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MBL Forms, Neighborhood Plans, EITC, & DC Marketing Center and SBA Guides
1. Master Business License Forms Available Online Businesses and nonprofits can download Master Business License (MBL) documents from the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) website. Businesses may complete many licenses entirely online. Alternatively, they may download, print, and complete MBL-related applications, forms, and instructions in paper format. The following documents are available online:
Visit the Master Business License website to complete applications online. For questions about the MBL, contact DCRA at mbl.infocenter@dc.gov or by phone at (202) 442-4311. Businesses can pick up applications in person at the Business License Center located at 941 North Capitol Street, NE. Customer service hours for phone and in-person inquiries are Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:15 pm.
2. Neighborhood Plans Can Aid Market Research Strategic Neighborhood Action Plans (SNAPs) for all 39 neighborhood clusters in the District of Columbia were released in October by the Office of Neighborhood Action and the Office of Planning. The SNAPs incorporate input from residents, businesses, and leaders that participated in extensive meetings in each neighborhood of the city. SNAP commitments from District agencies are detailed in the Citywide Strategic Plan (CWSP), which also includes citizen input from the city's Citizen Summit. The District will achieve each objective in these plans by the end of fiscal year 2004. Businesses and nonprofits can use the SNAPs and CWSP to research neighborhoods where they currently operate or are considering expansion. Each SNAP contains:
Visit Citywide Strategic Plan to read about and download the CWSP and SNAPs. For more information about Neighborhood Action visit the Neighborhood Action website or call (202) 727-2822. To order an individual SNAP for a neighborhood cluster, call the Office of Planning at (202) 442-7600.
3. EITC Helps Businesses Boost Employee Paychecks Businesses can help low- and moderate-income families put extra cash in their pockets at tax time by distributing information about the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC is a tax provision that allows workers earning below $34,178 to reduce their taxes or even obtain a refund. Families with two or more children can receive up to $5,000! The EITC provides an important income boost to low- and moderate-income workers, and it adds millions of dollars to the local economy. EITC outreach for the upcoming tax season should begin in January 2003 and can continue through April 15. DC and Maryland residents can claim the EITC on both their federal return and their Maryland or DC tax return. Virginia residents can claim the EITC on their federal return only. Businesses can promote the EITC by sharing information with their employees and, if appropriate, with their customers. The DC EITC Campaign has prepared fliers, posters, and other materials that businesses can include with paychecks or when W-2s are distributed. These materials can be accessed at the DC EITC Campaign website or by contacting Phyllis Campbell Newsome at phyllisc@wcanonprofits.org or (202) 457-0540.
4. DC Marketing Center Publishes Development and Start-Up Guides The Washington, DC Marketing Center has two new guides that illustrate why the District is a great place to start or operate a business. Development in the District of Columbia: A Reference Guide is about the District's economy and major projects. The 64-page book highlights top development projects in major market segments including office, retail, residential, hospitality/tourism, and education. To order copies, contact Marie Ruffin at mruffin@dcmarketingcenter.com or (202) 638-7333. The Starting Your Business in Washington, DC guide was developed by the Marketing Center and the Georgia Avenue Business Resource Center (GABRC). The user-friendly guide describes the step-by-step process for starting a new business in the District. It also connects businesses with the District's valuable business resources. To order copies, contact Lily Qi at lqi@dcmarketingcenter.com or (202) 638-7332 or Telaekah Brooks of GABRC at telaekah@aol.com or (202) 545-0220.
5. Resource Guide Details SBA Activities The Strategic Plan and Resource Guide recently published by the local Small Business Administration (SBA) office delivers a comprehensive overview of SBA programs, services, and staff. Businesses can access directories of SBA participating lenders and SBA District Office staff. The nearly 50-page guide contains detailed descriptions of the four key programs conducted by the SBA's Washington Metropolitan Area District Office. They are:
The guide features the following articles:
Businesses can request a copy of this publication by contacting Larita Glenn at (202) 606-4000 ext. 220 or Larita.Glenn@sba.gov by email.
6. DC Business Tools Available
Submit Feedback to brc.alert@dc.gov
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