January 8, 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.
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January AMPBID Board Meeting
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The next board meeting of the Adams Morgan Partnership Business Improvement District (AMPBID) will be on Tuesday, January 14 at 5pm via Zoom. In addition to regular business, the board will be forming a nominating committee ahead of the upcoming board elections in March. For anyone interested in joining the AMPBID board of directors. there will be more information about the process and timeline in next week's newsletter
Click here
to attend the board meeting via Zoom on Tuesday, January 14 at 5pm.
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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 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 Snow Emergency Info
Safety and Assistance:
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Shelter Hotline
: If you or someone you know needs shelter or transportation to a shelter, call the Shelter Hotline at (202) 399-7093 or dial 311. For immediate medical emergencies, call 911.
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Warming Centers and Emergency Shelters
: A list of available shelters can be found at
snow.dc.gov
Additional Information:
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Snow Emergency Routes Map
: To view designated snow emergency routes, visit snow.dc.gov
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Stay Updated
: For the latest updates on the snow emergency and related services, monitor local news outlets and the official D.C. government website.
Please exercise caution during this severe weather event and adhere to all emergency regulations to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
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This winter, become a
@ServeDC
Snow Team Hero and make a real difference in your community!
What’s a Snow Team Hero? It’s someone who helps neighbors—specifically seniors and those with access and functional needs—by shoveling snow from sidewalks, steps, and driveways. Together, we can keep DC clear, accessible, and connected all winter long.
Why join?
✅ Support those who need it most
✅ Stay active and make an impact
✅ Help keep DC safe and accessible for all
Volunteers are matched within a 3-block radius of their home, making it easy to help your neighbors.
Sign up to be a Snow Team Hero today ➡️
snowteam.dc.gov
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Christmas Tree Collection
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The DC Department of Public Works (DPW)
will collect holiday trees and greenery from January 2 through February 28
from DPW-serviced households, which includes single-family homes and apartment dwellings with three or fewer units.
Here is what you need to know about this year’s holiday tree and greenery collection:
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Trees and greenery collected during this time will utilized for mulch production to support Mayor Bowser’s Zero Waste initiative.
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Holiday trees and greenery will be collected from the
front of the residence at the curb
.
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If Holiday trees and greeneries are not picked up 7 days after being placed, curbside, residents can call 311 and make a “Christmas Tree Removal - Seasonal” service request.
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After February 28, 2025, holiday trees and greenery should be placed at the normal point of collection for trash and recycling. Holiday trees and greenery will be collected as space permits in the truck.
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Inclement weather may delay holiday tree and greenery collections.
All residents can also drop off holiday trees and greenery at three locations Monday through Friday, 8 AM – 4 PM until March 31, 2025:
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Bryant Street Sweep Shop (201 Bryant Street NW)
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Guy Mason Recreation Center (3600 Calvert St NW)
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DPW Salt Storage Facility (2700 South Capital St., SE)
For more information on Holiday Reduce & Reuse Tips, please visit the
Zero Waste DC
website.
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Attention Adams Morgan Businesses: Love is in the air
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Valentine’s Day Storefront Decorating Contest
We invite you to join the 6th Annual Adams Morgan Valentine's Day storefront decorating contest for a chance to win a cash prize of $500!
NEW:
This year we’re doubling the total prize money to give awards to 6 businesses!
Participating businesses will be divided into 2 categories
:
Food & Beverage
and
Retail & Services
.
Prizes for each category:
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First Place - $500
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Second Place - $300
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Third Place - $200
Entry deadline:
Friday, January 31
Decorations deadline:
Friday, February 7
Online Voting:
midnight February 7 - midnight February 13
Judging:
Wednesday, February 12
Winners announced:
Friday, February 14
Adams Morgan Date Nights returns in February!
Watch this space for more info, coming soon.
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Winter Restaurant Week! Last call for one of the DMV's most popular dining promotions, returning Jan. 27 to Feb. 2!
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The Options
: Offer brunch and lunch at $25 or $35 per person and dinner at $40, $55, or $65.
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Better Sign-Up Process
: New RAMW website = Easier and faster registration.
Learn how here
, and log in to your member account to join today.
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Deadline
: The deadline to register is 11:59 pm, Friday, January 10
DC Road Closures Ahead
As a busy month in the District continues, expect delays, parking restrictions, and changes in bus and Metro schedules this week and next.
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Paying Our Respects
: Former President Jimmy Carter will lie in state in the US Capitol Rotunda through tomorrow morning followed by his State Funeral at the Washington National Cathedral. Tomorrow has also been named a national day of mourning.
Expect closures throughout Northwest DC
.
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March on the Mall and Inauguration
: The People’s March returns Jan. 18, followed by President-Elect Donald Trump’s Jan. 19 downtown rally at Capital One Arena and Jan. 20 inauguration.
Expect street closures
and parking restrictions surrounding Capital One Arena, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Capitol Hill, and Pennsylvania Avenue parade route.
2025 RAMMYS: Nominations Now Being Accepted
Time to shine! Nominations are now being accepted for the 43rd annual RAMMYS Awards across 19 prestigious categories.
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Spotlight Excellence
: From Best New Restaurant to Fast Casual of the Year to Chef of the Year, help us celebrate industry excellence.
Nominate now through Feb. 28
.
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Put Your Best Forward
: Self-nominations are welcomed and encouraged! Finalists announced in April.
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Be Part of the Big Night
: Save August 3 for the industry's most memorable celebration at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
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Make It Memorable
: Restaurant and Allied Members, enhance your visibility with our range of
sponsorship opportunities
.
Free Webinar: Prepare for New Immigration Enforcement Changes
Get ahead of potential workplace immigration enforcement changes at this webinar co-hosted by RAMW and Allied Member Grossman Young & Hammond.
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What You'll Learn
: Get the latest updates on Form I-9 compliance, best practices for handling worksite inspections, and how to prepare for increased enforcement.
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Why It Matters
: With immigration activity expected to intensify in 2025, restaurants should ensure their documentation and procedures are fully compliant.
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Mark Your Calendars
: The webinar is 11 am Jan. 16.
Register now
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DACA Insurance Deadline Next Week
Briefing on DACA Health Insurance Coverage Eligibility on Jan. 15. DACA recipients in DC can continue enrolling in DC Health Link despite recent court rulings.
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Listen Up
: Join a 20-minute briefing hosted by DC Health Link at 1 pm on Jan. 15 to learn about the ruling's local impact and enrollment resources.
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Discover More
: The briefing will occur on Zoom.
Register Here
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Don’t Miss: February Festivities Marketing
Let RAMW help you market your event spaces, menu offerings, and highlights. Send us your pictures, specials, events, and everything else you and your restaurant are doing to mark:
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Black History Month
: We're spotlighting Black Owned Restaurants, Black Chefs and restaurant workers. Send us your pictures and stories. Looking for inspiration? Here's a
post
from 2023. Send your Black History Month spotlights to RAMW Communications Manager
Keiristin
by Jan. 31.
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Additional Festivities
: Lunar New Year - Super Bowl - Valentine's Day (Galentine's Day, Anti-Valentine's Day) - NBA All Star Game - Mardi Gras.
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Festivity Fees
: $250 per event or $1,000 for the full marketing campaign.
Register here
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From Ambition to Achievement: Scholarships for Industry Professionals Now Open
The RAMW Educated Eats Foundation is investing in the next generation of culinary talent with scholarships up to $5,000.
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Who Can Apply
: Current industry professionals as well as students looking to advance their careers and students pursuing culinary dreams.
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Make It Happen
: Applications for the Frans Hagen Scholarship close January 31, 2025. Funds can support culinary training, restaurant management courses, and professional development.
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Take the Next Step
: Is there a rock star on your team who should apply?
Learn more
and they can take the step on their culinary journey.
Cherry Blossom Season Returns March 20
Join the National Cherry Blossom Festival's Cherry Picks program Mar. 20 to Apr. 13 and showcase your restaurant's spring-themed menus.
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Why Join
: Boost business through the festival's channels while tapping into the District's vibrant spring dining scene.
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Key Deadlines
: Register by Feb. 13 and submit your menus with photos by Mar. 7.
Sign up for Cherry Picks today
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Helping Small Businesses Thrive
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Starting or Expanding a Small Business? Access the capital you need through the DC BizCAP Program. This workshop will help small business owners develop funding strategies and access capital and technical resources.
January 9 at 10am
--
RSVP here
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Thursday, January 9
Creating a Quick Business Plan
Learn to craft a compelling value proposition and use the Lean Canvas to build a focused, actionable one-page business plan for your idea.
Register here
Monday, January 13
Setting Up a New Business Entity
Should I register my business? What legal structure is best for my business? What kind of business insurance do I need? If you're asking these questions, this webinar is for you. You’ll learn what you need to do to make sure your business is able to conduct its affairs legally, and how to take those critical first steps.
Register here
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Small Business Support Working Group
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Thursday, January 9 at 1:00pm
Agenda:
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Discuss and draft The Coalition's Budget Ask for FY26
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Small Business Technical Assistance
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Great Streets
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Robust Retail & Dream Grants
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Commercial Property Acquisition Fund
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Develop key talking points for upcoming performance hearings
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Input on technical assistance or support needs of BID's small businesses
Click here
to join the meeting
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Small Business Workshop Calendar
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Download the latest
DCSmallBizHelp Workshop Calendar
to explore upcoming events, trainings, networking opportunities, and more!
Featured events:
Small Business Brief Advice Legal Clinic- In Person
DC Bar Pro Bono Center
January 15 | 5:00 pm | 1100 4th St. SW, 2nd Floor
If you are an existing or aspiring small business owner, meet one-on-one with attorneys. At this in-person clinic, you can get information on business formation, contracts, leases, taxes, or any other questions you may have related to small business legal issues. If you do not have specific questions, come and tell the attorneys about your business—they can help you spot legal issues or give you general advice.
FREE |
REGISTER HERE
Goof-Proof Your Business
SCORE Washington DC
January 17 | 12:00 pm | Virtual
In this workshop, you'll learn to identify "Uh-Oh!" (Unintentional, Humbling, Observable, Hardship-causing) mistakes and discover strategies to prevent them. We'll analyze real-world examples, explore the root causes of these blunders, and equip you with practical tools to goof-proof your business.
FREE |
REGISTER HERE
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Boost Your Brand: Join Our 3-Part Series to Elevate Your Business in 2025
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Join SB Works for
Boosting Your Brand
, a 3-part class series designed to help you master content strategy, online sales, and hands-on production.
⚠️ Important: Each class builds on the previous one, so attendance is key! You must register for each session individually to secure your spot.
Click the above links for more information and to register.
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Human Trafficking in the Hospitality Industry:
Virtual Panel Discussion
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In observance of Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, Polaris, Homeland Security Investigations, and Fair Girls invite you to join us for a virtual panel discussion on human trafficking in the hospitality industry.
During the discussion you will learn about the realities of human trafficking, how it may intersect with the hospitality industry, local prevention efforts, emergency assistance, and trauma-informed services for survivors, and training opportunities to cultivate the community’s response to human trafficking.
Tuesday, January 28, 2025 @ 6:00pm
Join the meeting
Meeting ID: 992 453 709 125
Passcode: cZ6ur94V
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Free Workshop: Learn How Your Business Can Unlock Opportunities with Certification!
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Are you a small, local, or diverse business owner looking to stand out in a competitive market? Certification could be the key to unlocking contracts, corporate partnerships, and growth opportunities.
Join Wacif for a FREE 2-hour workshop on
Wednesday, January 29
, designed to demystify the certification process and show you how to leverage it for success.
What You’ll Learn:
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The benefits of certifications like MBE, WBE, SBE, and more
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Step-by-step guidance on applying for certifications
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Tips for marketing your certification to land lucrative opportunities
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This interactive session includes practical activities, real-life examples, and valuable resources to help you navigate the certification process with confidence. Reserve your spot today!
RSVP here
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Inc. 5000 Applications Are Now Open
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For more than four decades running, the
Inc. 5000
list has celebrated the nation’s most dynamic and forward-thinking businesses. Earning a spot on this prestigious list shines a global spotlight on your company and acknowledges the dedication, innovation, and perseverance of your team.
With applications for 2025 now open, it’s your chance to position your business among the country’s top performers—a true symbol of entrepreneurial excellence.
Submit your application for the Inc. 5000 today and take your place among America’s fastest-growing private companies.
Apply Now
Early-Rate Deadline: January 31 ($345)
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FY25 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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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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💸Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure and Equipment Grants
A new grant is now available for food businesses supporting infrastructure and equipment in the middle of the supply chain for the District of Columbia. Eligible projects support food aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distribution of regionally produced food products. This program does not support growing crops or direct food sales to consumers or retail outlets.
A total of $1.4 million of RFSI funds to projects that maintain and improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency through Capital Impact Partners, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the District of Columbia Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED).
More info and apply online
by January 12
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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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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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