December 3, 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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Holiday Tree Lighting with the Grinch on Thursday, December 4th
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The Adams Morgan Partnership Business Improvement District will once again bring holiday cheer to the neighborhood with public art, holiday decorations, and a snowy sky with some holiday magic on Thursday, December 4th.
Visitors can experience the “All I Want Is You” interactive light display located in the plaza at Columbia Road and Adams Mill Road, NW. Designed and built by Davide Prete and Epigram Studios, the installation is what makes Adams Morgan such a wonderful place to live, work, play, and visit. The illuminated display makes for a beautiful backdrop for holiday card photos.
On
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, FROM 5:30 - 7PM,
the community is invited to help us light up the neighborhood as we unveil and light our interactive holiday display underneath a snow-filled sky.
The event will take place in the plaza at the corner of Columbia & Adams Mill Roads NW with live music from local cover band
Gotcha Covered
and a special appearance from The Grinch while snow falls from the sky throughout the event. There also will be hot cocoa samples provided by
Compass Coffee
.
New for this year, wear your best (or worst!) ugly sweater
for a chance to be awarded a prize by a panel of local judges, including local business owners, representatives from the ANC, and the DC Government. Come check in at the Adams Morgan BID table early to enter the contest!
The prize will be a $100 gift certificate to the Adams Morgan business of your choice!
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Winter Coat & Accessories Drive for giving season at Lapis!
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The Popal Group (
Lapis
,
Lapop
, Lutèce,
Maison
, Pascual) is bringing back its Winter Coat & Accessories Drive for a second year to support
Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area
(LSSNCA). Until December 14, the team will collect new or like-new coats, hats, scarves, and gloves for refugees, immigrants, and local neighbors in need.
Donations can be dropped off daily at
Lapis
(1847 Columbia Rd NW) between 11 AM - 3 PM and 5 PM - 9 PM through December 14.
In December, the Lapis team will deliver the items and volunteer at LSSNCA’s Resource Center in Alexandria.
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Great Streets and Other Programs Announced
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More information for the following grants (and other opportunities) can be found at
ObviouslyDC.com
.
Click here
for a list of upcoming information sessions and to register to attend.
🪙District Capitalized Revolving Loan Fund
Application Deadline:
December 12, 2025
The program offers micro-loans (up to $10,000) in short-term working capital or business credit-building and reporting support to help entrepreneurs strengthen their credit history and long-term stability.
Click here
for more information and to apply
Click here
for a recording of an information session about the fund.
🪙FY26 Great Streets Grants
Request for Applications (RFA) release date:
December 12, 2025
Submission Deadline:
January 16, 2026
DMPED expects to award multiple grants under the Program, in an aggregate amount of up to $2,000,000, contingent on the availability of an appropriated budget in such amount.
Awards are anticipated to be up to $90,000
.
Click here
for the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for more information including eligibility criteria.
🪙FY26 Locally Made Manufacturing Grants
Request for Applications (RFA) release date:
December 12, 2025
Submission Deadline:
January 16, 2026
DMPED expects to award multiple grants under the Program, in an aggregate amount of up to $1,500,000, contingent on the availability of an appropriated budget in such amount.
Click here
for the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for more information including eligibility criteria.
🪙FY26 Emerging Retail Initiative Grants
Request for Applications (RFA) release date:
December 12, 2025
Submission Deadline:
January 16, 2026
DMPED expects to award multiple grants under the Program, with a total funding amount of up to $200,000, contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds.
Individual awards are anticipated to be up to $20,000
.
Click here
for the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for more information including eligibility criteria.
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Adams Morgan Farmers Market
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The Adams Morgan Farmers Market at Unity Park (
Champlain St. at Columbia Rd., NW
) is open for the season on
Saturdays
from
8:30am - 1:00pm through December 20
featuring
Licking Creek Bend Farm
and
Ravenhook Bakehouse. Remie's Flowers and Plants
are back as well.
Ravenhook will be featuring:
German Holiday Stollen & Swiss; Chocolate Stollen; Lemon Curd Brioche; Butternut Squash, Garlic, Goat Cheese, & Mozzarella; and Gingerbread Cake & People
Come to the Adams Morgan Farmers Market for fresh picked, chemical-free (and tariff-free) produce. We're entering the fall season. Our amazing, hard working staff tells us the fall will produce:
a wide variety of Winter Squashes, Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Eggplant, Melons, Chicory Root, Apples, Hot peppers, Herbs, Basil, Pears, Amaranth, String Beans Snap Peas, Garlic and Collard Greens, Jerusalem (also called) Sun Chokes
...and other fall goodies and they say some surprises along with seasonal fruits from our partner orchard.
Plastic bags are no longer available from the market, so please remember your own bags!
Look for the announcement about the availability of pesticide-free Christmas Trees at the market.
Conditions permitting, we hope to have our apple cider press back at the market!
Come and sample fresh squeezed APPLE CIDER.
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Let’s End the Year with Laughter — For A Cause!
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Miriam's Kitchen is thrilled to invite you to their December special event:
Comedy Night to End Chronic Homelessness
, an evening full of good vibes, great people, and hilarious performances in partnership with Grassroots Comedy — all supporting Miriam’s Kitchen’s mission to end chronic homelessness in DC.
Join in for a night where your laughter and the magic of the holiday spirit make an impact. Every ticket helps fund meals, housing support, and advocacy for our unhoused neighbors. Because everyone deserves a place to call home.
Saturday, December 13 at 7pm
The Festival Center (1640 Columbia Rd NW)
Tickets on Eventbrite
: $33 general admission
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Ballot Initiative Reform Hearing Dec. 5
DC Council holds a hearing next month on proposed reforms to the District's ballot initiative process.
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What's in the Bill:
At-Large Councilmember Anita Bonds’
Fair Initiatives Lend Transparency to Every Resident Act
would require fiscal impact statements before initiatives appear on ballots, limit measures to a single subject, prohibit the same proposal from returning to voters within 6 years, and extend timelines for legal review and public objections.
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Why It Matters:
The changes – which are a strong start – would bring greater transparency and deliberation to the initiative process. If these protections were in place in 2022 they would have prevented Initiative 82 reaching the ballot.
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Sound Off:
The hearing is 10 am Dec. 5. Stay tuned for sign-up information and
contact Che
to learn more about how these reforms could affect future ballot measures.
New Revolving Fund Opens for DC Restaurants
Mayor Muriel Bowser has announced a new Capitalized Revolving Fund Program with micro-lines of credit up to $10,000 for small businesses that struggle to access traditional financing.
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Why This Matters:
The program fills a gap for restaurants needing short-term working capital without conventional lending barriers. Funds can be used for equipment, payroll, marketing, or operational expenses.
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Next Steps:
Applications are open now through Dec. 12. Your restaurant must be District-based, licensed, maintain a business bank account, and demonstrate barriers to traditional credit access.
Read the full program details and apply today
.
RAMMYS Nominations Now Open
Time to shine!
Nominations are now open
for the 44th annual RAMMYS Awards.
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Spotlight Excellence:
From Best New Restaurant, to Fast Casual Restaurant of the Year, to Chef of the Year, help us celebrate industry excellence. Nominate now through Feb. 1, 2026.
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Put Your Best Forward:
Self-nominations are welcomed and encouraged. No one knows your restaurant's hard work and achievements better than you do. Don't wait –
submit your nominations today
!
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Business Assistance available from Georgetown University's Small Business Corps
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Small Business Corps
(SBC) mobilizes the skills, energy, and creativity of Georgetown business students to catalyze the growth and profitability of small businesses in local communities across the greater Washington D.C., region through project-based fellowships.
SBC is looking for businesses who could use assistance through this program that connects Georgetown Business School students with businesses that are located, serving, or employing people from underserved areas in the DMV. Anyone interested in more information can contact Joe (
jrw24@georgetown.edu
) or Mona (
ms5020@georgetown.edu
) for additional information.
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"What's Next" Workshop Series:
Featuring WACIF & ONYX Therapy Group
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Join WACIF and Onyx Therapy Group for the first installment of What’s Next — a three-part workshop series designed to help entrepreneurs build resilience, tell their story, and lead with confidence. Facilitated by Dr. Plummer and Dr. Malone, each session will explore a new dimension of business growth and mental wellness for small business owners in the BBAR and Ascend networks. This session will focus on Capital Readiness & Storytelling
Build resilience, tell your story, and lead with confidence in this free three-part WACIF x Onyx Therapy Group workshop series.
Session 1: Capital Readiness & Storytelling
Dec 4; 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM; Location: Virtual
Register Now >>
Session 2: Leadership for Entrepreneurs
Dec 11; 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM; Location: Virtual
Register Now >>
Session 3: Coaching and Mental Health Support for Small Business Owners
Jan 8; 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM; Location: Virtual
Register Now >>
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Webinar: Increase Access to Capital for Your Business
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Thursday, December 4; 12 noon
This virtual workshop, hosted by Grace Butler, Director of Credit & Risk from WACIF and Akinyemi L. Green - (Yemi) Commercial Banker in Business Banking from United Bank, will explore flexible loan options, flexible underwriting practices and credit score standards not found at traditional banks, and ways you can increase capital for your business.
Having a trusted financial partner can be the difference between growing your business or closing your doors. Learn the criteria needed to be a successful lending client and discover how you can begin the loan application process today. All are welcome to attend.
Register Now
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Boosting Your Bottom Line – Strategies to Improve Profit Margins
Thursday, December 4; 12PM
This session will show you how to improve profitability by estimating costs accurately, aligning spending with growth, and avoiding the pricing pitfalls that eat into margins. You’ll gain clear, actionable strategies to build a sustainable revenue model and make confident decisions about your business’s financial direction.
Register Here
Running a Small Business in the Age of AI:
Legal Risks and Responsible Practices
Tuesday, December 9; 3PM
This webinar covers legal and ethical risks for small business owners using AI—intellectual property, privacy, transparency, and limitations of AI content. You’ll learn what to watch out for when using AI tools so you can stay protected, compliant, and informed.
Register Here
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ARE YOU HIRING?
Join the RAMW/DOES Hospitality Hiring Fair
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RAMW is partnering with the DC Department of Employment Services (DOES) to co-host a special "Hospitality Hiring Day".
Tuesday, December 9th; 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
DOES Headquarters; 4058 Minnesota Ave., NE, WDC
There is no cost to participate however space is limited!
Don't miss this opportunity to meet over 250 job seekers interested in securing a position in the food and hospitality industry.
This is specifically a hiring event, and you will have the opportunity to interview and hire employees that day!
Let RAMW know
if you are interested in participating
.
Upon confirmation of your your interest, a link and instructions to register for the event will be emailed to you. You must have your EIN # to register.
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Small Business Resource Center
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DLCP-Business Diagnostic Check - In Person
Thursday, December 18; 1pm - 4pm
Compass Coffee, 1535 7th St. NW
Click here
for more information and to sign up.
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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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💸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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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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