Access Point is an online learning platform that helps small businesses across DC grow and thrive. Main Street program staff are champions of providing targeted and comprehensive one-on-one technical assistance, learning sessions, and business needs workshops to the small businesses within their designated corridors. On the platform, entrepreneurs can learn about financial literacy, digital marketing, ecommerce, government compliance, real estate law, etc.

DCCH helps residents navigate the business journey through their free 10-week Startup Saturday Entrepreneurship classes, designed to help you get your business moving forward from idea into generating revenue.

The DCRA Small Business Resource Center (SBRC) staff provides one-on-one assistance with navigating through the process of starting a business. Sessions are held via phone or video conference. You will gain in-depth knoweldge of the regulatory process, registering with corporations (i.e. Limited Liability Company, Corporations, Non-Profit, etc.) and the basic steps of obtaining a business license. Additionally, you will receive assistance with the zoning application process (i.e. Certificate of Occupancy and/or Home Occupancy Permit).

BGV Connect. The BGV Connect Incubator is dedicated to the Black Girl Ventures' mission to accelerate 100,000 women to economic advancement via community, education, and leadership. The BGV Connect Incubator is for Black/Brown women-identifying entrepreneurs and business leaders who are innovating and dedicated to leveling up their vision, idea, or business. Perks of membership include peer mentoring, business referrals, funding opportunities, networking opportunities, feedback sesssions, etc.

BGV Pitch. BGV coaches entrepreneurs, hosts a live crowdfunded pitch competition, then connects them to a community and professionals to support them on their journey.

Resource Name: Access to Quality Child Care Grant. The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) has partnered with the Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF) to administer the Access to Quality Child Care Grant. The Access to Quality Child Care Grant aims to increase the supply of child care services for infants and toddlers, which may include establishing new or expanding child development facilities serving infants and toddlers.

Become registered as a CBE through DSLBD. DSLBD also offers one-on-one counseling for businesses interested in learning more about the application process or receiving other assistance with the CBE program.

DSLBD is proud to partner with the DC Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Howard University to help connect DC-based businesses and entrepreneurs to free counseling and technical assistance.
As businesses are working hard to pivot, survive, recover, and thrive, free technical assistance and counseling can help support developing recovery and resiliency planning."

DSLBD joined forces with Kiva, a nonprofit worldwide microlender, to offer DC businesses and DC resident entrepreneurs no-barrier, favorable term crowdfunding loans to help them open, operate, pivot and grow their business in the District of Columbia.

DC PTAC 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, they are available to help. At the DC PTAC, businesses get help with strategies to pursue state, local and federal government contracts.