August 6, 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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AdMo Vibe features Emma G in Kalorama Park on Thursday!
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The Adams Morgan Partnership Business Improvement District is proud to announce the return of
AdMo Vibe
, the neighborhood’s free summer concert series celebrating live local music, community creativity, and the unique spirit of Adams Morgan.
The AdMo Vibe Summer Concert Series brings neighbors together to enjoy local music and energize our public spaces. Following the initial kick-off, each Thursday concert will feature a different D.C.-based artist performing in Kalorama Park on Columbia Road at Belmont Road.
More than a dozen Adams Morgan businesses will be offering specials before, during, and after the concerts.
Restaurant specials and business discounts are available on the
website
!
⚠️ Adams Morgan businesses wanting to offer specials,
please
click here to submit
or email
Brian Barrie
for more information.
Upcoming 2025 AdMo Vibe Schedule:
Concerts run from 6:00- 7:30 PM and are free and open to all ages. Guests are encouraged to bring a takeout dinner to the park from neighborhood restaurants and explore all that Adams Morgan has to offer before and after the concert —from vibrant outdoor dining spaces and global cuisine to colorful boutiques and locally owned shops.
The 2025 AdMo Vibe Summer Concert Series is generously sponsored by
Pepco
,
Anthony Salinas
and
Roda Car Repair
.
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Adams Morgan Farmers Market
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The Adams Morgan Farmers Market is open for the season on
Saturdays
from
8:30am - 12:30pm
featuring
Licking Creek Bend Farm
and
Ravenhook Bakehouse. Remie's Flowers and Plants
are back as well.
Ravenhook will be featuring: Orange Creamsicle Brioche; Peach Blueberry Cobbler (V); Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella Focaccia; and Brioche Buns.
Come to the Adams Morgan Farmers Market for fresh picked, chemical free (and tariff free) produce. We're entering the peak summer season so look for these during August and September:
Our farm staff wants you to look forward during in the next two months for:
Eggplant; Cucumbers; Cantaloupes; Chicory Root; Apples; Hot peppers; Bell Peppers; Cauliflower; Broccoli; Herbs; Basil; Pears; Amaranth; String Beans.
...and other summer goodies and they say some surprises along with, from our partner orchard:
Peaches; Pears; Plums; Apples and other seasonal fruits
Plastic bags are no longer available from the market, so please remember your own bags!
2025 CSA Season Membership is now open.
Click here
for more information, including the membership form.
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Business Diagnostic Check - In Person in Adams Morgan
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Thursday, August 7, 2025; 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM (EDT)
Compass Coffee
, 1827 Adams Mill Rd NW, Adams Morgan
Click here to register
Point of Contact: Ronal Norales – (202) 368-3043
Join the Business Resource Center of the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) for an in-person Business Diagnostic Check designed to help you assess your current position and take the next steps toward business success in the District of Columbia. During this session, DLCP staff will offer one-on-one guidance to help you:
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Register your business entity (LLC, Corporation, Non-Profit, etc.)
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Understand the steps to obtain a business license
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Navigate permits and certificates of occupancy
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Learn about local resources to support and grow your business
Whether you're just starting out or already operating in DC, this session is tailored to help you move forward with confidence.
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I-82 Vote Projected to Save Average Restaurant $1.3 Million
The DC Council vote from Monday July 28 is projected to save an average full-service operator $1.3 million over the next 10 years — totaling $1.7 billion in savings for our local restaurant industry.
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Recap:
DC Council replaced Initiative 82's plan to eliminate the tip credit in 2027 with a 9-year phase-in setting the tipped wage at 75% of minimum wage.
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Immediate Relief:
The tipped wage remains at $10 until next year and is projected to stay under $11 until 2029.
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New Requirements:
Council also approved a measure to include employees' hourly wage, tips, bonuses, and commissions on pay stubs and directed the District CFO to study the restaurant industry every two years.
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New Timeline:
Here's how minimum and tipped wages should increase with projected 2.7% annual inflation:
Projected Wage Increases Through 2034
Date, Projected DC Minimum Wage, Projected DC Tipped Wage
July 2026
$18.45
$10.35
July 2027
$18.95
$10.60
July 2028
$19.45
$11.70
July 2029
$20.00
$12.00
July 2030
$20.50
$13.30
July 2031
$21.10
$13.70
July 2032
$21.65
$15.15
July 2033
$22.20
$15.55
July 2034
$22.80
$17.10
Join Us in Saying Thanks
Mayor Muriel Bowser's bold decision to include Initiative 82 repeal in her budget transformed this debate, creating urgency when our industry needed it most.
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The 7-5 Vote:
Last Monday's outcome wouldn't have been possible without Councilmembers Charles Allen and Christina Henderson. Standing with our industry were Council Chair Phil Mendelson and Councilmembers Anita Bonds, Kenyan McDuffie, Brooke Pinto, and Wendell Felder.
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Add Your Voice:
Add your restaurant's name to our
digital thank you card
.
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The Work Continues:
While we'd hoped for full repeal, we recognize this compromise as significant progress. More guidance on the new tipped wage schedule and pay stub requirements – as well as the advocacy ahead – coming soon.
Join the Island LIME Festival at HiLawn
The Island LIME Festival returns to HiLawn Rooftop at Union Market on August 23, bringing Caribbean and Latin flavors to an expected crowd of 2,000-2,500 festival-goers.
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Zero Cost:
Unlike most food festivals, participating restaurants pay no rental or space fees. Organizers provide a 10x10 tent and two tables — you bring your food, equipment (no propane allowed, but chafing dishes are fine), and payment processing.
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Reserve Your Spot:
Caribbean and Latin restaurants interested should email
Monique@CariBeatDesigns.com
for a participation form. Learn more about the organizers at CariBeat.com and the venue at
HiLawnDC.com
.
Serve All Night During Art All Night
Extended alcohol service is available for DC's annual overnight arts festival September 12 to 14.
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Who Can Register:
On-premises retailers, manufacturers with on-site sales and consumption permits, and temporary license holders.
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Deadline:
Sign-up by Sep. 9 with $100 fee. Previous Art All Night or
Extended Holiday Hours registrations
don't carry over.
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Entertainment Note:
Live music or cover charges require an Entertainment Endorsement. Submit a
Substantial Change Application
for temporary modifications.
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Remember:
No alcohol between 4 to 6 am. Settlement Agreements and Board Orders apply. Post approved permit next to license.
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Register:
Submit your application
or email questions to
ABCA.AlcoholLicensing@dc.gov
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Sign Up For Dine All Night 2025
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CALLING DC RESTAURANTS!!
Register now for
Dine All Night
, an exceptional dining experience that seamlessly combines the worlds of culinary arts and Art All Night!
Don’t miss out on Dine All Night!
Registration closes on August 25
Click Here to sign up
and showcase your menu to DC’s late-night food lovers.
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ICAN DC Small Business Networking Event
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You are invited to attend ICIC’s Alumni Network’s (ICAN) Washington D.C. Small Business Networking Mixer on August 21st from 6:00-8:00pm ET at Ìpàdé! Hosted in partnership with M&T Bank, this event will bring together ICIC and M&T’s network of small business alumni and fellow resource providers for an evening filled with meaningful conversations and open networking!
You're also invited to host a Resource Table where you can connect even further with attendees and share resources and information from your organization. If you’re interested in hosting a table, please email Marynee Pontes at mpontes@icic.org.
ICAN Washington D.C. Small Business Networking Event
Thursday, August 21st, 2025; 6:00pm - 8:00pm ET
Ìpàdé, 1734 20th St NW
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Webinar: 7 Habits That Win More Federal Contracts
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Tired of missing opportunities and leaving money on the table in the federal marketplace?
It’s not your capability — it’s your approach. The difference between the 80% who struggle and the 20% who thrive comes down to a few key habits.
In this high-impact virtual session, Guy “Go-To-Guy” Timberlake shares 7 game-changing habits that will immediately shift how you identify, pursue, and win federal contracts. From understanding how agencies buy to finding the people who own the requirements, you’ll walk away with strategies you can use right now to win more — and waste less time.
Thursday, September 18 at 11 AM
Reserve Your Spot Today
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August 7, 2025, 12pm
Selling a Business
In this webinar, you will learn how to sell your business for the best price and to a buyer who will maintain your legacy.
August 12, 2025, 12:00pm
Commercial Leasing: Avoiding Pitfalls and Landmines
Finding a commercial space can be difficult. Learn the ins and outs of commercial leases, including understanding commercial rents, letters of intent, and the process of negotiating.
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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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FY25 Business Funding Opportunities
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New and ongoing funding opportunities from the DC Government:
Go to
ObviouslyDC.com
for more information on all of these programs.
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💸Secure up to $250,000 through WACIF's Green Growth Fund
Amount: up to $250,000
Deadline: Rolling
Learn
more
here
Are you a small business owner looking to make a big impact and grow revenue? Secure up to $250,000 through Wacif's Green Growth Fund. Our innovative loan product comes with a built-in financial cushion in the form of our Sustainable Boost Grant, available upon loan repayment. Apply now and achieve your green business goals!
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💸Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Application
Amount: Free Business Training
Deadline: Rolling
Learn more here
We look for applicants who are passionate about growing their business and creating jobs in their communities who generally meet these criteria: - Small business owner or co-owner - Business revenues over $75,000 in the most recent fiscal year - Business in operation for 2+ years -Business with 2+ employees (including the owner).
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💸$10k Grants from Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
Learn more here
Digital Ready is giving away $10k grants to deserving business owners. You can sign up for Digital Ready (for free!) and take courses to become eligible.
💸Exelon Corporate Giving Program
Amount: Variable
Learn more here
Provides grants to nonprofit organizations that demonstrate a proven track record in addressing key community needs. Funding priorities include education, the environment, arts and culture, and local programs and services.
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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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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 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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