 8 at 5pm via Zoom
. In addition to regular business there will be elections for the board's executive officers.
Click here
to attend the board meeting via Zoom on Tuesday, April 8 at 5pm.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AdMo Art Walk Returns This Week
|
Adams Morgan will soon become your own personal art gallery thanks to the
AdMo Art Walk
, a free, fun way to experience art brought to you by the
Adams Morgan Partnership BID
and The
DC Arts Center
in collaboration with local artists and neighborhood businesses!
Walk the streets of Adams Morgan and admire an impressive selection of local artwork displayed in storefronts from April 3 through April 30. Thanks to overwhelming support from the community since the initial launch in 2021, the Art Walk continues to gain momentum – which enables us to bring you the biggest event yet with 21 participating businesses displaying original creations from local artists.
Each Saturday and Sunday throughout the event,
The DC Arts Center will be offering guided walking tours
of the AdMo Art Walk for just $5, making brief stops at each location to discuss the artwork, artist, and local businesses. Space is limited so please
reserve your spot here
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Save the Date: Spring PorchFest is coming May 3!
|
Adams Morgan Spring PorchFest is just over a month away and we're really excited about this one!
We're anticipating our biggest PorchFest ever with over 100 bands on 20+ stages throughout the business district and surrounding neighborhood. Headlining on the main stage on 18th Street will be Gangstagrass -- a bluegrass/hip-hop group, known for the theme song of the FX television show Justified.
Check out the promo
Gangstagrass recorded for PorchFest!
Visit
admoporchfest.com
for more info as it becomes available and to sign up as a band or porch host.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Attention Adams Morgan Food & Beverage Businesses:
Taste of Pride, Adams Morgan: April 4-6, 2025
|
Taste of Pride
is a multi-tiered
Capital Pride Alliance
(CPA) event series celebrating the rich connection between the LGBTQ+ and culinary communities. This year's program will feature a multi-month collaboration between DC’s Business Improvement Districts (BIDS) that showcase the distinctive flavors and culinary talents within these vibrant neighborhoods.
Taste of Pride aims to blend the culinary artistry of our city with the pride and diversity that define our community, paving the way for a vibrant
WorldPride 2025
celebration.
We are trying to get all signups completed by Friday.
Confirmed Partners
-
Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington DC
-
Visit Washington DC | Destination DC
-
DC Mayor’s Office on LGBTQ Affairs
-
DC Mayor’s Office on Nightlife and Culture
Click here
to download the full info sheet including participation tiers, FAQs, and links to sign up.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registration is open for Bike To Work Day
|
Register
for the Adams Morgan Pit Stop and plan on joining us in
Unity Park on Thursday, May 15 from 7:30-9:30am
. We'll have refreshments, giveaways, and maybe a few surprises as well. Unity Park is at the intersection of Columbia Rd., Euclid St. and Champlain St., NW in front of The LINE DC.
We'll be joined by
Upshift Workshop
who will have bicycle repair stations, free educational bike safety checks, and an info table with upcoming events and ways to get involved in their shop community. The Washington Area Bicycle Association (WABA) will also be joining us with some giveaways and helpful information.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RAMW Calls for Initiative 82 Repeal
As many of you have read in the news, RAMW last week
called for DC Council to repeal Initiative 82
before July’s scheduled tipped wage increase from $10 to $12 an hour.
-
Why Repeal Matters Now:
Last week’s announcement follows January’s tipped workers roundtable convened by DC Councilmember Anita Bonds and last month’s extensive coverage about rising costs and declining traffic stifling our local restaurant economy and in jeopardizing full-service neighborhood restaurants.
-
What Else:
Two years into Initiative 82’s implementation, there is a growing consensus that 20%-plus annual increases to payrolls have heavily contributed to restaurant closures and loss of full-service restaurant jobs.
-
What's Next:
Stay tuned for a Friday message from Shawn with more information and you can support Initiative 82 repeal.
Tuesday: Union Info for Operators
With restaurant unionization efforts intensifying across the region, this timely webinar equips operators with critical knowledge about their rights and responsibilities when facing organizing activity.
Transform Food Waste Into Community Impact
Turning perfectly good ingredients into trash isn't just wasteful — it's a missed opportunity to help our community while showcasing your sustainability commitment.
-
Why It Matters:
Food Rescue US - DC is highlighting Food Waste Prevention Week (April 7 to 13) with ready-to-use resources that turn your surplus into both goodwill and good business.
-
Take Action Today:
Connect with DC Site Director
Kate Urbank
to become a Food Rescue partner and order promotional check inserts that showcase your sustainability efforts to diners who increasingly value environmental responsibility.
Join 420 Food Week: Free Promotion Opportunity for July
The National Cannabis Festival's 420 Food Week is back, offering restaurants a free marketing opportunity to reach 40,000+ festival attendees from July 13 to 20.
-
Make an Impression:
Your restaurant and specials will be featured on the festival's website, social media platforms, and marketing campaigns.
-
Registration Still Open:
Learn more and
sign up today
.
Acme Paper Showcase
Join Acme Paper & Supply this April for an exclusive look at the latest innovations and trends in restaurant equipment, commercial cleaning facilities solutions, and foodservice packaging.
-
Discover
cutting-edge products designed to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and customer experience.
-
Network
with industry experts, explore groundbreaking solutions, and gain insights into the future of your business.
-
Register:
The showcase is 10 am to 4 pm Tuesday.
RSVP Today
Elevate Your Service Workshop
Turn good service into unforgettable hospitality, learn actionable strategies to solve common service challenges, boost revenue, and create a seamless dining experience that keeps customers coming back.
-
It’s Free!
This program is being funded, partially or fully, through the District of Columbia Executive Office of the Mayor - Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development.
-
Serve It Up:
The workshop is 10 am to noon April 15.
Register Now
RSVP to RAMMYS Finalists Announcement
Mark your calendar! The RAMMY Finalists Announcement is 5 pm April 14 at The Hamilton LIVE in just two weeks!
-
Congratulations:
Finalists for Allied Member of the Year were announced at last week’s Annual Meeting. Cheers to Congressional Seafood, Harmony Group, Keany Produce, The Legacy Group, and Preferred Insurance. The recipient of this year’s Allied Member of the Year will be announced at The RAMMYS Honors on July 1.
-
Let’s Celebrate:
Join us as we reveal the outstanding restaurants and industry professionals nominated for this year’s awards.
RSVP Today
Restaurant Partners Wanted: Savor The Flavors
Savor the Flavors of Passport DC celebrates authentic dining experiences representing the unique availability of cuisines from around the world that can be found in DC.
-
Get Attention:
Join this opportunity
to promote your restaurant to locals and visitors in May.
-
Who Can Participate?
All restaurants and eateries in DC, membership in RAMW is not required. There is no fee to participate.
Learn More
RAMMYS: Share Your In Memoriam and Milestone Honorees
The RAMMYS celebrate our industry's brightest stars, but also pauses to honor those we've lost and the establishments that have stood the test of time. We need your help with two special recognition categories:
-
In Memoriam:
Each year, we pay tribute to members of our restaurant community who have passed away since last year's RAMMYS. Help us ensure no one is forgotten by sharing names of colleagues and industry friends we've lost.
-
Submit In Memoriam Information by July 1:
Please send names, photos, and to Linda by July 1 to ensure inclusion in this year's celebration.
-
Restaurant Milestones:
We also recognize local restaurants celebrating their 25th, 50th, or 75th anniversaries.
-
Submit Restaurant Milestones by April 30th:
Please send names, contact person, and anniversary information to
Linda
by April 30th to ensure inclusion in this year's celebration.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2025 Small Business Summit & Expo:
Resiliency During Uncertain Times
|
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 | 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Free
(doesn't include lunch)
The DC Chamber’s Small Business Summit & Expo is a free annual event focused on empowering and supporting small businesses in the Washington DC area. In partnership with the District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities, & Banking the summit brings together entrepreneurs, industry experts, and local leaders to discuss challenges and opportunities for small businesses, providing actionable insights and strategies for growth. The event typically includes expert lead panels, interactive workshops, and networking sessions to foster collaboration and address critical issues like access to capital digital transformation and regulatory changes.
This year’s summit will feature the Small Business Coach’s Corner, which involves 1:1 consultations with local small business service providers and networking powered by the DC Department of Insurance Securities & Banking (DISB). We will also host an awards luncheon where DC small businesses (and small business champions) are spotlighted for their exceptional work and contributions to the District’s growing economy. It also connects business owners with resources and supports the summit, which underscores the DC Chamber’s commitment to fostering a vibrant, resilient small business community in the region.
Click here
to register and for all the event information including speakers, agendas, workshops and much much more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help shape the DC budget: share your insights on DC’s business environment
|
We are less than 30 days away from Mayor Bowser releasing her FY 2026 budget – and it is critical that we help shape this year’s budget priorities.
We know the District isn’t operating as efficiently as it could. The DC Council passes laws and imposes rules that needlessly restrict life’s essentials. Housing is hard to build, services are difficult to access, and the cost of living is far too high. Meanwhile, local government struggles to address residents’ concerns. DC employers must make our collective voice heard.
The Adams Morgan Partnership
is collaborating with
Opportunity DC
to gather insights from local entrepreneurs to help shape the FY 2026 budget so that DC can realize its potential as a prosperous, affordable, and well-run city for all District business owners and residents.
Please take five minutes to fill out this survey
to share how DC policies have affected your business and what local government can do to help your business thrive.
Survey deadline is April 18.
Your input will support efforts for policies, funding, and more streamlined regulations that unleash the innovation of District entrepreneurs. Your insights are valuable and your time is much appreciated.
Please feel free to reach out to
Opportunity DC Executive Director Malcom Fox
if you have any questions about the survey or how else you can get involved in shaping the DC budget.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transportation All-Star Awards
|
Join
goDCgo
on Wednesday, April 9 to celebrate and honor District organizations for their efforts promoting sustainable transportation and implementing robust commuter benefit programs at the 9th annual goDCgo Transportation All-Star Awards.
This exclusive awards ceremony, hosted at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library event space, will feature catered breakfast, networking, speakers, and of course - awards. The event will include a keynote speech from District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Director Sharon Kershbaum, fun giveaways, and the chance to grab some premium goDCgo items.
Tickets go fast, so don't delay!
Click here
to reserve your seats and secure a spot at the ceremony.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mark Your Calendar! POWERUP DC: A Small Business Summit is Back on May 6th!
|
Empowering Small Business Success in a Changing Landscape
Tuesday, May 6; 8:30am - 3:00pm
Business Conference Center
MLK, Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW
-
Access to Capital
-
Procurement Opportunities
-
Tools for Self-Employment
-
Cutting Edge Workshops
-
Networking & Coaching
-
Business Expo
-
Executive Luncheon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Request for Applications (RFA) released for Great Streets Retail Grants, Locally Made Manufacturing Grants, Emerging Retail Initiative
|
FY25 Great Streets Retail Grant Program
Click here more info
including the RFA
RFA Opened: March 14, 2025
RFA Closing: April 14, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET
FY25 DC Locally Made Manufacturing Grant Program
Click here for more info
including the RFA
RFA Opened: March 14, 2025
RFA Closing: April 14, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET
FY25 Emerging Retail Initiative Grant Program
Click here for more info
including the RFA
RFA Opened: March 14, 2025
RFA Closing: April 14, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Your Weekly Small Business Workshop Calendar is Here!
|
The Coalition is committed to strengthening and connecting the small business ecosystem in the District, serving as a community quarterback that collaborates across small business support organizations and entities to enhance funding, support services, resources, and information for small businesses in DC.
The DCSmallBizHelp workshop calendar is designed to connect entrepreneurs and small business owners in DC with local trainings, workshops, and other events that work to provide networking, education, and capacity building for small businesses.
Download the Full Calendar
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Free Small Business Webinars
|
Thursday, April 3
How To Use Local SEO to Build Your Online Presence
Gain practical local SEO tactics to boost visibility, optimize content, and attract nearby customers through search.
REGISTER
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Small Business Resource Center
|
DC APEX Accelerators help businesses
DC APEX Accelerator
offers personalized business counseling and competitive insights for navigating the government contracting process successfully.
If you already have experience working on government contracts and are looking for help to secure other contracts, we are available to help. At the DC APEX Accelerator, businesses get help with strategies to pursue state, local, and federal government contracts.
The full calendar of upcoming events can be found
here
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FY25 Business Funding Opportunities
|
New and ongoing funding opportunities from the DC Government:
-
Creative and Open Space Modernization Tax Rebate
-
Open for Applications
-
Special Event Relief Fund -
Open for Applications
-
Vitality Fund
-
Open for Applications
Go to
ObviouslyDC.com
for more information on all of these programs.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
💸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
|
💸 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
.
|
Additional Funding Opportunities:
|
|
|
|
|
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 as well as in-person (hybrid) and begin at 5pm.
Our Annual Meeting is held in March. Contact
Brian Barrie
for information about attending board meetings.
|
|
|
|
|
|
©
Adams Morgan Partnership
|
|
|
|
|
|
)
