BRC Alert

Volume 1, Issue 7, September 1, 2002

License Deadline, Resources, Trade, & Minority Conference

1. Reminder: Master Business License Deadline Extended
2. DC Marketing Center Offers Development Resources
3. DC and Chamber Launch International Business Development Office
4. Minority Business Conference to be Held in DC
5. DC Business Tools Available

1. Reminder: Master Business License Deadline Extended

The DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) announced that the Master Business License (MBL) grace period has been extended for businesses that meet certain criteria. To learn more about the extension, read the press release.

Read information about the expedited Home Occupation Permit mentioned in the DCRA announcement.

For more information on the Master Business License program, contact the MBL Call Center at (202) 442-4311, or go to MBL.

2. DC Marketing Center Offers Development Resources

The Washington, DC Marketing Center serves as a first point-of-contact for businesses in the District of Columbia.

The Marketing Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to facilitating economic development in the District of Columbia, focusing its efforts across four areas:

• Office/Commercial Retention and Attraction
• Retail Attraction
• Research and Information Dissemination
• Marketing

The Marketing Center helps businesses establish or expand their presence in DC. It:

• Provides insightful information on the District's market potential, amenities and government incentives
• Connects businesses with real estate representatives
• Acts as a liaison between the business community and the District government

For more information, please visit the Washington, DC Marketing Center or call (202) 638-7333.

3. DC and Chamber Launch International Business Development Office

DC-based small, disadvantaged, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses are invited to use the services of the recently launched International Business Development Office (IBDO). The IBDO is an initiative of the government of the District of Columbia and the DC Chamber of Commerce.

The goal of the IBDO is to promote greater inclusion of Washington, DC firms in international procurements and in international business. Its programs will position District-based firms to increase their participation in global market opportunities by having access to better information, technical assistance, and advocacy.

Businesses should call IBDO for import and export resources, to obtain trade leads, and to join the IBDO. Businesses can also contact the IBDO by email at info@dc-ibdo.com or by phone at (202) 332-5137.

4. Minority Business Conference to be Held in DC

The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) has scheduled its national Minority Enterprise Development Week (MED Week) conference for September 24-27 in Washington, DC.

MBDA, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the only Federal agency created specifically to foster the establishment and growth of minority-owned businesses in America.

The conference will feature a Business Expo, Franchising Forum, and workshops. Recommendations regarding small business access to capital will be presented on September 27th during the "Access To Capital Forum: A Perspective on the Road Ahead."

For more information call (877) 633-9335.

5. DC Business Tools Available

• Business Resource Center
• Basic Business License
  or call (202) 442-4311
• Electronic Taxpayer Service Center
  or call (202) 727-4TAX
• DC Business Connections
  or call (202) 661-8677
• Economic Development Map
  or call (202) 727-6365
• NET 2000 Tax Calculator
  or call (202) 727-6365
• Citizen Service Requests
  or call (202) 727-1000

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