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BRC Bulletin Volume 4, Issue 5, May 10, 2005

Certified Capital Companies, DC Initiatives Seminar, reSTORE DC, DC Sustainable Business Network, HUD NOFA, Office of Partnerships and Grants

  1. Mayor Anthony Williams Introduces Three New DC Venture Capital Funds
  2. DC Initiatives Seminar
  3. reSTORE DC Adds Three New Resources to Website
  4. The Washington DC Sustainable Business Network (DCSBN) Spring Symposium
  5. US Department of Housing and Urban Development Announces NOFA
  6. Strengthening Partners Initiative (SPI) Applications Now Available
  7. Mayor's Office of Partnerships and Grants Development Has Moved

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1. Mayor Anthony Williams Introduces Three New DC Venture Capital Funds

On May 17, Mayor Anthony Williams will kick off the DC Certified Capitol Company Program. The DC CAPCO Program was proposed by Mayor Williams and enacted in 2004 by DC Council. Through CAPCO, insurance companies are provided with a DC tax credit against their premium taxes in exchange for making available $50 million in long-term equity (and debt) for new or expanding small businesses based in DC. Three initial funds will be managed by professional venture capitalists, and will stimulate the creation of high-wage jobs, as well as provide an incentive to retain, expand and attract business to DC.

The CAPCO model combines private-sector expertise in identifying, evaluating and financing businesses with the public sector's interest in a stronger local economy. The three fund managers will consider investments in a wide range of small and emerging businesses.

In addition to a product or service with good potential, a sound business strategy and capable management, companies interested in applying for CAPCO investment must meet the following requirements:

  • Capital needs of $100,000 or more
  • Company headquarters must be located within the District of Columbia
  • 75 percent of the company's employees must work in the District
  • 25 percent of the company's employees must reside within the District
  • The business also must qualify under the US Small Business Administration's requirements for SBA loan applicants

This event will take place at 6:30 pm in the 1st Floor Auditorium of 441 4th Street (One Judiciary Square). To RSVP, call (202) 727-2241. Visit the CAPCO website on DC's Business Resource Center to learn more about this new opportunity for DC businesses.

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2. DC Initiatives Seminar

On Wednesday, May 18, 2005 the Washington, DC Marketing Center, in conjunction with the Office of the Deputy Mayor of Planning and Economic Development, will present a seminar on DC Initiatives: Great Streets Initiatives, New Communities Initiatives and Neighborhood Development Opportunities.

There are approximately 30 major corridors, which pass through neighborhoods in the District and offer an opportunity to showcase the diverse and unique qualities of life in the District. While land conditions in certain corridors are well maintained and attractive, others are in need of visible improvement. The Great Streets Initiative is designed to implement completed and approved plans that highlight new opportunities to invest in physical development and public realm improvements along the District major corridors

While the Great Streets Initiative looks to improve the appearance of District neighborhood corridors, the Washington, DC Marketing Center looks to attract business to those areas.

This event will mark the release of the Marketing Center's latest publication, Neighborhood Retail Opportunities. The guide serves as an outline to the millions of dollars in retail development being invested in the District by retailers such as Home Depot, Ann Taylor, Best Buy, Crate & Barrel, H&M, Borders Books and many more. However, the primary focus of the guide will be to showcase DC's 145 available retail sites, especially those in the neighborhood commercial corridors.

The event is open to the public but space is limited. The cost for this event is $30. Those interested in retail development and opportunities, neighborhood investment opportunities and the development of the city's commercial corridors are encouraged to attend.

This event will take place on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 from 8 to 10:30 am at Atlantic Video at 650 Massachusetts Avenue. To RSVP, email rsvp@dcmarketingcenter.com or call (202) 661-8670.

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3. reSTORE DC Adds Three New Resources to Website

reSTORE DC, DC's neighborhood commercial revitalization initiative, has recently added significant new resources to its website. Updates include information about:

  1. Technical Assistance: reSTORE DC provides comprehensive technical assistance to facilitate revitalization of DC's neighborhood businesses and business districts. The 'Technical Assistance' page (follow the navigation link on the left side of the page) describes the full range of assistance available to neighborhoods business districts and access to more detailed web resources on:
    • Business retention and development
    • Business improvement districts
    • Cleaning, greening and safety of commercial districts
    • Historic preservation resources in DC
    • Information on reSTORE DC's Commercial District Technical Assistance Program is also available through this page.
  2. Property Development: This page provides information on resources to assist with commercial property acquisition and development, through the SBA 504 loan program and a retail micro-loan program available from the Latino Economic Development Corporation.
  3. Small Business: The Enhanced Business Information Center (e-BIC) has identified key financing and technical resources for small businesses in DC–see the reSTORE DC 'Small Business' page to access this list.

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4. The Washington DC Sustainable Business Network (DCSBN) Spring Symposium

DCSBN announces its spring symposium, "Charting the Future: Sustainable Strategies Benefiting Business and Community." The seminar will be held on June 10, 2005, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, at George Washington University's Marvin Center.

At the Symposium, experts will share examples of green design/energy, values-based leadership, public-private partnerships and community engagement that create winning strategies, benefit local communities and increase business revenue. The Symposium will also provide an opportunity for leaders from business, academia, government and the nonprofit sector to exchange ideas and explore ways to collaborate for mutual benefit. RSVP to events@dcsbn.org or register online at dcsbn.org.

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5. US Department of Housing and Urban Development Announces NOFA

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released its consolidated SuperNOFA last month. Funding announcements for over 50 programs, worth a total of $2.26 billion, are available to help produce more affordable housing, assist homeless individuals and families and promote community development.

With the exception of the Continuum of Care homeless assistance programs, HUD now requires all applicants to submit their funding requests electronically. This electronic submission process is part of the president's management agenda and will significantly streamline funding for states, local governments and nonprofit grassroots organizations that house and serve lower income families living in their communities.

Each program covered by the SuperNOFA has its own eligibility, deadline and application requirements. Program areas include:

  • Community Development Technical Assistance
  • University and College Programs
  • Student Research and Study
  • Fair Housing Initiatives
  • Housing Counseling
  • Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control
  • Economic Development
  • Public Housing Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency
  • Targeted Housing and Homeless Assistance

Note that many of these grant programs are subject to "Intergovernmental Review" under Executive Order 12372. For more information, call 1 (800) HUD-8929 or visit HUD's website. The Mayor's Office of Partnerships and Grants Development maintains an "at-a-glance" chart of opportunities for District of Columbia government agencies and nonprofit organizations.

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6. Strengthening Partners Initiative (SPI) Applications Now Available

The Mayor's Office of Partnerships and Grants Development (OPGD) announces that applications are now available for its 2005-2006 Strengthening Partners Initiative (SPI) class. SPI is a free training opportunity for emerging nonprofit and faith-based organizations. The one-year program is designed to help nonprofit professionals move their organizations to the next level of operations and service-delivery.

Executive directors (or equivalent positions) from organizations located and providing direct services in DC may apply if the following conditions are met: incorporated in DC; 501(c)(3) status from the IRS; annual budget under $500,000; desires professional and organizational growth; and has strong commitment to complete the 12-month program and attendance requirements.

The deadline for applications is June 30, 2005, at 5 pm. Applications may be obtained on the OPGD website. For further information, contact OPGD at (202) 727-8900.

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7. Mayor's Office of Partnerships and Grants Development Has Moved

The Mayor's Office of Partnerships and Grants Development has moved to the 11th Floor of Judiciary Square. The new office is in Suite 1130 North. Other than the suite number, all contact information for the office will remain the same:

Office of Partnerships and Grants Development
Executive Office of the Mayor
One Judiciary Square
441 4th Street, NW, Suite 1130 North
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 727-8900
Fax: (202) 727-6518

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