DSLBD

To support the development & economic growth of DC-based businesses, & promote economic development in DC's commercial corridors. OFFICIAL TWITTER PAGE

[DSLBD @SmallBizDC]

Join us this Thursday for the @dcnigpsocial Reverse Rodeo Trade Show. We are excited to collaborate, provide resources and answer questions for the small business community. #SmallBizDc

[DSLBD @SmallBizDC]

Congratulations to:

🏆 Merry Pin - Retailer of the Year
🏆 Drummond Projects - CBE of the Year
🏆 Fritters and Roast - Made in DC Maker of the Year

[DSLBD @SmallBizDC]

This year, we honored 3 outstanding Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs) at the DC Chamber Small Business Summit & Showcase.

These businesses continue to show the value and opportunity that comes with CBE certification through innovation and community impact.

#smallbizdc

[DSLBD @SmallBizDC]

ONE DAY LEFT! 🚨

Applications for the FY26 Made in DC Curator & Retail Innovation Grant close TOMORROW, May 13 at 2PM.

💰 Up to $25K in funding available for pop-up retail experiences supporting Made in DC businesses.

Questions? [email protected]

Apply: https://t.co/Ds76qvnqAn

[DSLBD @SmallBizDC]

Congratulations to Ronnette Meyers on being named DC’s 2026 Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration!

For 15+ years, Ronnette has led with excellence and made a lasting impact on DC’s business community.

#smallbizdc #smallbusinessweek

[DSLBD @SmallBizDC]

ICYMI: Our last info session is today at 11AM!

Join us and get your questions answered.

Register here: https://t.co/GZog1CRXQ6

[DSLBD @SmallBizDC]

Calling all DC makers!

Apply for the FY26 Made in DC Retail Innovation Grant to create pop-up retail spaces for DC makers—especially those without storefronts.

💰 Up to $25k in funding available
🗓 Deadline: May 13th at 2PM

Learn more: https://t.co/Nr9G32adMa

[District of Columbia Department of Buildings @DC_DOB]

As part of National #SmallBusinessWeek and #BuildingSafetyMonth2026, DOB has launched Helping Uplift Businesses (HUB) to help DC entrepreneurs successfully navigate the rules for establishing and maintaining a commercial property. Top things to know about the HUB:

✅ Welcomes all small businesses, especially restaurants and retailers of less than 7,500 sq. ft.

✅ Provides guidance on certificate of occupancy (C of O) and other hard to navigate rules.

✅ Is holding a workshop on May 27, 2026, from 9:30 to 11:30 am, focusing on C of Os.

Important Links:

🖥️ Read our press release: https://t.co/nKchzUV4sT

🖥️ Register for May 27 workshop: https://t.co/olB5E2pzs5

🖥️ Learn more about the HUB: https://t.co/i5AbImMaRh

[DSLBD @SmallBizDC]

Thank you to @7NewsDC for covering our first ever Small Business Week Solution Expo.

We are always looking for new ways to support the roughly 80,000 small businesses in the District.

Click below to learn more about the impact of yesterday's event.

https://t.co/cueI0krECc

[DSLBD @SmallBizDC]

Day 1 of Small Business Week was all about solutions! ✅

Our Small Business Solution Expo expanded to 2 floors packed with on-site services and resources for entrepreneurs.

Thanks to our partners for making it a success. More to come this week.

#smallbizdc #dcsmallbizweek2026

[DSLBD @SmallBizDC]

Together, at DSLBD, we will keep building a DC where small businesses don’t just start—they grow, thrive, and strengthen every community across our great city. #smallbizdc

[DSLBD @SmallBizDC]

Today, we’re proud to testify at today’s DC Council budget oversight hearing on behalf of MayorBowser and DSLBD. In FY26, we made significant strides in supporting DC’s small businesses, and we look forward to building on that progress in FY27. #GrowDC

[DSLBD @SmallBizDC]

We are investing in the next generation of DC entrepreneurs. From the DC Youth Entrepreneurship Program, to the Dream Program in Wards 7 & 8, to the Aspire Program for returning citizens—
DSLBD is opening doors and creating pathways for every Washingtonian to build here.

[DSLBD @SmallBizDC]

✅Dream Program: $500K invested

✅6,000+ returning citizens supported annually through Aspire

✅Youth entrepreneurs gaining real, hands-on experience

#smallbizdc

[DSLBD @SmallBizDC]

We are investing in the next generation of DC entrepreneurs. From the DC Youth Entrepreneurship Program, to the Dream Program in Wards 7 & 8, to the Aspire Program for returning citizens—
DSLBD is opening doors and creating pathways for every Washingtonian to build here.

[DSLBD @SmallBizDC]

Watch here: https://t.co/8EbM41lCqj

[DSLBD @SmallBizDC]

Today, we’re proud to testify at today’s DC Council budget oversight hearing on behalf of MayorBowser and DSLBD. In FY26, we made significant strides in supporting DC’s small businesses, and we look forward to building on that progress in FY27. #GrowDC

[DSLBD @SmallBizDC]

Applications close soon!

WeAspire PREP supports returning citizens and justice-involved DC residents ready to start a business—plus up to $1,500 in stipends.

🗓️ Deadline: April 30 at 2 PM
Apply now: https://t.co/yGwEMGEjsc