DC Department of Small and Local Business Development

02/04/2026

📗 The FY26 Greenbook Is Coming!!📗

Join Mayor Bowser next week for the FY26 Greenbook Launch, marking 12 years of connecting DC small businesses to contracting and procurement opportunities across the District. 📈

As the District’s official guide to upcoming government contracting opportunities, the Greenbook continues to advance inclusive economic growth by increasing transparency, expanding access for Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs), and ensuring local businesses are positioned to compete and succeed.

📅 Monday, February 9, 2026
🕚 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Capital One Arena — 601 F Street NW

Mayor Bowser will be joined by the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development and other District leaders to reflect on the Greenbook’s legacy and share what’s ahead for DC businesses in FY26.

➡️ To register and learn more visit: DSLBD.dc.gov/greenbook

01/13/2026

Did you apply yet? Countdown: 1 week left to apply for the Robust Retail Citywide Grant! ⏳💰

DC-based brick-and-mortar retail businesses still have time to apply for up to $10,000 in reimbursement funding to support essential operating costs, maintain business stability, and continue anchoring our commercial corridors.

This opportunity is offered as a reimbursement grant and awarded via lottery to eligible DC retail businesses that complete all application requirements by the deadline.

📌Applications close January 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM

Don’t wait! ⏰➡️ Apply today: https://dslbd.dc.gov/robustretailgrant

Are you a DC-based retail business looking for financial support? Apply for a Robust Retail Grant today!💰

We are now accepting applications for the Robust Retail Citywide Grant program, offering timely support DC’s small and local retail businesses.

Eligible brick-and-mortar retailers can receive up to $10,000 in reimbursement funding to help cover essential operational costs, maintain viability, and continue anchoring DC’s commercial corridors.

This program is a reimbursement grant, awarded via lottery to eligible DC retail businesses that complete all requirements by the deadline. Don't miss your opportunity to secure funds for your business this holiday season. Apply now!

Have questions? The next information session is happening on January 6, 2026 at 1:00 PM. To register, visit our website.

🗓 Applications are due by January 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
To learn more and apply, visit: dslbd.dc.gov/robustretailgrant

01/13/2026

Ready to take your business to the next level in 2026? 📈

DSLBD is proud to introduce our new Lunch & Learn Series as part of our Small Biz Assist technical services. Lunch & Learn sessions are dedicated in-person workshops designed to give DC entrepreneurs practical insights, tools, and resources they can immediately apply to their business. Each session will feature a new guest speaker highlighting programs and opportunities to help businesses grow, scale, and stay competitive.

Join us tomorrow for our first Lunch & Learn featuring the DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking where attendees will learn about financial programs and resources available to support small business owners.

📆 Wednesday, January 14, 2026
📍 Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library—901 G Street NW Washington, DC 20001
⏰ 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Come learn, connect, and keep your business moving forward. To learn more, visit dslbd.dc.gov/smallbizassist

12/16/2025

Are you a DC-based retail business looking for financial support? Apply for a Robust Retail Grant today!💰

We are now accepting applications for the Robust Retail Citywide Grant program, offering timely support DC’s small and local retail businesses.

Eligible brick-and-mortar retailers can receive up to $10,000 in reimbursement funding to help cover essential operational costs, maintain viability, and continue anchoring DC’s commercial corridors.

This program is a reimbursement grant, awarded via lottery to eligible DC retail businesses that complete all requirements by the deadline. Don't miss your opportunity to secure funds for your business this holiday season. Apply now!

Have questions? The next information session is happening on January 6, 2026 at 1:00 PM. To register, visit our website.

🗓 Applications are due by January 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
To learn more and apply, visit: dslbd.dc.gov/robustretailgrant

10/02/2025

📣📅 Save the Date: District Connect 2025

New Fiscal Year, New Opportunities! Mark your calendars for District Connect 2025 —DSLBD’s premier annual small business expo designed to empower DC Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs) and local businesses.

Join us on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM at The Catholic University of America —for a day filled with knowledge, networking, and opportunities that can transform your business journey. Connect with decision-makers, learn from experts, and discover the tools you need to thrive. 📈

✨Event Highlights include:
✅Access to contracting and capital opportunities
✅Expert panel discussions and interactive workshops
✅A vibrant exhibit hall featuring government agencies and local organizations
✅Personalized matchmaking consultations with decision-makers

Don’t miss this chance to elevate your business to new heights and take the next step toward entrepreneurial success in the heart of the nation’s capital. 🫱🏼‍🫲🏾

🔗 Register today: dslbd.dc.gov/districtconnect

09/24/2025

Calling all CBEs and DC businesses! 🗣️

We’re excited to support the Black Blockchain Summit 2025 happening September 26–27 at Howard University! 🎉

Since 2018, this summit has grown into one of the world’s leading gatherings for blockchain and Web 3.0, bringing together thousands of participants, innovators, and industry leaders from across the globe.

DSLBD is proud to stand alongside partners who are advancing tech innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity right here in the District. 💡✨

📍 Howard University, Washington, DC

To learn more and register, visit: https://blackblockchainsummit.com

07/22/2025

📢🚨Deadline Extended! Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs), you now have until TOMORROW, 7/23 at 11:59 PM EST to apply for the Pitch Cohort.

Up to $10K in funding, plus coaching + exposure to grow your sustainable business.

Apply now: bit.ly/CBEGreenPitch2025

05/13/2025

LAST CALL 🗣️ Applications are due by tomorrow, 5/14 at 2 PM EST 📌

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make your business dreams a reality with the Dream Accelerator Program this year! 🌟

➡️ Apply now: dslbd.dc.gov/dreampitch

Calling all Ward 7 & 8 entrepreneurs to the front — your dream deserves the spotlight! 🎙️🌟

DSLBD is proud to announce that applications are now open for our 2025 Dream Accelerator Program — an 8-week business training experience created to help microbusinesses grow and thrive east of the river.

Eligible participants can receive up to $7,500 at the completion of the program, along with expert-led support in marketing & branding, financial planning, business operations, and mentorship & community building.

Apply by May 14, 2025 at 2 PM. Have questions? Email [email protected] or sign up for an upcoming info session via our website.

Link in bio! 🔗 To learn more and apply, visit: https://dslbd.dc.gov/dreampitch

Are you ready to level up and turn your dreams into reality? 📈 Apply today!

Tag a Ward 7 or Ward 8 Dream Alumni business below and show your support! 💙

05/05/2025

Today marks the official start of DC Small Business Week 2025. 🎉🎊📈💼

In recognition of National Small Business Week, the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) is proud to lead the District’s celebration from May 5–10, highlighting the vital role small businesses play in fueling economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening communities across all eight wards.

This week, DSLBD is hosting a series of events designed to support, elevate, and connect DC-based businesses at every stage of growth.

Mayor Bowser has made small and local business development a top priority, and through DSLBD, the District continues to invest in the tools and resources that help entrepreneurs launch, grow, and thrive.

In partnership with DC Public Library , we invite all DC-based businesses to join us for our signature event — the DSLBD Open House & Pitch Competition — happening Wednesday, May 7, from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM at the MLK Jr. Memorial Library — 901 G Street NW.

This full-day event includes live pitch competitions, hands-on technical assistance, business workshops, and direct access to resource partners.

Whether you’re starting, scaling, or repositioning your business, DC Small Business Week is your opportunity to connect with the people, programs, and information that move your business forward. ⏩

🔗➡️ To explore what’s happening this week and to register for the DSLBD Open House visit our website at: dslbd.dc.gov/dcsmallbusinessweek

04/29/2025

📣 DC Small Business Week 2025 is almost here! Join the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) from May 5–10 as we proudly celebrate National Small Business Week and the entrepreneurs who power DC’s economy.

As part of this celebration, DSLBD invites you to our signature event — the Open House & Pitch Competition — on Wednesday, May 7 at 9:30 AM at the MLK Jr. Memorial Library (901 G Street NW).

🎯 This year’s theme is “The Ease of Doing Business” — a commitment to removing barriers and ensuring DC entrepreneurs have streamlined access to the resources they need to grow and succeed.

Join us for a dynamic day of direct support, opportunity, and connection, including:

✅ Live pitches from Dream Aspire alumni, CBEs, and Made in DC entrepreneurs competing for $2,500 in growth funding 💰
✅ Receive 1:1 technical assistance from DLCP, OTR, DSLBD’s CBE program and more
✅ Workshops on Clean Hands, FR-500, and access to capital, How to Become CBE Certified and contract bonding
✅ Greenbook live demos, networking with the DSLBD leadership team and regional partners

📌 Whether you’re launching, scaling, or repositioning your business — this event connects you to the people, programs, and opportunities designed to help you succeed.

🔗 Register now via our website.
🌐 For the full DC Small Business Week schedule, visit: dslbd.dc.gov/dcsmallbusinessweek

Let’s build momentum together — and take your business to the next level. 📈 Tag a DC business owner and tell them to come out! ⬇️

04/24/2025

Calling all Ward 7 & 8 entrepreneurs to the front — your dream deserves the spotlight! 🎙️🌟

DSLBD is proud to announce that applications are now open for our 2025 Dream Accelerator Program — an 8-week business training experience created to help microbusinesses grow and thrive east of the river.

Eligible participants can receive up to $7,500 at the completion of the program, along with expert-led support in marketing & branding, financial planning, business operations, and mentorship & community building.

Apply by May 14, 2025 at 2 PM. Have questions? Email [email protected] or sign up for an upcoming info session via our website.

Link in bio! 🔗 To learn more and apply, visit: https://dslbd.dc.gov/dreampitch

Are you ready to level up and turn your dreams into reality? 📈 Apply today!

Tag a Ward 7 or Ward 8 Dream Alumni business below and show your support! 💙

04/22/2025

— DSLBD had the privilege of attending last week’s WDCEP Annual Meeting, where the message was clear—DC’s comeback is real, and small and local businesses play a critical role in that progress.

Thank you to Deputy Mayor Nina Albert for the powerful reminder that DC’s resilience and growth are driven by intentional investment and collaboration. And thank you to Mayor Bowser for her bold vision to ensure the District remains a place where local businesses can grow and succeed.

We’re grateful to Washington DC Economic Partnership for hosting this impactful event and for continuing to highlight the importance of small business in shaping DC’s economic future.