January 29, 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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Join the AMPBID Board of Directors
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The Adams Morgan Partnership BID (AMPBID) annual meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 11 at The LINE DC at 3:30pm.
Board Elections:
AMPBID holds elections every year at our annual meeting in March. The board consists of 15 seats, nine of which are reserved for commercial property owners and six for business owners. Board members are elected to serve three-year terms (unless they are replacing a board member who resigned before the end of their term).
If you are a business or commercial property owner and are interested in running for a seat on the board, please reach out to
Kristen Barden
for more information
.
There are two ways to become a board member nominee:
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Through a nominating petition, as per the process in our bylaws,
those will be accepted until January 30
.
Nominating petitions for board members must be submitted to Kristen Barden, Executive Director, at least 40 days prior to the date of the annual meeting (January 30, 2025). Petitions must have the signatures of at least 10 AMPBID members in the same class as the nominee (property owner or business owner).
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Through the AMPBID’s nominating committee.
The committee will present their slate of candidates at the February 11 monthly board meeting.
Postcards with information about the AMPBID Annual Meeting will be mailed to all AMPBID members soon. Ballots for the election will be sent in mid-February after the Nominating Committee presents their slate of candidates.
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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
Click here
to register your business in the storefront decorating contest.
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Tomorrow, Thursday, January 30:
Coffee Hour with the Adams Morgan Partnership BID
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Join us for our bi-monthly Coffee Hour designed to bring together like-minded business owners in the neighborhood.
This month, we're focused on gathering representatives from Adams Morgan businesses in the health and wellness industry hosted at Venture X (1763 Columbia Rd NW) on
Thursday, January 30 from 3-5 pm
. This is a great motivator to help you keep those new years resolutions!
This informal gathering is the perfect opportunity to meet peers, exchange insights, and explore potential collaborations over complimentary coffee and snacks. Let’s work together to build a stronger, healthier community. We’d love to have you join us!
Please register
to help us estimate attendance
(not required)
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Winter Restaurant Week in Adam Morgan
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Winter Restaurant week continues through February 2.
Enjoy amazing food at great prices at these Adams Morgan restaurants:
Visit RAMW's
Winter Restaurant Week website
for more info on each restaurant's specials.
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DDOT Expanding Clear Lanes Enforcement to New Locations
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Beginning this week, DDOT has initiated a 45-day educational phase for the expansion of bus zone and bus lane enforcement.
During this period, violators will receive warning citations.
Following the educational phase, starting Monday, March 17, 2025, DDOT will begin issuing $100 fines to vehicle owners for bus zone and bus lane violations.
⚠️The new bus priority lane on Columbia Road, NW between 17th Street and Harvard Street is included in this enforcement.
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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.
Friday Jan. 31 Deadline: Scholarships for Industry Professionals
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 Friday. 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.
Immigration Resources for Restaurant Families
Families United DC Metro
has compiled essential resources to help restaurant workers and their families prepare for unexpected situations as immigration policies continue to change.
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Available Resources Include:
Family care planning documents and templates; School support services details; List of pro bono legal services.
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Learn More:
Read and
download
materials in Spanish, Chinese, and more languages.
Next Immigration Webinar: Feb. 10
Following last week and today’s webinars, our partners at the National Restaurant Association host another online immigration training next month.
Swipe Fee Relief: Congress Takes Another Look at Credit Card Costs
The Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA) returns to Congress this year, bringing new hope for relief from credit card processing fees.
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Why It Matters Now:
Credit card processing continues to be one of restaurants' fastest-growing costs.
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Take Action Today:
Lawmakers want to hear from you.
Sign your restaurant onto a joint letter
urging your Senators to support the CCCA.
Coming Changes to Federal No Tax on Tips Proposal
Ending taxes on gratuities continues to gather support among local and federal lawmakers. On Capitol Hill, a revised version of No Tax on Tips legislation introduces some limits while preserving critical employer protections.
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What's New:
Tips would be tax-free only up to $25,000 per person a year, and individuals earning over $155,000 annually would not be eligible.
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Why It Matters to Your Restaurant:
The 45B FICA Tip Credit remains protected.
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What's Next:
More changes are likely as the bill moves through Congress. With our national partners, RAMW will continue to keep you updated on the latest.
Free ServSafe Training Through September 2025
DC restaurants and hospitality businesses can access free ServSafe food safety and alcohol management certifications as part of a new DMPED-funded program.
What's Covered:
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ServSafe Food Manager certification.
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ServSafe Alcohol certification.
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Technical assistance workshops.
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Exam fees included.
Get Certified:
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Training at RAMW office: 2112 Pennsylvania Ave NW.
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Must show photo ID and proof of DC residency/employment.
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Register today
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Small Retailer Property Tax Relief Credit Expanded
Also starting this week, small businesses that earn less than $3 million in annual sales can apply for a credit of up to $10,000 to offset the cost of their property taxes or rent.
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Background
: The Small Retailer Property Tax Relief Credit, established in 2018, is a lifeline for businesses, allowing eligible businesses to offset the cost of their property taxes or rent.
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What’s New?
Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen raised both the credit amount and income eligibility cap this year.
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How to Apply:
Complete the Small Retailer Property Tax Relief Credit (Schedule SR) and file with either your Corporation Business Franchise (D-20) or Unincorporated Business Franchise Tax Return (D-30). Visit
MyTax.DC.gov
and click on “Forms” then “Business Tax Forms and Publications.”
Claim Your Share of the $6 Billion Credit Card Settlement
Business owners who accepted Visa or Mastercard credit or debit cards between 2004 and 2019 may be eligible to receive a portion of a $6 billion settlement over interchange fees.
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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DC Policy Center's Business Sentiments Survey
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You’re invited to complete the
D.C. Policy Center’s Business Sentiments Survey
. This round looks to capture business’ recent experiences with crime in and around the District.
The survey should take no longer than 20 minutes to complete, and will remain open until 11:59 PM EST on Thursday January 30, 2025
.
Click here
to complete the survey.
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Now Recruiting for ELEVATE Cohort V
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The Coalition (formerly CNHED) is pleased to announce recruitment for the fifth cohort of its ELEVATE Minority Executive Education Program!
The Coalition is accepting applications for ELEVATE Cohort V now through Tuesday, February 11, 2025
, at 11:59 PM, and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis.
Click here
for more info and to apply.
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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 event:
2025 MBE Seminar
Howard University School of Business
February 7 | 8:30 am- 2:30 pm | 1150 18th St., NW
This seminar is designed to empower Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) by providing insights into the latest advancements in supply chain technology. Participants, including MBE leaders, corporate executives, and students, will engage in in-depth explorations of how emerging technologies are reshaping the supply chain landscape. The discussions will focus on innovative strategies that can enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and expand market reach, equipping attendees with the knowledge necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.
FREE |
REGISTER HERE
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Major Update to ProjectDox Coming February 18, Sign up for Training Now
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The Department of Buildings (DOB) wants to share exciting news about
ProjectDox
. In ProjectDox, customers can electronically submit building plans and supporting documentation for plan review. On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, DOB will launch a major update (Version 9.3.8.7) that includes the following improvements:
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A more stable, cloud-based experience
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Simpler, user-friendly navigation
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More self-help resources
Overall, this new platform will enhance service delivery, increase the safety of the District’s built environment, and result in a better customer experience. DOB will be sharing further details in the coming weeks on how the new platform will affect your existing and upcoming projects. In the interim, DOB is excited to offer training opportunities on this updated platform.
ProjectDox 9.3.8.7 Training Sessions – Register Now!
In these upcoming sessions, you’ll receive practical tips and hands-on guidance on the enhanced features of ProjectDox 9.3.8.7 that are designed to improve your experience and collaboration.
Training Dates and Times
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Tuesday, February 4, 2025
| 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM -- Overview of the Intake and Prescreen Functions
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Wednesday, February 5, 2025
| 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM -- Overview of Plan Review
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Tuesday, February 11, 2025
-- Overview of Plan Review | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM; Overview of the Intake and Prescreen Functions | 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
You have the flexibility to register for either session—or both, if you’d like additional reinforcement!
Space is limited so register today!
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Developing Financial Projections for Your New Small Business
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Thursday, January 30
Website Planning 101
Explore how to set goals, plan content, and select the right platform to build a successful website, DIY or with a pro.
Register here
Friday, January 31
Tax Filing Season Topics for Small Business Owners
Gain insights on accurate tax filing, record keeping, estimating taxes and leveraging IRS resources for small business success.
Register here
Tuesday, February 4
Cash Flow Management Basics
Understanding cash flow is crucial for your business. You must monitor cash flow constantly to make sure your checking account always has a positive balance and that you’re bringing in more cash than you’re spending. If not, you need to revise your plans.
Register here
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B2B Grant Opportunity for Small Business Service Providers!
DSLBD is excited to announce that applications are now open for the B2B (Business2Business) Service Provider Grants! Eligible providers can receive up to $50,000 in grant funding to deliver training, program support, and technical assistance across key DSLBD programs—such as We Aspire, Dream Pitch, Made in DC, and Just Cannabusiness—plus more. Don’t Miss Out!
Click here
for more information
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CBE Green Grant Applications Now Open!
The Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD), in partnership with the Department of Energy and the Environment (DOEE), is excited to launch the FY25 CBE All Things Green Grants. This initiative supports Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs) in expanding their participation in the green and sustainable energy markets.
Applications are due by February 14, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET
For more details, including the Request for Applications (RFA), visit
dslbd.dc.gov/cbegreengrant
.
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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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💸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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