July 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.
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AdMo Vibe Summer Concert Series Returns to Kalorama Park Starting July 31
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AdMo Vibe
is a series of free, outdoor concerts featuring local musicians in Kalorama Park on Columbia Road, NW. Concerts will be held on Wednesdays in August after kicking off on July 31.
AdMo Vibe is the ultimate setting for a family night out, date night, relaxing evening in the park, or solo adventure. The bands will be playing various genres of music including folk, pop, country, rock, jazz, and more. Participants can picnic with takeout from a local restaurant, enjoy good vibes with neighbors and friends, and visit an array of shops and boutiques just steps away before or after the performances.
CONCERT SCHEDULE:
For a limited time, Adams Morgan restaurants will be offering specials before, during, and after the concerts. These to-go style meals are perfect for a picnic in the park.
Restaurant specials and discounts coming soon!
Adams Morgan businesses wanting to offer specials, please
click here
to submit or email
Brian Barrie
for more information.
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The Adams Morgan Farmers Market at Unity Park
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Every Saturday through December
8:30am - 1:00pm
at Unity Park (Corner of Euclid St and Columbia Rd)
Celebrating more than 52 years serving the Adams Morgan community.
REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR OWN BAGS and CONTAINERS for fragile produce.
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What you need to know about the new Daytime Parking Validation Program at Colonial Garage
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What is the Daytime Parking Validation Program?
Participating businesses will receive monthly validation stickers from Colonial Parking and provide them to customers upon request, giving customers reduced parking rates at the garage on 2421 18th St. NW.
How does it work?
Customers park at the garage and ask you for a validation sticker. You put the sticker on their parking card and they pay a reduced rate when they return to the garage. The program runs from Monday to Friday and includes two hours at a rate of $15, reflecting a $4 discount from the current rate. Cars must be out of the garage by 5 pm each day.
When does the program begin?
Parking discounts started July 1st. Colonial will monitor program participation throughout July and follow up on its success.
Will this cost me anything?
No! Participation is completely free for businesses. We only ask that you promote the program to customers directly.
How many validation stickers will my business receive each month?
Colonial will begin providing each business with one validation sheet (40 stickers) each month.
I want to participate! What are my next steps?
If you are interested in offering validation stickers to your customers, please contact either
Amir Abdella
at or
Eueal Godana
(the garage manager) to request the validation stickers.
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Columbia Road Bus Priority Project Construction Update
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Construction has begun on the Columbia Road Bus Priority Project.
Work will be weather dependent and began with site prep work. The first phase of construction will occur between Connecticut Avenue and 18th Street.
Work will be completed in two phases:
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Phase 1 is west of 18th Street
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Phase 2 is east of 18th Street
The parking regulations changes on side streets will be implemented concurrently with Phase 1 concrete work through the whole corridor.
The first step will be concrete work in Phase 1:
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Work will begin near Columbia and California and they will generally work northeast from there
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Each of the following elements will take about seven days, but weather and possible streetcar tracks embedded deep in roadway foundation may extend that timeline: Six boarding platforms; Two pedestrian refuges
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If Phase 1 concrete work moves quickly (streetcar tracks minimally impact construction duration), work on Phase 2 concrete work will begin immediately. If Phase 1 concrete work is slow, Phase 2 may not begin until Spring 2025. (Pavement markings cannot be installed in cold weather, so DDOT will not begin work if there is a risk we will not be able to finish before winter.)
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After concrete work, any necessary roadway resurfacing will be completed. That should last less than two weeks.
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Lastly, all of the new pavement markings, vertical barriers, and signs will be installed.
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Construction of Phase 1 could be complete before October, but if there are substantial delays, it will extend into November.
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Phase 2 will follow the same progression of items 3, 5, and 6 above. However, it should move faster because there are only two boarding platforms and one pedestrian refuge. I will provide an update once that is ready to move forward.
And a few notes to be aware of during the construction period:
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Construction will take place after AM rush hour and before PM rush hour on weekdays. Weekend work during the daytime is also possible.
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Travel lanes in both directions will remain open so no detours are anticipated.
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Keep an eye out for “Emergency No Parking” signs. These will be used extensively through the corridor to establish work zones.
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Bus stops will be closed during construction and bus riders should use the adjacent bus stops. Each bus stop will be made usable before construction begins at an adjacent stop.
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Remember to be cautious and patient in work zones.
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DDOT works hard to minimize down time during construction. The work zone may appear idle while tasks that are critical, but less visible are under way such as inspections or traffic signal work.
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Dupont Deckover and Connecticut Ave NW Streetscape is expected to begin in the Fall west of this project’s work zone and their work will tie directly into ours.
The construction process can be frustrating and we appreciate your patience over the coming months.
Link to download plans
To learn more about the project visit the
project website
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Walter Pierce Park Construction Update
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The DC Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of General Services (DGS) are pleased to report that the construction phase of Walter Pierce Park is underway. This construction project will include the installation of Historical Park Signage and Portland Loo outdoor restroom. For additional information please visit the
project website
.
Should you have any additional questions or concerns please e-mail
Christropher.Dyer@dc.gov
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This is it! The 42nd Annual RAMMYS Awards and Gala is Sunday at the Walter E. Convention Center. Doors open at 5 pm. Join the industry’s biggest night and see who is named this year’s Best New Restaurant, Rising Culinary Star, Restaurateur of the Year, and more!
Get your tickets
before they sell out. RAMW members use promo code SWEET to save $75.
Next RAMW Info Session July 31
Learn how to make the most of membership with association promotions, training, benefits, and more at our next RAMW info session.
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Who’s Invited:
All current and prospective RAMW members are welcomed.
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Don't Miss It!:
The next info session is 3 pm July 31.
Sign up now
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Small Biz Assist at the Library
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library hosts an educational one-on-one with the Department of Small and Local Business Development.
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Why it Matters:
This event can help you take the next step in starting a business or growing your business by getting expert advice with your business in mind.
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When Is It?
The program is from 10 am to 3 pm July 24.
Register now
.
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More Info:
Learn more about
topics to be covered
.
Culinary Grads for Hire
Congrats to the newest cohort of graduates from RAMW Allied Member Emma’s Torch, which provides culinary education for asylum seekers, refugees, and survivors of trafficking.
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Meet Your Next Rock Star:
Students graduate with their ServSafe food certification and more than 400 hours of training.
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You’re Hired:
Contact DMV Program Director
Bridgit Nicholson
for more info.
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You're Invited: Business Sentiments Survey round three
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The D.C. Policy Center is launching the third round of the Business Sentiments Survey. The survey should take no longer than 20 minutes to complete, and will remain open until 11:59 PM EST on Monday, July 29, 2024.
Click here to take the survey
About the Survey
The D.C. Policy Center’s Alice M. Rivlin Initiative for Economic Policy and Competitiveness, regularly cited by policymakers and the media, is a trusted source for economic policy analysis in the District of Columbia and the metropolitan region. The goal of the Business Sentiments Survey is to provide a detailed, comprehensive picture of what the business community is experiencing to elected officials, the media, and the broader community. For more information and to see the results of previous rounds of the Business Sentiments Survey,
click here
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Call to Justice Fundraiser Fundraiser
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For over 30 years, the Festival Center has been a beacon of hope and justice in the Adams Morgan neighborhood of Washington DC. This fall, we invite you to be a part of our mission by attending their annual Fall Fundraiser, Justice Harvest.
This exciting event will feature:
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Delicious food and beverages
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A captivating silent auction with a variety of items
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Live music performances by local artists
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An inspiring award ceremony honoring community leaders
Their goal is to raise $100,000 to support the Festival Center’s vital programs and services, and they need your help to make it happen. Your attendance and participation will directly contribute to the ongoing efforts to support activists, artists, faith communities, and mission-driven groups working towards social justice.
Register today for an evening of community, celebration, and commitment to justice.
September 14; 3 pm at The Festival Center (1640 Columbia Rd., NW)
Purchase Tickets
For more information or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact
Lindsay Fertig-Johnson
.
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Turning Toward the Sun: A Fall Benefit
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On
Thursday, September 26
, Christ House is hosting their inaugural fall benefit,
Turning Toward the Sun
. The evening will celebrate the Christ House’s accomplishments of providing comprehensive and compassionate care to men experiencing homelessness since 1985, as well as recognizing the incredible individuals who have sustained their mission along the way. The night will include inspiring stories, live music, a delicious meal, and a silent auction.
Christ House
is asking its Adams Morgan neighbors to consider supporting their event by providing gift cards, merchandise, or services for their silent auction. In return, you will receive promotional benefits and widespread community exposure, as they expect between 200-250 people to attend their benefit. Your company name and contribution will be featured in their event program and your donation is tax deductible.
If you are interested in donating, please contact their Development Director,
Karyn Cassella
. Thank you so much!
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Small Business Administration Briefing on July 22nd
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According to Main Street Alliance's most recent national survey, access to capital is one of the biggest issues impacting small businesses——especially as high interest rates continue to impact entrepreneurs across the country.
To speak directly to this challenge, MSA is hosting a briefing in partnership with the Small Business Administration on
July 22 @ 2PM EST
. The session will address focus on capital access, highlighting the following issue areas:
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Updates to existing programs (and new capital access programs)
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EIDL hardship program
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Accessing government contracts
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Tapping into disaster assistance
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Support for veterans.
Leaders from the SBA will be sharing critical information for small business leaders, so be sure to tune in. We know how busy you are, so we're working with SBA to make the session worth your time.
RSVP here
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Launch Your Dream Business Bootcamp
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Saturday, July 27 · 9am - 3pm EDT
1401 Columbia Rd NW
Join LEDC in-person for an intensive, 1 day workshop covering all 4 modules of LEDC's Launch your Dream Business Bootcamp! Through this 4 course series, you will learn from our business coaches how you can refine your business idea and start your dream business. The topics are as follows:
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Designing your Business
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Getting your First Clients
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Funding your Business and Pricing your Product
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Launching your Business / Marketing Tools
Note: This session will cover all 4 courses in one day. If you prefer to join virtually, we also offer the Bootcamp once a month via Zoom over the course of 4 weeks. You can find the dates and registration for the upcoming virtual sessions on our
events page
.
Click here
for more info and to register.
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Enhancing DOB's Housing and Basic Business License Inspection Process
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The DC Department of Buildings (DOB) is excited to announce new updates to our
housing and property maintenance code inspection request form
and our
basic business license (BBL) inspection request form.
As part of DOB’s role as a catalyst for responsible economic development, we ensure all buildings in the District are maintained in safe and habitable conditions. Unsafe and unhealthy buildings are dangerous to human life and hurt the sustainability and resilience of the built environment.
DOB also partners with the community by inspecting rental housing, both when a property owner applies for a license to rent the property, and per the request of a tenant.
New enhancements to the housing and property maintenance code inspection request forms include:
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User-friendly interface to report housing complaints
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Guided and simplified customer flow to validate housing complaints and basic business license activity
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Neighborhood search tool to confirm location, even if you don’t know the exact address
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Automatic assignment of inspectors at the point of the form being submitted, allowing for shorter wait times for inspections to take place
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Ability to upload multiple photos and videos directly to the assigned inspector
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Option to choose a date for the inspection and reschedule an inspection
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Extended Hours for Olympic Games, Art and Dine All Night
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On July 15, 2024, Mayor Muriel Bowser signed emergency legislation permitting select alcohol license types to register with ABCA to serve alcohol until 4:00 a.m. and operate 24-hours during these
special events
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2024 Summer Olympics | July 26-August 11
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2024 Paralympic Games | August 28 – September 8
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Dine All Night | September 19-September 29
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Art All Night | September 27-September 28
ABCA is permitting eligible alcohol venues to submit registration forms with a non-refundable $100 registration fee starting today until the deadlines listed below. There are two separate registration forms with two separate $100 fees for all four events:
The legislation also permits venues registered as an Art All Night and Dine All Night participant through DC’s
Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD)
to offer entertainment until 11:00 p.m. outdoors and until 2:00 a.m. indoors during those dates that they are registered with DSLBD to participate.
Please note the following:
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Eligible licensees include On-Premises Retailer, Manufacturer with an On-Site Sales and Consumption Permit, and Temporary License holders.
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If approved, licensees will be issued a permit that must be posted next to their alcohol license inside the premises.
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Alcohol sales, service, and consumption are NOT permitted between 4:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
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Settlement Agreements and Board Orders apply and may affect eligibility.
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Registration in
ABCA’s Extended Holiday Hours Program
or prior special events does NOT extend hours or apply to the aforementioned special events.
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A non-alcohol licensee that holds a valid certificate of occupancy and has registered with DSLBD to participate in Art All Night or Dine All Night may also register with ABCA.
Additional details, including the emergency legislation authorizing the extension of hours, and applications are available on
ABCA's website
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DC Small Biz Help Workshop: Summer 2024 Calendar
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Check out the upcoming training and knowledge building opportunities in
CNHED's DC Small Business Help Workshop Calendar
.
One such incredible opportunity is the
Minority Impact Accelerator (MiPA)
, hosted by DE Global One. This 16-week cohort based program provides B2B and B2C founders with access to over $20,000 in resources, services, private sessions, premium office space in the District, funding opportunities, and more!
The program begins on August 5
and is now accepting
applications
.
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Join Us: DC Small Biz Help Website Launch Event
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CNHED
is excited to announce the relaunch of DCSmallBizHelp, a one-stop resource hub to help plan, start, and grow your small business. The newly revamped website will connect small businesses to various services, programs, lenders, and government agencies in the District that can provide support, resources, or essential information to help plan, start, and grow their businesses.
Join CNHED for the official website launch and hands-on demonstration of DC’s newest small business resource hub.
Thursday, July 18 | 11am
Convene Hamilton Square, South Hub Room
600 14th Street NW
Click here to RSVP
and for more info
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Learn how utility companies in the District of Columbia partner with diverse suppliers
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Join the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia (DCPSC) at its
2024 Supplier Diversity Hearing
on
Thursday, July 25 from 1:30-3:45pm
where representatives from Pepco, Washington Gas, and Verizon will detail their utility’s practices related to contracting with diverse suppliers in D.C. over the past year.
This year's event will also feature an information session featuring officials from the District's Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) who will provide guidance on doing business within the energy sector.
The 2024 DCPSC Supplier Diversity Hearing will be held in person at the DCPSC offices and livestreamed on YouTube.
Register here
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FY24 Business Funding Opportunities
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New and ongoing funding opportunities from the DC Government:
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Creative and Open Space Modernization Tax Rebate
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Open for Applications
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Special Event Relief Fund
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Open for Applications
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Vitality Fund
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Open for Applications
Go to
ObviouslyDC.com
for more information on all of these programs.
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💸Famous Amos Ingredients For Success Entrepreneurs Initiative
3 WINNERS | $150,000 IN AWARDS
Deadline: August 4
Learn more here
Ferrero North America’s Famous Amos® and the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (“USBC”) are partnering to launch the Famous Amos Ingredients for Success Entrepreneurs Initiative, an annual national program in its fourth year that provides a total of $150,000 in capital awards, mentorship, and educational resources to Black early-stage businesses.
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💸Queer to Stay: Resources for LGBTQ+ Business Owners
Amount: Free Business Coaching
Apply by August 31st
Learn more here
This program is designed to support LGBTQ+ small businesses, especially those owned by and designed for LGBTQ+ people of color, women and the transgender community.
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💸Boundless Future Foundation: EmpowerHer Grants
Award: Variable
Deadline: August 31st
Learn more here
Financial and leadership resources for aspiring female entrepreneurs building businesses to solve today's biggest social issues so they can have a boundless impact in society.
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💸Fast Break for Small Business
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: September 13th
Learn more here
In collaboration with the NBA, WNBA, and NBA G League, offers small business owners and entrepreneurs the chance to win a $10,000 grant and/or up to $500 in LegalZoom products and services.
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💸Foot Locker Foundation Community Empowerment Program
Award: $25,000-$100,000
Deadline: September 30th
Learn more here
LISC and Foot Locker, Inc. are launching a fourth round of grants for the Foot Locker Foundation Community Empowerment Program, which funds nonprofit community organizations offering a range of services for young people, including health and wellness, education and life skills, mentoring, and career development.
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💸Accion Opportunity Fund
The Accion Opportunity Fund grants small business loans ranging from $5,000-$250,000, along with educational resources, coaching, and support networks in both English and Spanish. This program offers mentorship programs, microloans, and a hubzone program for small business owners’ financial needs.
More information
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💸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
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💸 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
.
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💸 2024 Amber WomensNet's Grant
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: Rolling
Learn more here
In 1998, we gave our first Amber Grant in honor of 19-year old Amber Wigdahl, who died before fulfilling her business dreams. Today, we award three $10,000 Amber Grants each month. And three of our 36 monthly winners get an additional $25,000 Year-End Amber Grant.
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Additional Funding Opportunities:
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Small Business Resource Center
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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
.
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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.
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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.
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©
Adams Morgan Partnership
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