Doing Business in the District of Columbia
Below is a listing of resources for Takoma DC Businesses which include government links, approved Certified Business Enterprises (CBE's), local Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners, and other business resources to help our Old Takoma Businesses thrive.
District of Columbia Government Links
DC Department of Small and Local Business Development
Licenses and Permits - DCRA site detyailing various permits and licenses needed to do business in DC.
Business Planning in DC - This online guide helps you take the next step toward business ownership. It walks you through the process—from deciding your company's legal structure, to developing a business and marketing plan, to registering your business in DC.
Counseling, Training & Mentoring - These government agencies, quasi-government entities, and private organizations offer training that is useful to the business and nonprofit community. Some training is free, while other training requires payment. Training varies in length from a single session to a series of seminars over several weeks. Topics include business planning, computer skills, management, marketing, and bookkeeping.
Local Advisory Neighborhood Commission
The Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANC) consider a wide range of policies and programs affecting their neighborhoods, including traffic, parking, recreation, street improvements, liquor licenses, zoning, economic development, police protection, sanitation and trash collection and the District's annual budget.
Ward 4B ANC Contact Infomation and upcoming ANC Meetings in Ward 4B
Certified Business Enterprise Links
CBE Business Center - Introduction and Overview
CBE Searchable Database The Department of Small and Local Business Development maintains a database of all certified local, small, and disadvantaged business enterprises.
Green Business Info
DC's Department of the Environment has a number of Green Inititatives that enhance both residents and business owners living in the District of Columbia. Their website has a number of links on Hot Topics, Information and DDOE Services to help Green Our City
Grant Information Links
DC Office of Partnership and Grants
Ward 4 Storefront Improvement Program
Business owners can apply for services to improve the appearance of their storefronts, including signs, awnings, lighting, etc. Contact Phyllis Love, DSLBD, at Phyllis.love@dc.gov or 202-727-3900.
Search
Attend a Main Street Committee meeting & help your Main Street!
We have four standing committees:
- Design, which works on the physical appearance of the area;
- Economic Restructuring, which focuses on business retention and recruitment;
- Promotions, which seeks to highlight local businesses to the broader Washington area, as well as create events and activities that bring people to Old Takoma;
- Organization, which provides the structure for the whole organization and the work of the other committees.
All committee meetings are held monthly. Please check the committee page for more info.