Guide to Small Business Resources

Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, Inc.
1729 King Street, Suite 410
Alexandria, VA 22314

Audience: Small Women/minority-owned business enterprises; Business community of Alexandria; High tech businesses; Trade and professional associations of Alexandria; International businesses

Membership: Not required

Organizational Description: The Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, Inc. (AEDP), a public/private partnership between the City of Alexandria and the business community, serves as a focal point for economic development in Alexandria. The organization works to facilitate the establishment of Alexandria as a nationally recognized community and business center. AEDP markets the City as a location for domestic and international business by providing attraction and retention solutions. The organization assists businesses and targeted industries with information regarding the availability of sites and facilities, office and retail space, access to business resources, and economic and demographic data. AEDP works closely with local, state and regional organizations to promote economic development options and programs.

 Programs:

  • Enterprise establishment and business locaton
  • Business start-up and exsiting business expansion
  • Existing business retention and outreach
  • Alexandria State Enterprise Zone program

CEO:
Stephanie Landrum (Acting)
703-739-3820

Small Business Specialist:
George N. Williams, Manager Small Business Development
703-739-3820


Alexandria Small Business Development Center
801 N. Fairfax St., # 402
Alexandria , VA 22314
(703) 778-1292


Audience: Small businesses, primarily in the City of Alexandria

Partners: Alexandria Chamber of Commerce; City of Alexandria; Virginia Commerce Bank; Wm. D. Euille & Associates; U.S. Small Business Administration; BB&T; Burke & Herbert Bank & Trust; Commerce Bank; Commonwealth One Federal Credit Union; Dominion; PNC Bank; United Central Bank; Wachovia Bank, N.A.

Membership: Not required

Organizational Description: The goal of the Alexandria Small Business Development Center is to stimulate the economy and promote new job opportunities by assisting in the development of small businesses. It is a focal point for the coordination of federal, state, local, educational and private resources to assist small businesses in Alexandria.

 Programs:

  • Cash flow assessment and management
  • Managing accounts receivable & inventory
  • Strategic planning / business planning
  • Expansion feasibility/advice
  • Financial analysis and access to capital sources
  • Business best practices
  • Operations management
  • Marketing strategies
  • Market research resources
  • Links to other businesses or business groups
  • Referrals to attorneys, accountants and other business professionals
  • Tax / regulatory compliance guidelines
  • Trade and professional association referral
  • Federal contracting assistance
  • Business recovery / disaster loan assistance

CEO:
Bill Reagan, Executive Director
(703) 778-2958

Small Business Specialists:
Gloria Flanagan, Assistant Director
(703) 778-2961

Patricia Melton, Counselor / Researcher
(703) 778-2960

 

American University: Kogod School of Business
4400 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington , DC 20016
(202) 885-1924


Audience: students, potential students and alumni

Membership: Not required

Organizational Description: Offers gradutate concentration in entrepreneurship and offer undergraduate class in entrepreneurship.

Programs:

  • Entrepreneurship Concentration (MBA)
  • Entrepreneurship class (BSBA)
  • Entrepreneurship Club
  • Internships to new and small busiensses

CEO:
Dean Richard Durand
(202) 885-1985

Small Business Specialist:
Dr. Barbara Bird, Associate Professor, Small Business Curiculum
(202) 885-1924

 

American University: Community and Economic Development Law Clinic
4801 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016
(202) 274-4000

Small Business Specialist:
Susan Bennett, Director; Professor of Law, Washington College of Law, Office of Clinical Programs
(202) 274-4149

Anacostia Economic Development Corporation
2021 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave S.E.
Washington , DC 20020
(202) 889-5100

 

Audience: Small DC businesses located east of the Anaocstia River

Membership: No

Partners: DC Economic partnership, District government, SBA, Howard University

Organizational Description: The Anaoostia Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) is a private non-profit organization that has served Anacostia/East of the River neighborhoods for over thirty-six (36) years. AEDC's mission is to EXPAND the range of housing and homeownership opportunities available to District residents; PROMOTE the revitalization of important commercial corridors and commercial facilities; DEVELOP supportive services and programs for small businesses located in Anacostia and East of the River; INITIATE programs that provide technical and managerial assistance to small businesses; COORDINATE activites and resources with other local citizen groups and community organizations to improve community facilities and public services, and; PURSUE the development of opportunities that will enable AEDC to address the above stated objectives and move toward self-sustaining operations.

Programs:

  • Affordable Residential Development
  • Commercial Property Development and Management
  • Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization Programming
  • Small Business Technical and Managerial Assistance Delivery

CEO:
Albert “Butch” Hopkins, Jr.
(202) 889-5100

Small Business Specialists:
William C. Hague, Jr., Director, AEDC Small Buisiness Development Center
(202) 889-5090

Candice Reynolds, Senior Business Development Specialist
(202) 889-5090

Arlington Chamber of Commerce
2009 14th Street N
Arlington , VA 22201
(703) 525-2400
chamber@arlingtonchamber.org

Audience: Firms that conduct business or want to conduct business in Arlington County, Virginia.

Membership: Yes

Partners: Arlington Economic Development; Leadership Arlington

Organizational Description: The Arlington Chamber is a business association focusing on a broad range of activities and support for both businesses and the community.  A small staff supports hundreds of volunteers in establishing opportunities for marketing and interaction with government, schools, and the non-profit sector.  The Chamber serves as the county’s only active advocate for businesses and is a source of information for business referrals and community information. 

Programs:

  • 20+ networking events
  • three major awards programs
  • advocacy (lobbying)on behalf of Arlington's business community
  • promotional opportunities
  • business referrals

CEO:
Rich Doud, President
(703) 525-2400

Small Business Specialists:
Brian Hefner, Director of Membership
(703) 525-2400

Cate Reich, Member Services Manager
(703) 525-2400


Arlington Economic Development: BizLaunch, Arlington’s Small Business Assistance Network
1100 N. Glebe Road, Suite 1500
Arlington , VA 22201
(703) 228-0808

 

Audience: BizLaunch provides information, counseling, research and education to members of the community who are starting or locating their business in Arlington. BizLaunch also brings together numerous other local, regional and national resources to create a ‘one-stop-shop’ of information on running and growing a business.

Partners: Comprised of leading area government and non-profit small business service providers, the Small Business Coordinating Council coordinates events and other activities to improve the quality and scope of services available to small business owners and entrepreneurs: Arlington Adult Education, Arlington Chamber of Commerce, Arlington County Public Library, Arlington County Purchasing Office, Arlington Employment Center, Ballston-Virginia Square Partnership, Board of Trade, Business Development Assistance Group, Clarendon Alliance, Commissioner of Revenue, CPRO, ECDC – Enterprise Development Group, Greater Ibero American Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Committee of Northern Virginia, Internal Revenue Service, Northern Virginia Community College Arlington Campus, Rosslyn Renaissance, SCORE, U.S. Small Business Administration, Virginia Department of Business Assistance, Virginia Department of Minority Business Enterprise, Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Women’s Business Center of NOVA.

Membership: None

Organizational Description: BizLaunch is Arlington’s Business Assistance Network, created to encourage entrepreneurs to build jobs and wealth in the community through the development of new small businesses. BizLaunch services are intended to increase both the survival rates of new businesses, and the continued growth and success of existing businesses.

Programs: BizLaunch programs are conducted in both English and Spanish. Here is a highlight of some of the activities sponsored each year:

  • Annual Small Business Multicultural Conference
  • Annual BizLaunch Bootcamp - 1 ½ days of intense training on entrepreneurship. Sessions are taught by professors from the Northern Virginia Community College & local experts.
  • Starting a Business Successfully - Monthly workshop focused on how to get started in business. Representatives from the SBA, Library and Commissioner’s Office ensure entrepreneurs have the right tools to launch their business.
  • Financing
  • Site Selection
  • Business Continuity
  • Retail
  • Networking
  • Government Contracting
  • Import/Export

Director:
Charlotte Franklin

Small Business Specialists:
Tara Miles, Manager, Business Development
(703) 228-0853

Darnell Roseboro, BizLaunch Event Specialist
(703) 228-0833

Arlington Small Business Development Center
901 South HighLand Street
Arlington,VA 22204
(703) 892-1528

Audience: Small Businesses

Partners: George Mason University, Virginia Small Business Development Centers, Small Business Administration

Membership: Not required

Organizational Description: The Arlington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) was established in 1989 at the Arlington Campus of School of Public Policy, George Mason University. The Center provides one-on-one technical business assistance, management counseling, training seminars and business information to existing small businesses and new entrepreneurs in the field of government contracting, international trade, and technology service companies.  Any existing small business owner or person interested in starting a business may request assistance from the SBDC.

Programs: The center provides:

Audience: Small/Med/Large businesses in the B/W Corridor and beyond.

Membership: Yes

Organizational Description: The Baltimore Washington Corridor Chamber (BWCC) is Maryland’s only regional chamber, located in the heart of America’s 4th largest marketplace. Through membership you can make valuable connections, find new clients, and save money.

Programs:

  • Small Business Health Insurance: An alliance with the Maryland Hispanic Chamber provides “Corridor Care;” an affordable health insurance program.
  • Mentoring Program: Seasoned members help new members feel welcome and help you get the most out of your membership.
  • Membership 101: An interactive, fun program that teaches valuable networking skills, offers great networking connections and introduces attendees to the benefits of membership and how to use them to grow their business. Offered monthly. Free
  • Women In Business: Monthly meetings for women dedicated to supporting women in business through education, networking, outreach and strategic alliances.
  • Business Dialog Group: Serves as a board of directors for small business owners, offering valuable feedback and suggestions for running their business better.
  • Government Procurement Fair: A time saving and effective way for small business professionals to connect with federal, state and local government agencies planning to buy their services. Workshops on how small businesses can do business with the government also offered. (Held in the Fall)
  • Monthly networking breakfasts/lunches or evening Mixer events provide valuable networking opportunities in a friendly and professional environment.

CEO:
Walt Townshend, President
(301) 725-4000

Small Business Specialist:
Tom Weithman, Vice President, Entrepreneurship
(703) 683-3000

Audience: Small business start-ups and those in early stages of growth; particularly businesses owned by women, minorities, veterans and the disabled.

Partners: SBA, George Mason University, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and others

Membership: Not required

Organizational Description: The Community Business Partnership, founded in 1995, is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to be a complete resource center providing training and support to those seeking to build successful small business in Fairfax County and beyond.  CBP has five programs under one roof: 

  • South Fairfax Small Business Development Center ;
  • Business Finance Center which makes micro loans;
  • Women's Business Center of Northern Virginia;
  • Business Incubation Center ; and,
  • Financial Education Center for Women Entrepreneurs.

Programs: We offer free one on one technical assistance counseling, a resource library, internet access, networking opportunities and classes. Workshop topics include: Getting Started, Business Plans, Loans, Legal Issues, Accounting, Marketing, Managing Risk, Financial Planning, Customer Service and Sales, Taxation, Non-Profit Start-up. Teleclasses are offered on various topics, an annual Women Entrepreneurs' Expo is held every October and an annual Business Plan Contest is offered every April.


CEO:
Kathy Wheeler
(703) 768-1440  

Small Business Specialists:
 Barbara Wrigley, Executive Director, Women’s Business Center of Northern Virginia; Vice President, Public Relations, Community Business Partnership
(703) 778-9922 or (703) 768-1440
Alternate Email: bwrigley@cbponline.org

Brenda Quiroz-Maday, Acting Director, South Fairfax Small Business Development Center
(703) 768-1440

Pauline Leitch, Director, Business Finance Center
(703)768-1440

Lisa Goodman, Director, Women’s Business Center of Northern Virgina
(703) 778-9922

Leslie Bott, Director, Financial Education Center for Women Entrepreneurs
(703) 768-1440

D.C. Bar Pro Bono Program, Community Economic Development Pro Bono Project
1250 H Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 737-4700

Audience: low-income and distressed communities in the District of Columbia in need of legal services

Membership: Not required

Organizational Description: The D.C. Bar Pro Bono Program established the Community Economic Development (CED) Pro Bono Project in 1998 to provide a vehicle for corporate, transactional, and business lawyers seeking nonlitigation pro bono assignments. The project is designed to deliver critically needed legal services to organizations operating in and serving low-income and distressed communities in the District of Columbia.

Small Business Specialists:
Regina Hopkins, Community Economic Development Project Supervising Attorney
202-737-4700 x 376

Maureen Syracuse, D.C. Bar Pro Bono Program Director
202-737-4700 x 290

Audience: Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners

Partners: DC DHCD, DC Chamber of Commerce, banks and equity investment firms

Membership: Not Required

Organizational Description: The DC Chamber of Commerce Business Resource Center [BRC] uses a unique partnership with the DC Chamber of Commerce, the District of Columbia Department of Housing and Community Development, and Verizon to lend a hand in keeping the District’s economic environment vibrant and robust. The BRC serves entrepreneurs and small business owners by offering access to relevant educational resources, counseling, and a secure, hi-speed wireless Internet connection.

Programs: :

  • One-on-One Counseling: One-on-one counseling lies at the core of the BRC’s services and becomes the anchor which all BRC programs compliment. During scheduled sessions, counselors concentrate on the fundamentals of business planning, market research and analysis, financial record keeping, capitalization, legal structures, business licensing, proposal writing, certifications and other capacity building issues.
  • Access to Capital Program: This program puts entrepreneurs and small business owners face-to-face with decision-makers from traditional lending institutions, MicroLoan lenders and venture capitalists. The BRC hosts various forums throughout the year in order to facilitate the all-important funding process. Additionally, the BRC staff not only pre-selects the participants but also assists them prepare their financing request presentation(s) as well as assess their credit worthiness.
  • Seminars Series: Coordinated by the BRC Office Manager, these workshops cover a broad range of capacity building topics, essential to operating a small business in today’s global marketplace. Each seminar is presented by an experienced professional representing the fields of banking and finance, law, marketing, and information technology.
  • Verizon Small Business Technology Learning Center: The Verizon Small Business Technology Learning Center [VTLC] is more than just a computer lab. The VTLC unfolds into an entire reference library complete with entrepreneurial start-up guides, hi-speed wireless Internet access, business planning and accounting software, and other materials.

CEO:
 Barbara B. Lang, Executive Director
(202) 638-7339

Small Business Specialist:
 Margaret Singleton, Vice President for Economic and Workforce Development
(202) 738-7336

Audience: Columbia Heights residents and future and existing small business owners

Membership: Not required

Organizational Description: The Development Corporation of Columbia Heights (DCCH) leads, plans, coordinates and executes neighborhood revitalization activities that benefit low and moderate-income households and the broader Columbia Heights community. DCCH accomplishes this by pro

Programs:

  • Provide technical assistance and guidance to current and future entrepreneurs.
  • Provide training to entrepreneurs to prepare their businesses for the new business environment in Washington, DC.
  • Prepare individuals for the workforce, through The Jobs Club, by developing skills and strategies that will assist them in securing and maintaining employment.
  • Partner with community based organizations, public agencies and businesses to support local residents in their efforts to enter the workforce and advance in a career.
  • Preservation and development of low and moderate-income housing.

CEO:
Robert Moore, President & CEO
(202) 483-4986

Small Business Specialists:
Lisa LeVert, Director of Business Development
(202) 483-4986

Nzinga Hyman, Business Development Specialist
(202) 483-4986

    District of Columbia Department of Small and Local Business Development
    441 4th St. NW, Suite 970N
    Washington, DC
    (202) 727-3900

     

    Audience: District of Columbia based businesses  

    Membership: Not required

    Partners: Small business service providers

    Organizational Description: The mission of the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) is to foster the economic growth, development, and retention of District-based businesses. DSLBD strategic objectives are to:

  • Increase participation of District-based businesses in the local economy;
  • Identify and develop financial resources to improve access to capital and business opportunities;
  • Educate government and private sector partners on proper utilization of District-based businesses;
  • Provide capacity-building tools and services to District-based businesses; and
  • Extend economic development to District neighborhoods through commercial revitalization initiatives and programs.


    • Programs:

  • Office of Business Opportunities & Access to Capital: Serves as an advocate for District-based businesses, and promotes greater participation of Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs) in contracting opportunities within the public and private sectors. 
  • Office of Certification, Compliance and Enforcement: Manages the Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) program for District-based businesses interested in delivering goods and services to DC government agencies through competitive procurement process.  Compliance and enforcement with CBE law for both District agencies and public/private contractors is also monitored.
  • Office of Training and Education: Provides District-based businesses with the knowledge to create stable business foundations and growth through training and technical assistance. Services are provided at the Enhanced Business Information Center (e-BIC) located downtown within the Martin Luther King Jr. Library.
  • reSTORE DC: Helps to revitalize neighborhood commercial districts and small businesses through design, promotion, economic restructuring, and organization services.  Its flagship program, DC Main Streets, supports neighborhood retail investment in the District through retention and expansion services for existing businesses and strategic recruitment of new businesses.  DC Main Streets provides funding and technical assistance to nine designated Main Street organizations that provide comprehensive revitalization services to strengthen merchants and other businesses, as well as the economic viability of the commercial corridor.


    • CEO:
    Erik A. Moses, Director
    (202) 727-3900

    Small Business Specialist:
    Kimberly Smith, Business Development Specialist
    (202) 727-3900


    East of the River Community Development Corporation
    3029 Martin Luther Ling Jr., Ave., SE
    Washington , DC 20032
    (202) 561-4974

Audience: Moderate income residents - Ward 7 & 8 looking to become homeowners

Membership: Not required

Organizational Description: Since its founding in 1988, East of the River Community Development Corporation has worked to provide affordable housing, promote economic development, and develop human capital in the Ward 8 community.  ERCDC recognizes that each neighborhood is unique and implements its business, economic development and community building initiatives in a customized manner.  Our mission is to be change agents and leaders in the revitalization and transformation of Ward 8 by initiating dialogue, facilitating progress and working as partners with others to meet the changing needs of the community.  Since ERCDC’s inception, that vision has guided our successes in the following projects:    

  • 21 single family homes currently under construction with completion scheduled for July
  • 18 condominiums under construction completion scheduled for July
  • 40 condominiums scheduled for begin construction Fall 2006
  • Renovated/sponsored 194 units of multi-family housing
  • Completed new construction/renovation and sale of 7 single family homes
  • Completed Phase 1 and II of a three phase 65-unit town home project
  • Facilitated the development of a 77-unit condominium project
  • Acquired land for a 21 to 23 unit single family subdivision
  • Completed construction of a 9,400 square foot office building which serves as ERCDC’s new headquarters and a Children’s Hospital Pediatric Clinic.

The above achievements notwithstanding, ERCDC firmly holds as a core value the importance of developing human capital in any of its efforts to revitalize a community.  Accordingly, ERCDC has focused on training and youth programs, provided more than one-half million dollars in micro loans to small businesses and provided training to more than 1500 business owners at workshops and seminars. Additionally, more than 1000 youth have been involved in ERCDC’s programs, including entrepreneurship, computer, chess, literacy, and sports programs.

CEO:
 Linda V. Jackson, President and Executive Director
(202) 561-4974

Small Business Specialists:
Yolanda Randolph, Fiscal Officer
(202) 561-4974

Matthew Sislen, Manager, Acquisition & Finance
(202) 561-4974

 

Enhanced Business Information Center (e-BIC)
901 G Street NW
Washington , DC 20001
(202) 727-2241

 

Audience: Start-ups, LSDBEs, Retail

Partners: OCP, DSLBD, SBA, SCORE, SBDC, WACIF, DCRA, OTR, OPGD, etc.

Membership: Not required

Organizational Description: The Enhanced Business Information Center (e-BIC) provides DC small businesses and entrepreneurs with training, consulting, and cutting-edge computer software that help their businesses become successful. In one central location and through business-related agency and organizational partners in DC, the e-BIC provides access to the following small business resources:

  • Ten training course a month in starting a business, selling to the DC Government and business credit and loans
  • Counseling
  • Office resources: Office space for client meetings, networking room, computers, graphic design software, photocopying, printing, etc.
  • Monthly updates on opportunities for small businesses through the BRC Newsletter
  • Hundreds of sample business plans and Entrepreneur Magazine's Start-Up Guides
  • Referrals to other small business resource providers in Washington DC

Programs:

  • Start a Business in DC: DC SBDC
  • Write a Business Plan: DC SBDC
  • Get Licensed and Legal: DCRA and OTR
  • Start a Home Based Business: WACIF
  • All About LLC's: DC Entrepreneur, Gregg Mauro
  • LSDBE Office Hours: DSLBD
  • Building Business Credit: DC Entrepreneur, Karen Alston
  • How to Find and Finance Commercial Property: SBA and Long and Foster
  • 7(a) Loan Program: SBA
  • Series of Non-Profit Courses: SEU Center for Entrepreneurship

CEO:
Barry Margeson, Director
(202) 727-2323

Small Business Specialists:
Samira Cook, Assistant Director, Office of Training and Education
(202) 727-2241

Joyce Howard, Small Business Specialist
(202) 727-2242

Katina Bolden, Office Manager
(202) 727-2241


Fairfax County Economic Development Authority
8300 Boone Blvd., Suite 450
Vienna , VA 22182
(703) 790-0600

Audience: B2B and B2G type businesses, non-profits

Membership: Not required

Organizational Description: Promotes Fairfax County, Virginia, as a world-class center of commerce and trade and the technology hub of the east coast.

Programs: Provides a wide array of information and free services designed to help American and international businesses locate or expand commercial operations in Fairfax County.

CEO:
Gerald Gordon, President & CEO

Small Business Specialist:
Karen Smaw, Director, Small and Minority Business


George Mason University , Procurement Technical Assistance Program
4031 University Drive Suite 200
Fairfax , VA 22030
(703) 277-7757

Small Business Specialist:
Mary McGuire
(703) 277-7757

The Harrison Institute, Georgetown University Law Center
111 F Street, NW, Suite 102
Washington, DC 20001-2075
(202) 662-9600


Organizational Description: The Harrison Institute, one of eleven different institutes or clinical programs at the Georgetown University Law Center, provides legal services that strengthen political and economic democracy. Since 1972, the Institute's clinical program has represented citizen coalitions, housing cooperatives, community development corporations, government agencies, state and local legislatures and nonprofit organizations. Several components of the Institute work together to achieve the Institute's mission.


Small Business Specialist:
Michael Diamond, Senior Academic and Policy Fellow and Associate Director of the Harrison Institute for Public Law


Georgetown University: McDonough School of Business

3520 Prospect Street, NW
Washington, DC 20007


Small Business Specialist:
Dr. Richard America, Professor of the Practice, McDonough School of Business
(202) 687-2658

The George Washington University, School of Business and Entrepreneurship
710 21st Street, NW, Suite 301
Washington, DC 20052
(202) 994-5536

Small Business Specialist:
Dr. Charles Toftoy, Executive Director
(202) 994-5536

 

The George Washington Univeristy, Small Business Clinic, National Law Center
2000 G St., NW
Washington , DC 20052
(202) 994-7463

Audience: Non-profit organizations, microbusinesses, small businesses and arts organizations

Partners: We work with many area technical assistance providers

Membership: Not required

Organizational Description: The Small Business Clinic of The George Washington University Law School provides free legal representation to sselected small businesses and nonprofit organizations.

Programs: Second and third year law students provide free legal representation to selected businesses and work under the supervision of a clinical professor/supervising attorney.

CEO:
Susan R. Jones, Director
(202) 994-7463

 

Georgia Avenue Gateway Revitalization Corporation
7826 Eastern Ave., Suite 300
Washington , DC 20012
(202) 291-2400

 

Small Business Specialist:
Mark Loud, Executive Director

 

Greater Baltimore Committee
111 South Calvert Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 727-2820

 

Small Business Specialist:
Jay Stewart, Director of Development

 

The Greater Bethesda/Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce
7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 1204
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 652-4900

 

Small Business Specialist:
Gloria Arnold, Director of Operations
(301) 652-4900

 

Greater Washington Board of Trade, Small Business Network
1725 I Street, NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 857-5900

 

Audience: Emerging small businesses

Partners: Greater Washington Board of Trade; Greater Washington Initiative

Membership: Not required for all SBN programs

Organizational Description: With 1100 member firms, the Greater Washington Board of Trade is the largest regional network of business and non-profit leaders and the only group representing all industry sectors. Organizations join the Board of Trade to grow their business and help build a better community. The Small Business Network connects small business owners with each other during a critical stage in the development of their company while providing them with a network of experts from larger firms to aide in their growth.

Programs:

Professional Development:

    • Workshops that Work: Addresses the needs of small businesses after the initial start-up stage. These workshops help build the capacity of small companies while improving the talent of the owners and their staff.
    • Small Business Academy: A six-month program that provides classroom training and group exchange to a class of 20 small business owners who have been in operation for at least one year. Board of Trade member firms with expertise in business operations serve as faculty.
    • Contracting Connections: Allows small businesses the opportunity to hear first-hand from directors of small business and procurement divisions in large corporations. This provides small businesses with a unique opportunity and helps large companies improve their local supplier base.
    • Leadership Speaker Series: Invites recognized area leaders to discuss business, management, and leadership issues in growing firms.

    Networking:

    • Small Business Network Awards Gala
    • Small Business Symposium
    • Academy alumni receptions
    • Informal mentoring program
    CEO:
    Jim Dinegar, President
    ( 202) 857-5900

Small Business Specialists:
Nicole Tarnogursky, Manager, Professional Development Programs
(202) 857-5940

Lindsay Godwin, Director of Programs
(202) 857-5934

 

Greater Washington Ibero American Chamber of Commerce
910 17th Street, NW, Suite 1170
Washington , DC 20006
(202) 728-0352

 

Audience: Entrepreneurs, small and medium size business owners, individulas, non-profits, government and corporations

Partners: WCCA, WCTC, Arlington AED, Mayor's Office on Latno Affairs

Membership: Not required

Organizational Description: Established in 1976, the Ibero Chamber sought to unite and represent a business aimed constituency integrated by the Iberian Peninsula( Spain and Portugal) and Latin America. The Chamber's mission is to assist, advocate and develop Hispanic businesses as well as promote them internationally. As the oldest and perhaps the largest  Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in the Metropolitan Area, we continue to strive to be the premier Hispanic Chamber in the area.

 Programs:

  • Arlington Economic Development - BizLaunch: To implement programs that strive to overcome barriers faced by minority businesses.
  • Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs: To provide technical forums and one-on-one assistance to the Latino business community.
  • Washington Convention Center: To promote DC as a tourism and business destination.

CEO:
Daniel Flores
(202) 728-0352

 

Greater Washington Initiative
1725 I Street, NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 857-5982

 

Audience: Companies looking to expand/locate into the Greater Washington Region

Membership: Not required

Organizational Description: The Initiative serves as a one-stop shop for corporate clients and site selection consultants by providing complimentary and confidential client services and research. A non-profit affiliate of The Greater Washington Board of Trade, GWI works in conjunction with all area economic development organizations. GWI is financially supported by all local public jurisdictions and more than 70 area companies.

The Initiative's services help companies around the globe to:

  • identify strategic partners and venture capital contacts;
  • meet public and private sector leaders;
  • arrange site tours; and,
  • obtain demographic and real estate information about Greater Washington and its partner jurisdictions.

 Programs:

GWI Helps companies:

  • Understand the Industry Clusters in the region
  • Compare the Greater Washington Region to other US and International Regions
  • Locate: We help companies locate into the Greater Washington Region, i.e. Referrals to Commercial/Residential Real Estate Services etc.
  • Integrate: We help plug companies into the most appropriate organizations for networking/business development.

CEO:
Tim Priest, Executive Director
(202) 857-5999

Business Specialist:
April DuBois, Director, International Business Development
(202) 857-5986

 

H Street Community Development Corporation
501 H Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 544-8353

 

CEO:
William Barrow, Executive Director
(202) 544-8353

 

Latino Economic Development Corporation
2316 18th Street , NW
Washington , DC 20009
(202) 588-5102
info@ledcdc.org

11319 Elkin Street
Wheaton, MD
(240) 777-4956

 

Audience: Latino and minority business owners

Membership: Not required

Organizational Description: The Latino Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation founded in 1991. LEDC’s mission is to improve the wealth-building capacity of low- and moderate-income Latinos and other underserved communities in the Washington area. In its 15 years of service, LEDC has developed the organizational infrastructure and the unique capabilities that make it the premier community development corporation serving the District’s Latino population. LEDC is certified as a housing counseling agency by both HUD and Freddie Mac and is a US Treasury-certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).

Programs:
LEDC pursues four objectives, which are to:

  • Increase the number and strength of small businesses;
  • Increase homeownership;
  • Preserve affordable housing and prevent tenant displacement; and
  • Strategically target all of LEDC’s services to revitalize the economies and appearance of the neighborhoods where our target population lives and works.

LEDC will achieve these objectives through the following types of activities:

  • education
  • technical assistance
  • advocacy
  • community organizing
  • storefront improvement
  • microloans and other access to capital
  • financial literacy training, including credit counseling and repair.

CEO:
Manuel Hidalgo
(202) 588-5102

Small Business Specialists:
Coite Manuel, Business Director
(202) 588-5102

Daniel Parra, Director of Wheaton Business Program
(240) 777-4956

 

Marshall Heights Community Development Corporation
3939 Benning Road NE
Washington, DC 20019
(202) 396-1201 x 162

Audience: Residents of Ward 7 DC geographical area.

Partners: Phlanthropic government and business partners

Membership: Not required

Organizational Description: MHCDO is a not for profit 501(c)3 organization that recently became a NeighborWorks America charter organization.  Our mission is to grow Ward 7 into the District's most welcoming, prosperous livable neighborhood for everyone. We provide community services for District residents in the areas of Housing and Economic Development, which includes housing development, rehabilitation and preservation; Workforce Development, which includes job training, GED education and training, Human Services, such as emergency housing and utility assistance, food and clothing banks and senior services.

Programs:

  • Housing and Economic Development
  • Housing Counseling
  • Workforce Development
  • Business Development

CEO:
Michael I. Watts, Jr., Interim President/CEO
(202) 396-1200

Small Business Specialist:
Linda Hembry, Business Development Manager
(202) 396-1200

 

Maryland Chamber of Commerce
60 West Street, Suite 100
Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 269-0642

 

Small Business Specialist:
Matthew Riggs, Vice-President, Membership
(410) 269-0642

Maryland Office of Economic Development, Governor's Office of Business Advocacy and Small Business Assistance
217 East Redwood Street
Baltimore, MD 21202 - 3316
(410) 767-6300


CEO:
James McLean, Director, Small & Minority Business Initiatives
(410) 767-6300

Maryland Small Business Development Center, Capital Region7100 Baltimore Avenue, Suite 400
College Park , MD 20740
(301) 403-0504

 

Audience: Exisiting and Prospective Businesses in Maryland

Partners: Local business, government and educational sectors

Membership: Not required

Organizational Description: The Maryland Small Business Development Center is a public-private management consulting firm, focused on small business formation, retention and expansion. We assist entreprenuers to achieve increased sales, jobs growth, business expansion.

Programs:

  • Substantive hands-on counseling
  • Online Training Seminars
  • Market Research
  • Retail and Restaurant Program
  • Technology Program
  • Government Procurement

CEO:
Renée C. Sprow
(301) 403-8300

Small Business Specialist:
Ralph Blakeney, Technology Industry Manager
(301) 403-8300

 

Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO)
5575 Sterrett Place, Suite 240
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 715-4164

 

Audience: Early stage technology companies.

Membership: Not required

Organizational Description: TEDCO provides funding and support to seed stage technology companies that are developing technology out of the universities or federal labs.

TEDCO has been the most active seed stage investor in the country since 2003.  We invest in Maryland companies transferring technology to the private sector in collaboration with universities and federal laboratories.  Our portfolio includes companies with technologies in six focus areas: 

  • biotherapeutics,
  • medical/biological  instrumentation/devices,
  • software,
  • networking/wireless,
  • engineering, and
  • nanotechnology.

Programs:

  • Maryland Technology Transfer Fund provides early stage technology companies up to $75,000 in funding for product development. The company must be located in Maryland and have a research collaboration with a Maryland university or federal laboratory.
  • Incubator Support - Funding for Maryland business incubators for feasibility studies or business assistance.

    • CEO:
    Renee Winsky
    (410) 740-9442

Small Business Specialist:
Robbie Melton, Senior Program Manager
(410) 715-4164

 

MD/DC Minority Supplier Development Council
10770 Columbia Pike, L 100
SIlver Spring , MD 20901
(301) 592-6700

 

Audience: Major corporations and minority businesses

Membership: Yes; required

Organizational Description:
Mission: To provide a direct link between corporate America and minority-owned businesses for the purpose of increasing procurement opportunities.

Vision: To be the leader in meeting member organizations' commitment to their customers, employees and stakeholders to provide procurement and business opportunities for minority businesses of all sizes in the State of Maryland and District of Columbia. This will be accomplished through certification and matching minority-owned businesses (African American, Asian, Hispanic and Native American) with those member corporations which want to purchase goods and services."

Programs:

  • Business Procurement Conference with seminars and procurement match-maker event.
  • Gold & Tennis Match-maker Event - Corporate and MBE business leaders play golf or tennis and discuss potential business opportunities.
  • Annual Leadership Awards Gala to recognize excellence in supplier diversity.
  • Monthly training, procurement, or networking events.

CEO:
Kenneth Clark, Presdient & CEO
(301) 592-6706

Small Business Specialist:
Jamaine Taylor, Vice President - Operations & Certification
(301) 592-6702

Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
P.O. Box 910
Germantown, MD 20875
(240) 686-0055


Audience: Entrepreneurs, small and medium businesses, professional individuals, nonprofits, government agencies and corporations located in the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond who share an interest in the economic development of the region and/or would like to access the fast growing and increasingly more affluent Hispanic market. Special attention is given to the needs of minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses.

Business Partners: US Chamber of Commerce, US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Better Business Bureau, Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce, US Small Business Administration, SCORE, and about 40 nonprofit organizations and several departments of business and economic development at the local and state level.

Membership: Yes; Required

Organizational Description:The Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber (MAHCC) is a dues-paying, membership-based regional organization committed to a broad range of activities in support of member businesses and nonprofit and government agencies. The MAHCC is one of the largest and most active minority business organizations in the region. Being close proximity to the Nation’s capital, it focuses also on national and international issues that may impact trade, economic and cultural relationships between the United States and the Ibero, Caribbean and Latin American countries. In the past five years, some of the issues that the Chamber has been vigorously involved in at the national and international level include: immigration reform, passage of trade agreements with Latin American and Caribbean countries, and access to federal procurement and small-business issues.

The MAHCC is uniquely organized into local chapters that are led by a Chapter Vice President who is also a member of the Board of Directors. This special arrangement preserves the closeness and immediacy of chamber services and grassroots orientation to its members and helps meet needs and concerns on a timely manner. Also, it facilitates networking and educational opportunities throughout the region  and helps promotes access to both Hispanic and US markets here and abroad. The MAHCC maintains its corporate offices in Germantown, MD and an office in Hyattsville, MD.

Programs:

  • Small Business Development Institute. It offers monthly business development, certification, and licensing workshops, and business coaching seminars;
  • Business Resource Center. In partnership with SCORE and successful business owners, it provides business referrals, resources, guidance, mentoring and help to those interested in starting new businesses or making existing ones grow more profitably;
  • Over 70 networking and marketing opportunities per year that includes weekly luncheons, after-hours business mixers, and special events. It serves as an experienced and knowledgeable partner on Hispanic community issues, media and marketing opportunities for those interested in entering the growing Hispanic market;
  • Business advocacy via MAHCC-sponsored legislative receptions and face-to-face meetings with elected officials or in partnerships with organizations such as the Maryland Chamber, US Hispanic Chamber, and the US Chamber.
  • The Chamber has an aggressive and forward looking partnership initiative with sister organizations, corporations, and nonprofit organizations who are interested in economic and workforce development and in improving the quality of life of the region in areas such as transportation, public education, the environment, and the safety and beauty of our neighborhoods and public spaces.

Executive Director/ CEO/ President:
Dr. Jorge Ribas
(301) 404-1946

Small Business Specialist:
Gaby Cisneros
(240) 686-0055


Montgomery County Department of Economic Development

111 Rockville Pike, Suite 800

Rockville , MD 20850

(240) 777-2032

Audience: Small businesses

Partners: SAB, SBDC, SCORE, Chambers of Commerce

Membership: Not required

Organizational Description: This organization is responsible for economic and business development in Montgomery County.

Programs:

  • Marketing and Business Development to attract and retain businesses. Workforce Services to ensure the private sector has the best qualified employees. Small Business Services to improve the success rate of entrepreneurs.
  • Business Empowerment – to create the climate for business leaders use all available resources.
  • Incubator Network – to create and maintain incubators for housing new businesses.

CEO:
Pradeep Ganguly, Ph.D. , Director
(240) 777-2000

Small Business Specialist:
Dr. DeVance Walker, Jr., Manager, Small Busines Services
(240) 777-2000

Katie Knowlin, Assistant Director, Business Empowerment
(240) 777-2000


Northern Virginia Tech Council (NVTC)
2214 Rock Hill Road, Suite 300
Herndon, VA 20170
703-904-7878

 

Audience: Technology Companies

Membership: Yes

Organizational Description: The Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) is the membership association for the technology community in Northern Virginia. NVTC has about 1100 member companies representing more than 200,000 employees of those member companies.

Programs:

  • Events
  • Committees
  • Insurance Programs
  • RiskNet and BeneNet Retirement Plans
  • Online Membership Directory
  • Sponsorship and Advertising Opportunities
  • Public Policy
  • NVTC Outreach
  • Equal Footing Foundation
  • The Entrepreneur Center @NVTC

CEO:
Bobbie Kilberg, President & CEO
(703) 904-7878

Small Business Specialist:
Christine Kallivokas, Chief Operating Officer
(703) 904-7878 x 203

Northern Virginia Technology Council, The Entrepreneur Center

2215 Rock Hill Road, Suite 300, CIT Tower

Herndon , VA 20170

(202) 441-0442


Audience: Technology focused start-ups, entrepreneurs and emerging small businesses in the Greater Washington Region. We also serve youth who are interested in entrepreneurship and development.

Membership: No

Organizational Description: The Entrepreneur Center@ NVTC is a resource hub and clearing house for technology focused start-ups and entrepreneurs at every stage of the lifecycle -- from fostering entrepreneurship in students; to coaching the first-time entrepreneur; advising and supporting the experienced entrepreneur; and engaging business leaders in supporting social entrepreneurship. The Center works to foster innovation, collaboration and entrepreneurial energies across the National Capital Region.  

Programs:

  • Entrepreneur Solutions: This program draws from a network of seasoned business leaders and experts to provide practical guidance to entrepreneurs through mentoring, coaching and advisory sessions customized to the needs of the each entrepreneur or start-up. Entrepreneurs and business leaders can also participate in our Solution’s Roundtable.
  • Online Guidance: The Entrepreneur Website provides a library of resource links and expert articles covering a broad array of information on developing, launching, and building an enterprise. Entrepreneurs submit questions confidentially and receive email responses from business experts.
  • Tech Connect: An online database designed to assist small NVTC member companies in partnering with larger companies in the business-to-business or business-to-government markets. (This is a new member benefit and will launched in late fall 2007.)
  • Events: We also collaborate with other organizations to bring valuable networking events and educational workshops to entrepreneurs and start-up companies in the Greater Washington Region.

CEO:
Christine Kallivokas, Senior Administrator of the Entrepreneur Center @NVTC & Chief Operating Officer of Northern Virginia Technology Council
(703) 904-7878 x 203

Small Business Specialist:
Ila Talwar, Project Coordinator
(703) 904-7878 x 248


Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation, Small Business Initiative

1100 Mercantile Lane, Suite 115 A

Largo, MD 20774

(301) 583-4650

 

Audience: Local Businesses in Prince George's County 

Membership: Not required

Partners: Private Sector and Public Sector Entities

Organizational Description: The Small Business Intiaitive was created by the Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation to provide direct assistance to the growing local and small businesses in Prince George's County.

Programs: The Small Business Intiaitive focuses on providing access to the following services: financing, site analysis, procurement assistance, bonding, technology services, legal services, human resource (staffing), business planning, county business incentives, international business oppportunities, etc.

CEO:
Charlotte Ducksworth, Director, Small & Minority Business Initiatives
(301) 583-4619

Small Business Specialist:
Angie Duncanson-Taylor
(301) 583-4650

Toni Miles
(301) 583-4604

 

Rockville Economic Development, Inc.

95 Monroe Street

Rockville , MD 20850

(301) 315-8096


CEO:
Sally Sternbach, Executive Director

Small Business Specialist:
Lynne Benzion, Associate Director

Rayna Glucksman, Office Manager
(301) 315-8096

Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)

740 15th St., NW , 3rd Floor

Washington DC 20005

(202) 272-0390

 

Audience: Small Business Entrepreneurs

Partners: Small Business Administration

Membership: Not required

Organizational Description: SCORE provides business counseling to start up and small businesses, as well as workshops covering a range of business and government relations subjects. "A regional cooperative marketing organization, The Greater Washington Initiative (GWI) promotes the Greater Washington region—encompassing the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia and Suburban Maryland—as an ideal location for locating or expanding a business.

Programs:

  • Business Planning for startup businesses
  • Marketing support for new and startup businesses
  • Counseling for government contracting
  • Workshops on various business related subjects

CEO:
Hal Shelton
(202) 272-0390

 

SmallBizVillage

14444 Rich Branch Drive
North Potomac, MD 20878
(301) 762-6055

 

Audience: Businesses with real estate needs

Membership: Not required

Organizational Description: SmallBizVillage is dedicated to providing real estate resources to small business owners whether they are part of a franchise network or on their own. Business owners can purchase a step-by-step guide to finding and securing a location for their business or just surf through the links and free documents posted. SmallBizVillage also offers consulting to small business owners and training seminars for franchisors on site selection and negotiating strategies.

The manual listed above contains in-depth insight into the world of commercial real estate including basic commercial lease structure, your local targeted real estate market, approximate time lines for every step of the process, essential industry terminology and definitions, and the basics of effective negotiations.

Small Business Specialists:
Jake Adler, "Mayor"
(301) 762-6055

Bob Canter, "Town Manager"
(301) 762-6055


Small Business Administration, Metropolitian Washington Area District Office

740 15th Street NW , 3rd Floor

Washington DC 20005

(202) 272-0341

 

Audience: Local small business

Partners: See website

Membership: Not required

Organizational Description: The SBA advocates on behalf of, and provides technical training and facilitates financial resources for, small business.

Programs:

  • Loans;
  • Capital Infusions;
  • Techinical Assistance;
  • Business Development.

CEO:
Joseph P. Loddo, District Director

Small Business Specialist:
Seth Jones, Lead Business Development Specialist
(202) 272-0361

Davey Wiggs, Lead Lender Relations Specialist
(202) 272-0353

Southeastern University, Center for Entrepreneurship
501 I Street, SW

Washington , DC 20024

(202) 478-8248

 

Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students

Membership: Not required

Organizational Description: Southeastern University is a private 501(c)(3) institution of higher education. We offer degrees in management, computer science and information systems, liberal studies, and public administration.

The Center for Entrepreneurship offers a distinctive business training experience for current and aspiring business owners and transformational professionals. Courses are targeted and directed for those who are interested in building the capacity and revenue of their businesses. In addition to seminars, clinics, short courses, and certificate programs, the Center for Entrepreneurshp can design highly specialized and uniquely focused programs to serve a broad variety of specific corporate training needs.

Programs:

  • Business Management
  • Marketing
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Finance and Banking
  • Accounting
  • Child Development
  • Liberal Studies
  • Government Management
  • Nonprofit Management
  • Health Services Administration
  • Criminal Justice
  • Legal studies
  • Human Resource Management
  • Computer Science
  • Information Systems Management

CEO:
Charlene Drew Jarvis, PhD
(202) 646-0151

Small Business Specialist:
Telaekah Brooks, JD, Chair, Business Management and Public Administration
(202) 478-8248


SunTrust Small Business Resource Center

1445 New York Ave, NW

Washington , DC 20009

(202) 879-6346

 

Audience: Small businesses located in the Greater Washington/Baltimore region

Membership: Not required

Organizational Description: SunTrust operates the only bank-sponsored, on-site resource center for small businesses in the greater Washington area.  The Center provides financial services, educational opportunities, resource materials, advice, support and networking – all under one roof. We provide a broad array of services to individuals looking for advice on starting their own business or taking their existing company to the next level.

Programs:

  • Counseling: Counselors are available to assist business owners with:
    • Growing and managing their business
    • Borrowing options
    • Improving cash flow
    • Designing a business plan
    • Analyzing your company’s financial condition and more.
  • Information is also available pertaining credit and deposit products, trust and investment strategies, and insurance and retirement services.

  • Extensive Resource Materials: Our business library will keep you up to date on current industry trends as well as provide “how-to” manuals and training books. Computer workstations and video center are available to help you write business plans, develop marketing materials, prepare financial projections, access the Internet and learn how to improve customer service.

  • Educational Programs: The Center offers seminars and workshops on various aspects of small business ownership including; Developing a Successful Business Plan Learn everything you need to construct a logically arranged business plan and financing proposal. A business plan review service is offered at the end of the course.

  • Financing Your Small Business: This program is targeted toward aspiring entrepreneurs, new business owners and existing firms. Here you will learn about:
    • Requirements for bank financing
    • Important steps to take before approaching a bank
    • What to know about the underwriting criteria of banks
    • Discovering sources for alternative funding.
  • Entrepreneurial Development Program: This long-term course is designed for businesses three years old or younger that have not developed full-scale operating plans. It will prepare you for the realities of business ownership by using examples of actual companies – showing both successes and failures.

  • Free Financial Analysis through the SunTrust Small Business Resource Center you can receive a free comprehensive analysis of your company’s financial condition. This analysis will let you see your company’s future potential, as well as compare your company’s performance with similar businesses in your industry. Everything from ratio and trend analysis to cash flow and break-even analysis will be performed at no charge. With a better understanding of your company’s financial strengths, you may uncover areas that need improvement.

CEO:
Deric A. Mims, Senior Vice President
(202) 879-6349

Small Business Specialist:
Norene Elverrillo, Business Resource Officer


Tech Council of Maryland/ Md Bio

9700 Great Seneca Highway

Rockville, MD 20850

(240) 453-6222

 

Audience: We are an IT/Bio membership association. Target audience is companies, educational institutions, federal agencies that are doing business in the MD, No. VA & DC region.

Membership: Not required

Organizational Description: The mission of the Tech Council of Maryland is to serve as the preeminent technology think-tank where executives discuss ideas, innovate, and solve technology issues that lead to bigger business. We have more than 600 member companies representing more than 200,000 forward thinkers. Tech Council of Maryland members are from biotechnology, advanced technology, government, academia and the service provider industry. It is our goal to create an environment where technology companies meet, learn and collaborate and to be Maryland's best technology networking organization.

Programs:

  • TCM/MdBio's primary programing is to educate and to promote IT & Bio Life Sciences in the state of Maryland by hosting 60 - 80 events, working committeess and boards throughout Maryland.

CEO:
Julie Coons
(240) 453-6200


United States Chamber of Commerce

616 H Street, NW

Washington , DC 20063

(202) 659-6000

 

Small Business Specialist:
Diana Ordes, Manager, Marketing Communications

Samantha Roe, Director of Small Business Outreach



University of Maryland, Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship

3570 Van Munching Hall

College Park , MD 20742

(301) 405-9545

 

Audience: Start-up businesses, local entrepreneurs and small business owners

Membership: Not required

Organizational Description: Founded in 1986, the nationally acclaimed Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship at the Robert H. Smith School of Business has been dedicated to facilitating, supporting, and encouraging entrepreneurial growth in the Mid-Atlantic region. Offers a graduate concentration in entrepreneurship and undergraduate classes in entrepreneurship.

Programs:

  • Actively supports a portfolio of companies
  • Manages an angel investor network providing seed and early stage funding to local start-ups
  • Offers mentoring services to early stage companies
  • Runs programs for the students, faculty and staff of the University, such as the Cupid’s Cup business competition held annually in May.

CEO:
Asher Epstein, Managing Director
(301) 405-9510

Small Business Specialists:
Melissa Carrier, Associate Director
(301) 405-9517

Andrea Galati, Marketing and Operations Manager

University of the District of Columbia, Community Development Law Clinic & Small Business Law Center

David Clarke School of Law
 4200 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Building 38, 2nd floor
Washington, D.C. 20008

202) 274-7341

 

Organizational Description: The David A. Clarke School of Law’s legislative mandate requires that the School of Law train law students through faculty-supervised representation of low-income District residents. Consistent with its mandate, the School of Law strongly emphasizes clinical education and pro bono legal services.

Small Business Specialist:
Louise A. Howells, Director, Clinical Programs, Clarke School of Law
(202) 274-7325


Virginia Chamber of Commerce

9 South Fifth Street

Richmond , VA23219

(804) 644-1607

 

Small Business Specialist:
Sandy Harrell, Vice President of Membership Operations

Virginia Department of Business Assistance

707 East Main Street, Suite 300
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 371-8200

www.vdba.virginia.gov/events

Audience: Virginia Businesses

Membership: No

Partners: SBA, local governments, Chambers of Commerce

Organizational Description: The Virginia Department of Business Assistance is the clearinghouse for all programs that impact business formation and business growth.  Every business in Virginia is a potential client.  We provide on-call assistance and specific programs designed to help entrepreneurs and existing businesses in all phases of their life cycle.

Programs:

  • Virginia Business Information Center (VBIC):  a toll-free number (1-866-248-8814), email (vbic@vdba.virginia.gov ) and web live chat (www.vdba.virginia.gov ) service for answers to business questions
  • Entrepreneur Express:  local workshops on increasing sales and finding resources
  • Procurement Assistance:  Help for companies in selling their product or service to the Commonwealth of Virginia
  • Financial Services:  Loan and loan guarantee programs for small businesses
  • Virginia Jobs Investment Program:  assistance to qualifying companies in recruiting, screening, and training employees in newly created jobs.

CEO:
Lynda Sharp Anderson, Acting Agency Director
(804) 371-0059

Small Business Specialists:
Jim Witherspoon, VBIC Manager
(804) 371-0438

Heather McDonough, VBIC Assistant Manager
(804) 371-0348

Virginia Governor's Office, Department of Business Assistance

707 East Main Street, Suite 300

Richmond , VA 23218 - 0446

 

Small Business Specialist:
Louise Strayhorn, Director


Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council

8200 Jones Branch Drive

McLean , VA 22102

(703) 903-3431

 

Audience: Minority Business Enterprises

Membership: Yes, required

Organizational Description: The VMSDC was founded in 1977 to promote and facilitate the development of business relationships between its corporate members and certified minority-owned businesses.

Programs:

  • Provide MBEs & Corporate members with strategic match-making services;
  • Assist MBEs with developing & marketing their capabilities;
  • Help corporate members to develop, maintain and expand minority supplier programs;

CEO:
 Tracey Jeter, President
(804) 320-2100

Small Business Specialist:
 Tarenda K. Jerman, Northern Virginia Director
(703) 903-3431

 

Virginia Small Business Development Center, Mason Enterprise Center

4031 University Drive, Suite 200

Fairfax , VA 22030

(703) 277-7700

 

Organizational Description: The Mason Enterprise Center offers expert consultation and training to the region’s small business owners and entrepreneurs through a wide array of programs. MEC sponsors conferences, workshops, and executive education programs for the region's business leaders. Specializing in the areas of small business services, government contracting, international business, entrepreneurship, technology ventures, and telework initiatives, the Center offers a unique combination of programs, services, and resources.

Programs:

  • International Business Development Program (IBDP)
  • The Fairfax Innovation Center
  • The Virginia Small Business Development Center Network
  • The Community Business Partnership
  • Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP)
  • Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP)
  • Telework and Training Centers (TTC)

Small Business Specialist:
John Casey, Director
(703) 277-7700

 

Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF)

3624 12th Street NE

Washington , DC 20017

(202) 529-5505

 

Audience: Low- to Moderate- Income

Membership: Not required

Organizational Description: WACIF is a 19 year old community development financial institution (CDFI), certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, whose mission is to provide below market-rate financing and development services, and technical assistance to preserve and develop affordable housing, community-based facilities, and small businesses in the Washington metropolitan area.

Programs:

  • Micro-loans to small business owners and individuals seeking self-employment opportunities in the Washington metropolitan area.
  • Small business loans to business owners in the Washington metropolitan area.
  • Technical assistance to small businesses with a focus on HUB Zones, Empowerment Zones/Enterprise Communities.
  • Technical assistance to build organizational capacity of non-profit housing development organizations and community-based organizations, including facility expansion and organization development for childcare centers and faith based organizations.
  • Below-market rate loans to finance a wide range of affordable housing, including tenant cooperatives, single-family housing, multi-family housing, special needs housing and rehabilitation of vacant properties.
  • Below-market rate loans to finance the rehabilitation and/or development of facilities for community based service providers.

CEO:
Donna F. Grigsby
(202) 529-5505 x 11

Small Business Specialists:
Darryl Brantley, Senior Loan Officer
(202) 529- 5505 x 14

Timothy A. Flanagan, Loan and Technical Assistance Manager
(202) 529- 5505 x 19

 

Washington, DC Economic Partnership

1495 F St., NW

Washington , DC 20004

(202) 661-8675

 

Audience: Businesses, Real Estate, Retailers

Membership: Not required

Organizational Description: The Washington, DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP) is a public/ private partnership dedicated to promoting economic development in the District of Columbia. WDCEP works to attract businesses and retailers to the District.

Programs:

  • Retail Development
  • Spring & Fall Neighborhood Retail Summit, provides information on site location, financial services and networking information to small and local businesses in DC
  • Marketing retail opportunities to retailers and commercial developers
  • Coordinating the District's retail initiative and opportunities at ICSC conventions in New York, Washington, and Las Vegas
  • Maintaining an inventory of retail opportunity spaces and sites
  • Partnerships with retail brokers and developers
  • Research into the retail potential of the District Research & Information
  • Research into the District's core economies and market segments
  • Tracking District development and employment trends
  • Creation and maintenance of District development projects database
  • Database of DC development opportunities – leases, buildings, opportunity sites and vision plans
  • Renovation and maintenance of the Washington, DC Economic Partnership's website Communications & PR
  • Develop quarterly breakfast meetings that address the concerns of the business community -Press releases on "good news" stories, events and trends
  • Story placements in regional and national publications and the local print media - Publishing of the Washington, DC Economic Partnership's newsletter
  • Production and placement of ads on the District’s economic development opportunities
  • Assistance in marketing major DC Government development initiatives
  • Branding the Washington, DC Economic Partnership as a community resource and first point of contact in economic development initiatives

CEO:
Steve Moore
(202) 661-8683


Washington, DC Minority Business Enterprise Center

64 New York Ave, NE

Washington , DC 20002

(202) 671-2181

 

Audience: Minority Businesses

Partners: Dept. of Commerce, MBDA, NCRC, DOES

Membership: Not required

Organizational Description: The DC Minority Business Enterprise Center is operated by the national Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC).  Funded by the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) through a grant awarded to NCRC.  We are partnered with DC's Department of Employment Services (DOES), who has provided an in-kind contribution.  DCMBEC provides services throughout the Washington Metro region-DC, Maryland Virginia, and parts of West Virginia.

Programs:

  • Increasing Market share
  • Accessing Capital
  • Improving Business Processes

CEO:
Owen Jackson
(202) 671-2181


Washington, DC Small Business Development Center

2600 6th Street, NW, Suite 128

Washington , DC 20059

(202) 806-1550

 

Audience: Small to midsized emerging businesses, nascent entreprenurs, pre-venture entrepreneurs.

Partners: US SBA, Howard University, Anacostia Economic Development Corp., University of DC.

Membership: Not required

Organizational Description: To strengthen the District of Columbia economy by measurably enhancing entrepreneurial approach and capacity among District of Columbia based small and micro businesses. Our purpose is to give these entrepreneurs a sense of accomplishment through an on going experience with our counseling and training staff.

Programs:

  • Free business counseling in business management strategies and organizational growth.
  • Training workshops on business management, business creation and business growth.

CEO:
Henry J. Turner, Executive Director
(202) 806-1550

Small Business Specialist:
Carmen Long, Associate Director for Programs
(202) 806-1550


Washington DC Technology Council
1400 K Street, NW, Suite 1000
Washington , DC 20005
(202) 637-9333

Membership: Not required

Organizational Description : The Washington DC Technology Council (DC Tech) is the leading voice of technology in the Nation’s Capital.  Founded in 1999, DC Tech is a membership organization of technology-driven companies, professional services providers, technology and entrepreneurial related associations, educational institutions, embassy representatives, and governmental organizations.  Together, the member organizations work to create and advance a thriving business and technology hub in the Nation’s Capital. The DC Technology Council is a local organization that acts globally. Members make up and support the local technology community while keeping up with the regional, national and global affairs that impact business growth and development.  DC Tech is a force for positive change that reaches beyond the region to the rest of the world through its commitment to Washington’s national and international innovative companies.

From early stage companies and established global leaders to associations, institutions of higher learning, and nationally recognized professional services providers, the DC Tech Council serves all facets of technology business.  DC Tech provides an energetic forum that delivers information and resources to enhance sustained growth of members and participants.  The Council is the catalyst that helps member organizations to cultivate business relationships with each other as well as state, local and federal governmental entities.  Our goal is to expand technology and improve the business environment in the nation’s capital in the following ways:

  • By providing networking opportunities for building relationships with other companies, organizations and government entities.
  • By offering quality programs focused on professional development and training.
  • By advocating on behalf of the D.C. technology and business communities.
  • By engaging colleges, universities and research labs that are training the region’s future business leaders and developing the new technologies that fuel the newest emerging companies

Programs:

Programs and events cover a range of topics throughout the year. The website is the best source of coming events at any given time. Content of programs include:

  • Access to capital - from the signature event, Early Stage Capital Forum for companies raising equity capital to periodic programs on other funding sources - M & A, IPOs, CAPCO, strategic partnerships, factoring, and others.
  • Technology - a full range of topics including IPv6 to nanotechnology to healthcare IT to wireless communications, emergency response and security technologies, and every sector of interest.
  • Business and infrastructure building such as Sarbnes Oxley for non-public companies, access to strategic partners, building a diverse workforce and topics to improve business compliance and functioning.
  • Regulatory topics and issues of some highly regulated and emerging technologies. * Contracting opportunities and training for those companies involved in federal, state, and local procurement.
  • Networking through a series of Connect events at special venues to meet and expand and build a robust network of contacts.

CEO:
Penny K. Pickett, President
(202) 637-9333

 

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