February 12, 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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AMPBID Annual Meeting will be held on March 11
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The
2025 Adams Morgan Partnership BID Annual Meeting
will take place in person on March 11, 2025 at
The LINE Hotel DC
(1770 Euclid St, NW) from 3:00pm -5:00pm. To attend the meeting in person, please RSVP to
Kristen Barden
.
The meeting will also be streamed online but online viewers will not be able ask questions or interact with the meeting. Streaming details will be available here closer to the date of the meeting.
Board Elections
AMPBID holds elections every year with the results announced at our annual meeting. 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). This election will be for 4 Property Owner seats (one has been vacated) and 2 Business Owner seats.
The AMPBID Nominating Committee presented their slate of nominees at the February board meeting:
Business Owners
(2 seats available)
Commercial Property Owners
(4 seats available)
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Oscar Guardado
: Commercial Property Owner
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Andrew Nimmer
: Commercial Property Owner
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Pete Mallios
: Commercial Property Owner
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Sari Postal
: Commercial Property Owner
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Steve Schwat
: Commercial Property Owner
Ballots are being sent to the membership and voting will commence at noon on Friday, February 14 and continue until Tuesday, March 11 at 4:00pm. Election results will be announced during the annual meeting.
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Adams Morgan Date Nights is Back -- Enter to Win!
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Adams Morgan is your go-to place for a date! Whether you’re a father and son heading out for ice cream, a pair going on a first date, old friends enjoying a girls night out, or a married couple celebrating a double-digit anniversary, we’ll help make your time together special while in Adams Morgan.
This February, the community is invited to enjoy a variety of love-themed events, date lineups, and a chance to win one of four amazing date night packages.
Head to
admodc.org/date
and enter to win
one of the prize packages or just find inspiration for fun Date Night activities in Adams Morgan!
We'll be drawing winners for our first prize giveaway on Friday
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Love is in the air and decorations are going up in windows throughout the neighborhood!
Seventeen Adams Morgan business are competing for $2,000 in prize money
this year
and you can help your favorites win. Decorations should all be in place and voting is underway. The businesses are divided into two groups: Food & Beverage and Retail & Services.
The list and map of businesses along with the voting form is available at
admodc.org/valentines
. A panel of judges will be scoring the displays on Thursday, February 13 and the winners will be announced on Valentine's Day!
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Capital Chekers AdMo Going Away Party
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From Capital Checkers:
Capital Checkers & Chess is on the move. After four years in Adams Morgan our building is being sold and our lease will not be renewed. We are currently looking for a new space in the District (and would appreciate any leads!).
Our time in AdMo has been a wonderful experience - we were able to meet dozens of new players, expand our chess network, and regularly host tournaments.
To thank the community we are hosting a goodbye party on February 21st at 6pm at 1750 Columbia Rd.
We would appreciate if you can help us spread the word! We will have food, games, and souvenirs. T shirts will be for sale as well.
Background on the club: We have been operating in the district for over 40 years, first in Shaw and then most recently in Adams Morgan. Our members represent a cross section of new and old DC (including a 95 year old gospel singer, a retired PEPCO employee, a longtime H St barber, a millennial federal employee from Takoma Park, along with a recent Howard grad who has brought chess operations to the club). We have been previously featured in the NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, the Washington Post, National Geographic, and Apple.
For those that would like to support the club we welcome donations here:
https://gofund.me/13bff95c
.
All donations will be used to defray the cost of the move and help ensure that our organization can remain in DC for years to come. If you would like to be in contact to either attend our going away party or promote our event, please reach out to Jonah Gold at
jonahgold@gmail.com
or 301-467-5714.
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2025 RAMMYS: Don’t Wait—Self-Nominate Today!
It’s your time to shine! Nominations are now open for the 43rd Annual RAMMYS Awards across 19 prestigious categories.
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Celebrate Excellence
– From Best New Restaurant to Fast Casual Restaurant of the Year, to Chef of the Year, this is your chance to be recognized among the best in the industry.
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Put Yourself in the Running!
– No one knows your restaurant’s hard work and achievements better than you. Self-nominations are welcomed, encouraged, and the best way to ensure your success is recognized. Don’t wait—
submit your nomination
by Feb. 28. Finalists Announced in April. Winners Revealed Aug. 3 – Save the date for the industry’s biggest night at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
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Boost Your Visibility
– Restaurant and Allied Members, take advantage of
sponsorship opportunities
to showcase your brand.
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Nominate today and claim your moment in the spotlight!
Tuesday: Free Wage Modeling Workshop Returns
RAMW's popular wage modeling series returns 2 pm Tuesday to help restaurants balance their books as this year’s tipped wage increases from $10 to $12 on July 1. Effective compensation structures amid this year's scheduled tipped wage increases.
Don’t Miss This Panel of Industry Experts:
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Director of Business Development
Kathy Ogilvie
at PNI HCM.
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Employment and Labor Attorney
Joy Einstein
, Partner at Shulman Rogers.
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Matt Hetrick
, President of Hospitality and Restaurant Accounting FirmHarmony Group.
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Attorney
Dan Koffman
from The Veritas Law Firm.
Sign-Up Today: The free online workshop is 2 pm Tuesday.
Register now
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Wednesday: Immigration Roundtable with Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs
As federal immigration policies continue to shift, join key DC agency leaders at 2 pm Wednesday for an essential discussion on protecting your business and supporting your workforce in this rapidly changing landscape.
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Ask Your Questions:
Following January’s informational webinars, the focus of this roundtable will be a Q&A to ask your questions directly to local officials.
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Featuring: Jackie Reyes-Yanes
, Director of Mayor's Office of Community Affairs;
Eduardo Perdomo
, Executive Director of Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs;
Aly Kaba
, Executive Director of Mayor's Office on African Affairs;
Natalee Snider
, Executive Director of Mayor's Office on Caribbean Community Affairs;
Ben de Guzman
, Executive Director of Mayor's Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs;
Salima Khalid
, Associate Director of Mayor's Office of Nightlife and Culture
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Don't Miss This:
The webinar will be at 2 pm on Feb. 19 over Zoom.
Register today
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Join Us for Broker Business Connect - DACA Changes
Representatives from DC Health Link will discuss health insurance coverage changes affecting Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
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Questions, Questions:
There will be a Q&A Session with Spanish translation.
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Zoom in:
Business owners and employees are encouraged to attend via Zoom 9:30 to 10 am, Tuesday, Feb. 18.
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Be there:
Register Now
Distilled Together Coalition Reception
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States is excited to invite RAMW members to the first-ever Distilled Together Coalition Reception at the 2025 DISCUS Conference!
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Why It Matters:
This is a unique opportunity for RAMW restaurant members to:
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Connect with brands:
Meet and network with minority-owned craft distilleries and spirits brands, discovering innovative products and potential partnerships for your restaurant.
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Engage with policymakers:
Build relationships with key decision-makers shaping policies that impact the hospitality industry.
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Don’t Miss It:
The reception will be at 7 pm on Mar. 26. at the DISCUS Caucus Cocktail Bar, located at 101 Constitution Ave. NW.
Register now
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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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Free ServSafe & TWWF Training Through September 2025
DC restaurants and hospitality businesses can access free TWWF and ServSafe food safety and alcohol manager training as part of a program funded through the District of Columbia Executive Office of the Mayor - Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development.
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What's Covered:
ServSafe Food and Alcohol Manager certifications, technical assistance workshops, and online Tipped Wage Worker Anti-Harassment training.
Learn more and register here
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WMATA Riders' Advisory Council Wants Your Feedback
Each year the council highlights some of the challenges in the rider experience and solicits solutions from riders.
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Share Your Thoughts:
Tell the advisory council how to improve the system and better serve our community
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How Long is the Survey?
There are only a few questions and should take no more than 5 minutes to finish.
Complete the survey
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Your Weekly Small Business Workshop Calendar is Here!
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The Coalition is committed to strengthening and connecting the small business ecosystem in the District, serving as a community quarterback that collaborates across small business support organizations and entities to enhance funding, support services, resources, and information for small businesses in DC.
The DCSmallBizHelp workshop calendar is designed to connect entrepreneurs and small business owners in DC with local trainings, workshops, and other events that work to provide networking, education, and capacity building for small businesses.
Download the Full Calendar
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Small Business Support Working Group
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Thursday, February 13; 1:00pm via Zoom
Agenda:
Review the Coalition's preliminary 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
Discuss messaging for the budget hearing
Click here
to join the meeting.
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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.
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Free Webinar: Navigating Cash Flow on February 18th
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February 18; 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Learn the basics of balancing cash flow and how to apply best practices to your own business. Designed for business owners and startups at every phase, this course is for people of all skill levels.
Register here
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Free Webinar: Borrowing for Small Businesses
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Wednesday, February 26; 12pm
This session will help you understand your business’s financing options and put you in the best position to get the funding your business needs. You’ll learn why businesses borrow, where to turn for funding and how the lending process works to get you to a smoother, smarter and, often, more successful outcome.
Register here
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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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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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Webinar: Business Foundation Series: The Business Model Canvas
February 13; 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
More info and Register
Business Diagnostic Check - In Person Wednesday’s - Sycamore and Oak
February 19; 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
More info and Register
Webinar: Business Foundation Series: The Lean Business Plan
February 27; 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
More info and Register
SBRC One-On-One Call Session: Steps to Obtaining a Business License
Monday – Friday; By appointment between 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Register:
dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events
SBRC One-on-One Call Session: "Talk Business After Hours"
Wednesdays by appointment between 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Register:
dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events
Business Diagnostic Check - In Person Wednesday’s
Wednesdays by appointment between 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Register:
dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events
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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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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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