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Contracting, Publications, Loans, Nonprofits, Metro, & Award
The DC Office of Contracting and Procurement (OCP) and Office of Local Business Development (OLBD) will hold monthly office hours at the e-BIC to provide small business entrepreneurs with information about selling to the DC government. OCP will answer questions about selling products and services to DC, and OLBD will answer questions about applying for LSDBE (Local, Small, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) Certification. The next session is January 14, 2003 from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. The Enhanced Business Information Center (e-BIC) is located in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library at 901 G Street, NW across the street from the Gallery Place Metro and two blocks from Metro Center. Sign up for this and future question-and-answer sessions by calling (202) 727-2241. Walk-in clients will be accepted, space permitting. Read about the e-BIC and other training events.
2. Marketing Center Releases New Publications The Washington, DC Marketing Center released the 2003 Guide to Development in the District of Columbia and a new publication titled DC by the Numbers. The 2003 Guide to Development is a comprehensive reference of more than 650 projects that represent roughly $27 billion in construction activity in the District. The book features highlights of approximately 80 projects representing office, retail, residential, educational and hospitality-related developments. DC by the Numbers is a compilation of information collected by the DC Research Information Group. This statistical index provides a comprehensive overview of the District's economy and trends. Copies of both publications are available for free at the Marketing Center's offices at 1213 K Street, NW, or you can receive copies via mail by sending $10.00 to the Marketing Center to cover the cost of shipping and handling. For more information regarding these or other Marketing Center publications, call (202) 638-7333.
3. New Guide Highlights Golden Triangle's Restaurants, Retail, & Services The Golden Triangle Business Improvement District (BID) has released new publications including the 2004 Retail & Service Guide. The Guide features a comprehensive listing of over 750 restaurants, retail outlets, and service providers located within the 42 blocks of the BID. A map of the BID is included in the publication. As one of four BIDs in the District of Columbia, the Golden Triangle is bounded by the south side of Dupont Circle, 21st Street to the west, Pennsylvania Avenue on the south over to the west side of 16th Street, NW. Obtain the Guide or other BID updates such as newsletters in the Publications section of the BID's website. For your copy, questions, or to find out about the publications please write to feedback@gtbid.com or call (202) 463-3400. Visit the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District.
4. SBA Enables Businesses to Purchase or Renovate Capital Assets The US Small Business Administration's (SBA) 504 loan program helps small businesses finance the acquisition and/or renovation of capital assets including land, buildings, and equipment. Small business, using 504 loans, can access to the same low-cost, fixed-rate, long-term financing large businesses have through bond markets. Benefits to small businesses include:
For more information, contact Joe Loddo, District Director for SBA's Washington Metropolitan Area District Office, by email or (202) 606-4000 ext. 200. Or, contact one of the two Certified Development Companies that service the 504 loans for District of Columbia businesses:
5. Nonprofits Invited to Attend Orientation on Grants.gov The Mayor's Office of Partnerships and Grants Development (OPGD) will host a free orientation session on the federal eGrants initiative--Grants.gov. Representatives from OPGD, the Grants.gov Office, and Dun & Bradstreet will explain this initiative and how it can assist grants development efforts. Executive directors, development specialists, grant specialists, program managers, financial managers, grant writers, and anyone involved in grants development for nonprofit organizations are encouraged to attend. The session will take place on Thursday, January 22, 2004, from 9:30 am until noon, at One Judiciary Square, 441 4th Street, NW, Suite 1107 South (Citywide Conference Center). To register, call OPGD by January 16 at (202) 727-8900. If you have questions, contact (202) 727-8900 or luisa.montero@dc.gov.
6. Strengthening Partners Initiative Participants Selected The Mayor's Office of Partnerships and Grants Development (OPGD) has selected 24 organizations for its 2003-2004 Strengthening Partners Initiative (SPI) class. SPI is a capacity building program that provides an opportunity for emerging nonprofit and faith-based organizations to attend customized training sessions, learn from nonprofit mentors, and build a new peer network. The free one-year program is available to Executive Directors from organizations located and providing direct services in the District of Columbia. Read the press release that includes the list of selected organizations.
7. Mayor Highlights 2003 Accomplishments At a December 2003 weekly press briefing, Mayor Anthony A. Williams highlighted the city's accomplishments for the past year. Economic development and jobs were two of the areas mentioned, including a reference to the reSTORE DC, the Mayor's initiative to revitalize neighborhood business districts. View the Mayor's remarks. Visit reSTORE DC.
8. Metro Announces 2004 Plans and Website Translation Service The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) announced its plans for 2004 including three new rail stations, the introduction of SmarTrip on Metrobus, and many other system-wide enhancements. View the announcement. Metro also began testing a translation service that allows website visitors to read translations of all pages, except PDF files, in Spanish, French, Chinese, Japanese, German and Korean. View the announcement.
9. DC.Gov Wins Technology Award The DC government's portal, DC.Gov, received the distinguished honor of the 2003 Grace Hopper Government Technology Leadership Award. The Academy of Technology Leadership and Government Executive magazine honored the dedicated team at the District's Office of the Chief Technology Officer responsible for the Business Resource Center (BRC) at a luncheon and in the magazine's December issue. Of 130 nominations received, the BRC was one of 12 selected to win. The BRC was recognized for: "Leadership in the innovative application of information technology that improves service to broad populations of citizens and enterprises by facilitating their transactions with government agencies." The award-winning DC portal provides District residents with important services. By visiting the BRC, users can locate information on how to start a business, apply for licenses and finance a business in the District of Columbia. A list of courses throughout the city provides users with low- and no-cost opportunities for career advancement. The Government Technology Leadership Awards recognize projects that make exceptional contributions to mission accomplishment, cost-effectiveness and service to the public. Read about other awards received by the BRC and DC.Gov.
10. DC Business Tools Available
11. View the BRC Alert Archives Previous editions of the BRC Alert newsletter feature articles for small businesses and nonprofits regarding incentives, training, licenses, procurement, commuting, emergency preparedness, and other topics. View the BRC Alert Archives.Submit Feedback to brc@dc.gov
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