Ward 4 is Open for Business!

Ward 4 has great neighborhoods and great streets. Decades of little investment are now giving way to almost $756 million in new private and public investment—and that is just on Georgia Avenue!

I am committed to introducing and backing legislation that helps small businesses. The Council has the following committees that work closely with businesses: the Committee on Finance and Revenue, the Committee on Economic Development, and the Committee on Government Operations and the Environment.

Resources to Help Small Businesses

DC Chamber of Commerce Business Resource Center (BRC)
The DC Chamber of Commerce Business Resource Center serves entrepreneurs and small business owners with relevant educational resources, one-on-one counseling, a capital accessibility program, and a secure, high-speed wireless internet connection. The BRC can be reached at 202-545-0220. Visit www.dcchamber.org for more information about the organization.

Emory Beacon of Light, Inc. (EBOL)
Emory Beacon of Light, Inc. is a faith-based, nonprofit community development corporation. Its support for local businesses includes storefront improvements, the Beacon Clean, Green, Safe Initiative, and the Beacon Brightwood Business Alliance. The Beacon Brightwood Business Alliance meets at 8:00 am the second Thursday of each month at Emory United Methodist Church. The Executive Director of EBOL is Mr. Nkosi Ayize and he can be reached at 202-326-8674 or at nkosi.ayize@emorybol.org. Visit www.emorybol.org to learn more about EBOL.

Old Takoma Business Association (OTBA)
The Old Takoma Business Association is a membership organization of over 70 local businesses in the Old Takoma area. Its mission is to bring together businesses, residents, and community organizations dedicated to developing a vibrant market center from Takoma Theatre, DC to Takoma Junction, Maryland in order to enhance the area’s unique and historic town setting. The Executive Director of OTBA is Rosaline Grigsby and she can be reached at 240-253-4229 or at www.mainstreettakoma.org.

14th Street Uptown Business Association (14UBA)
The 14th Street Uptown Business Association was formed in 2004 by a group of commercial property owners, professionals and business proprietors and represents the interests of its affected neighborhoods, property owners and business establishments from Arkansas Avenue, North to Longfellow Street. It has a goals of reintroducing and developing an "eclectic mix of neighborhood businesses, restaurants, personal services, public facilities and wholesome social activities in a family friendly environment." For further information visit www.14uba.org.

DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD)
The Department of Small and Local Business Development is the citywide resource for assistance to start, operate, and expand a business in the District through training, certification, business opportunities, and neighborhood commercial revitalization services.

Those interested in DSLBD’s workshops and training should contact Katina Bolden at 202-727-2241 or katina.bolden@dc.gov. For information on business opportunities, contact Kimberly R. Smith at 202-727-3900 or kimberly.smith@dc.gov. For information on services available through the Office of Commercial Revitalization, contact Phyllis R. Love at 202-727-3900 or phyllis.love@dc.gov or Camille Nixon at 727-3900 or camille.nixon@dc.gov.