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Business Toolkit
Basics About the District of Columbia
By locating your business in the District of Columbia, you can take advantage of comprehensive resources and a robust economic climate where businesses start and thrive. Learn about the City’s economic trends, vibrant markets and development plans.
Facts and Stats
- Quick Facts
- Economic statistics
- Demographic statistics
- Other data statistics
- Annual data reports
- Commercial district profiles sheets
Maps
- City
- Wards
- Public space (DDOT transportation projects, special events)
- Commercial use of public space (DDOT)
- Other
Events
Plans
Connect to Free Services, Networks & DC Government Agencies
Tap into the vast network of counselors, mentors, service providers and business owners available to help establish, build and expand DC businesses.
Business Counseling
- DSLBD/SCORE counseling
- DCRA Small Business Resource Center
- DCRA Business Portal (connect to regulatory staff and requirements )
- DC Small Biz Help (network of nonprofit organizations)
- DSLBD Contracting counseling (DC PTAC)
- DOES employer assistance for staffing
- WDCEP commercial space site selection consultations
- DCRA Green building compliance consultations
- DC Bar Pro Bono Center brief legal advice
Find a Business Mentor
- DC SCORE (all business types)
- WDCEP Guide to tech business mentors
Network with Businesses
These events are independent of the DC Government. Some may have a fee.
Contact DC Agencies & Receive eUpdates
- Executive Office of Mayor (EOM)—email updates, twitter
- Small and Local Business (DSLBD)—email updates, twitter, Facebook, Instagram
- Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA)—twitter, dcra@dc.gov, 202.442.4400
- Greater Economic Opportunity (DMGEO)—twitter, dmgeo.dc@dc.gov, 202.545.3071
- Planning and Economic Development (DMPED)—twitter, dmped.eom@dc.gov, 202.727.6365
- 311 DC Operations—twitter, mobile apps
- African Affairs (MOAA)—email updates, twitter, 202.727.5634
- Alcoholic Beverage Regulation (ABRA)—email updates, twitter, abra@dc.gov, 202.442.4423
- Asian-Pacific Islander Affairs (MOAPIA)—email updates, twitter, oapia@dc.gov, 202.727.3120
- Contracting and Procurement (OCP)— email updates (link pending), twitter, ocp.Helpdesk@dc.gov, 202.274.7277
- Employment Services (DOES)—twitter, does@dc.gov, 202.724.7000
- Energy and the Environment (DOEE)—twitter, doee@dc.gov, 202.535.2600
- Fire and EMS—mobile apps, info.fems@dc.gov, 202.673.3320
- Health (DOH)—twitter, doh@dc.gov, 202.442.5955
- Health Link (health insurance)—mobile business app, twitter, email, 855.532.5465
- Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEMA)—mobile app, email/text updates, twitter, 202.727.6161
- Insurance Securities and Banking (DISB)—email updates, twitter, disb@dc.gov, 202.727.8000
- Latino Affairs (MOLA)—email updates, twitter, ola@dc.gov, 202.671.2825
- Library (DCPL)—email updates (including classes), twitter
- Partnerships and Grants (OPGS)—funding alerts, facebook, opgs.eom@dc.gov, 202.727.8900
- Planning (OP)—twitter, planning@dc.gov, 202.442.7600
- Public-Private Partnerships (OP3)—email updates, op3@dc.gov, 202.724.2128
- Sustainable DC—email updates, twitter, sustainable.future@dc.gov, 202.442.7600
Navigate government requirements & forms
Easily access key requirements and guidance needed to open and operate a business in compliance with regulations.
Corporate Entity
- DCRA Business Portal (connect to regulatory staff and requirements )
- DCRA All in One Business Guide (Chinese, English, Korean, Urdu, Vietnamese)
- Business structure options, pros/cons, legal tips and IRS descriptions
- DC Incorporation process overview and business registration
- DC Business Tax Identification Number overview and application (FR500)
- Trade name registration
- Federal setup requirements and Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- DUNS number overview (why needed) and registration (free)
Licensing
- Business license overview, counseling, categories, look-up/verify, renewal overview and application
- Liquor license overview, applications, renewal and online reporting
- Professional license
Other Regulatory Compliance Areas
- Foam ban
- Bag fee (carryout, disposable)
- Food safety and hygiene inspections
- Air quality assistance
- Weights and Measures (scales, scanners, other devices)
- Hazardous waste
- Fire EMS business inspections
Vending
- Vending guides (Bengali, Chinese, English, Hindi, Korean, Vietnamese)
- Registration
- Lottery
Employees
- Staffing employer assistance and reducing payroll costs
- Requirements for Minimum wage, Living wage, First source and Posting
Commercial space
- Space search tool
- Certificate of Occupancy overview, FAQs, application
- Home Occupation Permit overview and application
- Building permit overview, code regulations and guides
- Green Building requirement overview and compliance resources
- Historic preservation permits and design review
- Public space permit overview (signs, awnings, etc.) and sidewalk café guide
- Report public space defect (sidewalks, lights, etc.)
- Commercial district data, amenities and coordinators (BIDs, DC Main Streets)
- Incubators/co-working spaces
Taxes
- DC business taxes overview and rates
- DC tax forms for business register (FR500), sales and use, withholding (D-4, FR 900s) and other forms
- Unemployment Insurance (UI) overview, FAQs and submission
- Federal taxes overview, forms and calendar app
Insurance & Bonding
- Insurance tips / consejos sobre seguros, business package policy
- Liability
- Disaster insurance
- Health insurance for businesses with less than 50 workers and more than 50 workers
- Bonding
Sustainable Business
- Guides to operating a sustainable business
- Incentives and tips
- Restaurant operations
Emergency Preparedness
Transition & Exit
- Regulatory closeout and forms
- Exit strategies
- Layoff/closing assistance
Grow with incentives & personalized counseling
Utilize counseling, capital, and contracting opportunities that help small businesses expand and compete successfully.
General Business Counseling
- DSLBD/SCORE counseling
- DCRA Small Business Resource Center
- DC Small Biz Help (network of nonprofit organizations)
- DOES employer assistance for staffing
Contracting
- Counseling for local, federal and private contacting (DC PTAC)
- CBE Connect portal for DC government contract opportunities
- DC contract opportunities
- DC supply schedule
- Federal contract opportunities
- Post your contract opportunities
- Teaming
- Finding local businesses (CBEs)
Certified Business Enterprise (CBE)
- Program overview for contracting competitive advantage
- New certification
- Find a CBE business
Exporting
- Exporting counseling and classes
Marketing and Promotion
- Planning promotions guide
Access to Capital & Incentives
- Financing: Overview of options for small businesses
- Loan assistance: Community lenders, collateral support and loan capital/debt service
- Investing in Small Businesses: CAPCO investments, Equity crowdfunding
- Financial assistance: Overview, incentives, DC grants, Federal grants and green business incentives
- Grants (Office of Partnerships and Grants): Search for grants. Receive weekly Funding Alert.
Commercial Space Improvement and Expansion
- WDCEP commercial space site selection consultations
- DCRA Green building compliance consultations