District of Columbia Small Business Development Center

05/05/2026

DCSBDC State Director, Carl Brown & Denice Ware, Director, Center for Career Excellence. Two Brooklyn Tech graduates making impact with students, faculty, staff and the greater Howard University Community.

04/30/2026

04/29/2026

Ready to take your business to the next level?
DCSBDC is connecting you with FREE courses, expert guidance, and a chance to win a $10,000 grant through Verizon Small Business Digital Ready.

Sign-up Today!!!
Scan the QR code or visit https://tinyurl.com/DCSBDCVSBDRSignUp

04/27/2026

Buying a Business/Franchise & Commercial Real Estate Forum: This forum is designed to help you navigate business ownership, franchise investment, and commercial real estate opportunities.

📅 Wednesday, April 29, 2026
🕚10:00am - 1:00pm (11:00am Panel Discussion)
📍 MLK Library - Conference Room 401-A

Topics Covered:
✔️ Buying an existing business or franchise
✔️ Accessing SBA loans and seller financing
✔️ Understanding financials and valuations
✔️ The key questions to ask before you invest
✔️ How commercial real estate plays into long-term wealth

You’ll also hear from Sharon Jackson Wilder, business owner and innovator. Whether you’re just getting started, looking to invest, or ready to make a transition, this is event is for YOU.

🎟️ Free event | Registration Required
👉 https://buyingbusinessfranchisebuilding.eventbrite.com

04/24/2026

2026 HBCU Entrepreneurship Empowerment Summit
presented by Howard University & HU PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship

📅 Jun 24 - June 26
🕚 5:00 PM (June 24) - 10:00 PM (Jun 26)
📍The Westin DC Downtown (999 9th St NW)
🖱https://tinyurl.com/HUPNC2026HBCUSummit

03/26/2026

Howard University’s PNC Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition, held on March 25, 2026, at the Howard University School of Business, was a strong reminder of just how important it is to invest in student entrepreneurs early. Students showed up with their ideas, vision, and the confidence to present them. Paris Griffin stood out among a talented group of founders, taking home the $10,000 prize in the Creative & Service category.

Paris was mentored by DCSBDC State Executive Director Carl Brown, and we’re proud to have played a part in her journey. Paris is the founder of Record Highs, a cultural tourism and experiential events company creating immersive, vinyl-based listening experiences rooted in Black music history and local neighborhoods. Through its flagship Record Highs Tours, guests are guided through curated sound, storytelling, and neighborhood stops that highlight the legacy of House, Hip-Hop, R&B, and Soul.
Competitions like these matter. They give students a real opportunity to bring their ideas and vision to life.

If you’re a student with an idea, now is the time to take that next step. Learn more and sign up for services at dcsbdc.org.

03/02/2026

What do policies, funding, and partnerships mean for your business right now? The 2026 Cultivate Summit: Innovating to Meet the Moment will feature a State of the Ecosystem Expert Panel with leaders from the national and DMV business ecosystem.

📅Friday, March 27, 2026 | 8:30 AM–5:00 PM at Convene, Washington, DC

Moderated by Shannan Herbert, Chief Executive Officer of WACIF, the panel will focus on policies, funding, partnerships, and the business environment shaping our local business ecosystem. Panelists: 🔸 Jonathan Fantini-Porter, Senior Vice President, Mastercard Social Impact 🔸 John Holdsclaw IV, President & CEO, Rochdale Capital 🔸 Alicia Moran, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, PGCEDC 🔸 Rosemary Suggs-Evans, Director, DC Department of Small and Local Business Development

Through Vibe Coding, Tech Innovation workshops, and the Innovation Marketplace, you'll hear practical strategies to support sustainable business growth. The day includes breakfast and lunch, culminating with the Pivot Project Networking Reception. Secure your Early Bird discounted pricing today ($79), available only before 3/9: https://hubs.la/Q044rR6k0

01/14/2026

📣Good News! Amex Shop Small Grants Deadline Extended

The deadline to apply for the Amex Shop Small Grants Program has been extended to Friday, January 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT.

For more information or to apply, please visit: mainstreet.org/shopsmallgrant

About the Grant:
The Amex Shop Small Grants Program, in partnership with American Express®, will fund more than 500 grants of $20,000 each, empowering small businesses to grow, innovate, and support their local communities.

The Amex Shop Small Grants Program reflects the shared commitment of American Express and Main Street America to champion small businesses that strengthen communities and help local economies thrive.

01/12/2026

History

01/12/2026

We’re excited to announce $175,000 in grant funding from Wells Fargo to support Resilient Technical Assistance, an initiative designed to help retail and retail-adjacent businesses strengthen operations and scale sustainably.

Through 1:1 technical assistance, targeted programming, and leadership and marketing support, WACIF will work in partnership with Building Bridges Across the River and DC Bar Pro Bono to strengthen the local small business ecosystem - especially in DC's Wards 7 and 8.

As major developments like the 11th Street Bridge Park progress, this work ensures that long-time residents and entrepreneurs have the tools to grow, adapt, and thrive.

To learn more about WACIF partnership opportunities, visit: https://hubs.la/Q03-s6gx0