Streetscape Relief Loan Fund applications are available!

Turquoise Jewelry Boutique hosts a Grand Opening Party - November 18th from 6 to 9:30 PM

On-the-Job Training Initiative with DOES - DC gov pays up to 90% of new hire's salary

Support Small Business Saturday - November 26th

Streetscape Relief Loan Fund applications are available!

The DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) and the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF) launched the  Streetscape Loan Fund on Tuesday November 15th at the District Lounge,  2473 18th Street, NW.

WACIF, the group chosen to administer the loan program, reviewed with business owners various aspects about these no-interest, 5 year loans for small businesses in affected streetscape construction zones.

Questions should  be directed to DSLBD staff at 202-727-3900 or email gladys.kamau@dc.gov or by contacting WACIF at 202-529-5505 or at info@wacif.org .

The Streetscape Loan Fund applications are available here: http://dslbd.dc.gov/DC/DSLBD/About+DSLBD/News+Room/Streetscape+Loan+Application

If you would like a paper copy of the loan application, contact Kristen Barden and we will bring you one 202-997-0783 or kbarden@adamsmorganonline.org

Turquoise Jewelry Boutique at 2118 18th Street hosts grand opening party - November 18th

Turquoise Jewelry Boutique at 2118 18th Street, lower level, opened to the public in October 2011 but they are having a grand opening party tonight ('girls night') from 6 to 9:30 PM.

The well-decorated store features tastefully crafted earrings, necklaces, and bracelets done with semi-precious stones.

The price range per piece is $12-$32.

If you haven't been in to see Cheedeem Ertekin's marvelous selection of inexpensive jewelry you need to come tonight!

Cheedem and her husband have been selling at Eastern Market and festivals around the area for years. But they decided to put down roots and open their first brick and mortar store in Adams Morgan! We are thrilled to have them here.

For more information call: 202-285-3296 or visit: www.myturquoise.net

On the Job Training Initiative with DOES - DC gov pays up to 90% of new hire's salary

On-the-Job Training Initiative

Partnering with the Department of Employment Services’ (DOES) On-the-Job Training (OJT) initiative is a smart way to find motivated individuals who are eager to return to work and gain new skills.

OJT helps businesses stay competitive by reducing the cost of hiring and training workers. The program reimburses employers up to 90 percent of a new hire’s gross wages during the training period.

Employers determine job requirements, design training plans to meet individual business needs and make final hiring decisions.

OJT savings and services can give companies the competitive edge. Providing jobs for qualified workers who are unemployed is rewarding for businesses and our local economy.

What is the On-the-Job Training Initiative?

The On-the-Job Training initiative offers a financial incentive to employers for hiring District residents experiencing long-term unemployment. An agreement is established between participating organizations and the Department of Employment Services that outlines job details and training needs.

The OJT participant is hired as a permanent, full-time employee receiving the same rate of pay and benefits as other employees doing similar work. The length of training cannot exceed six months.

What are the Benefits to Employers?
Employers receive a pool of pre-screened, job ready candidates for the positions identified, resulting in human resource savings.

Participating employers are reimbursed up to 90 percent of gross wages paid during the training period.

The Department of Employment Services will, at no cost provide up to six months of coaching by a workforce development specialist to ensure retention.

How are Applicants Selected?

Applicants must be District of Columbia residents. The Department of Employment Services identifies applicants who meet the employers’ eligibility criteria. Employers conduct interviews and make final hiring decisions.

For more information contact the OJT Coordinator at 202-698-5146, or email at does.ojt-initiative@dc.gov .

Support Small Business Saturday - November 26th

Kudos to Adams Morgan Main Street Group whose proposal to the National Small Business Saturday team was accepted and Adams Morgan will be the highlighted area for the DC Metro region on Nov. 26.

Special give-aways and activities are scheduled all day long, plus 15 cash certificates of $25 will be given away in drawings to anyone who submits a business card or entry, with extra chances going to anyone who shows a receipt from any Adams Morgan small business dated 11-26-2011. Many businesses in Adams Morgan are offering specials that day.

Participating businesses will be receiving posters, buttons, t-shirts and shopping bags & buttons.

At the corner of 18th & Columbia Rd (Suntrust Plaza) daytime activities 10am-4pm on Nov. 26 will include:

* Farmer’s Market (Sustainable & affordable: 40th Anniversary of market;

* Info Tables set up with info, give-aways and tickets to win prizes for drawing,  coffee & cider from Tryst;

* “Winter Fashions” from local boutiques;

* Live music with singing Divas;

* Sweet Themez specialty cake with blue Small Bus Saturday logo;

* Mayor’s Proclamation;

* Gifts Galore; (shopping ideas from local biz)

* Looking Good in Winter: Demos for You, the dog, the house;

* Winter Warm Ups: (Tasty liquids from local favs)

Any Adams Morgan business who needs more info or wants to offer a special that day and/or participate in the activities, please contact Lisa Duperier 202-667-1052 ammainstreet@aol.com OR Janet Lugo-Tafur 202-232-1960 execdirector@ammainstreet.org