SMALL BIZ NEWS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS!
This information is current as of April 30, 2025. Please check back every month for new additions and updates.
Small Business Week is May 4th-10th
For more than 60 years, the U.S. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has celebrated National Small Business Week (NSBW), which acknowledges the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners and the SBA will officially recognize their hard work, ingenuity, and dedication, including their contributions to the economy. This year’s summit will feature access to critical federal resources, educational workshops, and networking opportunities to help our nation’s entrepreneurs start and grow businesses.
Learn more here
Personal Property Tax Updates
New legislation in the DC Council would simplify the District's personal property tax for businesses by raising the exemption from $225,000 to $325,000 and removing the annual filing requirement for firms beneath the threshold. The personal property tax — set at $3.40 per $100 of taxable value — applies to all tangible business property, excluding inventories. Businesses, regardless of tax owed or exemptions, must file a form that details each asset's value and depreciation.
Learn more here
Protect Your Grants: Infrastructure and Inflation Reduction Act Grants
On April 15, a U.S. district court granted a preliminary injunction to stop all freezes, halts, or pauses carried out by EPA, DOE, DOI, HUD, and USDA for grants funded under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. This injunction applies to all such grants that are currently frozen. It does not apply to grants that have been selected but were never awarded. If your grant has been suspended, use this template from Lawyers for Good Government to demand that it be reinstated.
Issues with Construction or need help with Department of Buildings?
Contact DOB via email at [email protected], through our online inquiry form or during normal business hours using the live chat available on dob.dc.gov or at 202.671.3500, and we will get back to you in three business days or less.Customer Service hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
If you want to report illegal construction, vacant property concerns, or property maintenance issues after hours, you can always report them via DC311. You can call 311 at any time day or night. You also can visit the online portal at 311.dc.gov.
DMPED Grants
To learn more about these three grant programs - Great Streets Retail, Emerging Retail, Locally Made Manufacturing - please read through the Request for Applications (instructions). Are you on an eligible corridor? Do you have all of the documents on the checklist?
Are you on the right block?
Great Streets Grant RFA
Did you Remember to File Your Biennial Report with DLCP?
April 1 was the deadline for business entities to file their Biennial Report, Form BRA-25, with the District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP). If you do not know what year your entity should file in, you can go to DLCP's CorpOnline website and check your entity's filing history by searching for the legal name under "Business Filings Search." Avoid fines, check today!
DC Health Link Special Enrollment Period for Loss of Employer Health Coverage
If you are a DC resident who lost (or will lose) your employer health coverage, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in a DC Health Link private health insurance plan.
Learn more here
Lost Coverage Information
Customer Service Center Temporarily Relocating
The DLCP Customer Service Center will temporarily move from the second floor to the sixth floor (Suite E630) at 1100 4th Street SW. You can access the following services on the sixth floor:
DLCP Walk-in Center: Assistance with obtaining, renewing, and managing business and professional licenses, as well as support for filing complaints and resolving consumer issues.
DOB Walk-in Center: Resources for residential and commercial permit applications, plan reviews, and vacant building inspections.
DDOT Permitting Center: Support for filing permit applications related to the District’s public space.
Free ServSafe Training through September 2025
DC restaurants and hospitality businesses can access free ServSafe food safety and alcohol management certifications as part of a new DMPED-funded program.
Learn more here
Alert DC
The District’s official notification system, designed to provide real-time updates directly to your phone or email. Whether it’s severe weather, traffic disruptions, or other critical incidents,
Alert DC for more information
Corporate Transparency Act (CTA)/BOI Update
The Treasury Department has issued a stay on registering your business and they are not requiring filing requirements for domestic based businesses. - as more information becomes available, updates will be provided.
DC Pro Bono Law Center: Corp Transparency Act Info
Department of Public Works (DPW) “Smart Bins Program”
In its latest effort to expand the infrastructure required to support food waste composting in DC, DPW announced the installation of 30 food waste ‘Smart Bins’ across the District. These smart bins will provide convenient, 24/7 drop-off locations for food scraps. The Food Waste Smart Bins’ “rodent-proof” design keeps food scraps out of the reach of rats or other rodents and is expected to ultimately help reduce the populations of these pests.
Chevy Chase Library (5601 Connecticut Ave NW)
Tenley-Friendship Library (4450 Wisconsin Ave NW)
Stoddert Elementary (40th St NW & Calvert St NW)
Reminder that the Clean Hands threshold has been raised.
Get Clean Hands here
DC Security Camera Rebate Program
Protect your business - a rebate is available of up to $750 for businesses for the cost of the camera, including sales tax; installation - accessories, and storage are not covered.
Learn more
Department of Labor Employee Rights Poster
2025 DOL Employee rights and information poster (aka “break-room poster.)
Get poster here
Tax Resources
Small Retailer Property Tax Relief Credit Expanded - Small businesses that earn less than $3 million in annual sales can apply for a credit of up to $10,000 to offset the cost of their property taxes or rent. Visit MyTax.DC.gov and click on “Forms” then “Business Tax Forms and Publications.”
Paid Family Leave Employee Tax Rate Increase
The PML employer contribution is now set at .75% per employee from .26% and the first quarter tax payment is due by April 30th. If you have questions email [email protected] for more info. Learn more
Federal Resources
US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Workplace Discrimination Update
Learn more here
The DC Department of Employment Services
DOES launched a webpage with details about unemployment compensation and opportunities for former federal employees.
Learn more here
SBA EIDL Hardship Accommodation Repayment Update
The SBA Has Stopped Auto-Enrollment In The Hardship Accommodation Plan for COVID EIDL Loans - check your MY SBA Portal to see if your EIDL Loan is affected.
Learn more here
Access Point: Paycheck Paycheck Protection Program Information Overview
Learn more here
Small Business Administration Announces Agency-Wide Reorganization
Learn more here
US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Workplace Discrimination Update
Updates to “DEI-Related” Discrimination in the workplace
Learn more here
Immigration Resources
RAMW Support Immigration Resources for Businesses
Comprehensive guide of immigration support resources for business owners.
RAMW Immigration Resource Guide
RAMW Immigration Resource Support Trainings
Families United Immigration Support Resources
How to Defend Your Neighbors (or Yourself) from ICE Enforcement in DC
2025 Immigration Compliance Guide
Workplace Immigration Law in 2025: What Restaurants Should Expect
Learn more here
Small Business Week is May 4th-10th
For more than 60 years, the U.S. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has celebrated National Small Business Week (NSBW), which acknowledges the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners and the SBA will officially recognize their hard work, ingenuity, and dedication, including their contributions to the economy. This year’s summit will feature access to critical federal resources, educational workshops, and networking opportunities to help our nation’s entrepreneurs start and grow businesses.
Learn more here
Personal Property Tax Updates
New legislation in the DC Council would simplify the District's personal property tax for businesses by raising the exemption from $225,000 to $325,000 and removing the annual filing requirement for firms beneath the threshold. The personal property tax — set at $3.40 per $100 of taxable value — applies to all tangible business property, excluding inventories. Businesses, regardless of tax owed or exemptions, must file a form that details each asset's value and depreciation.
Learn more here
Protect Your Grants: Infrastructure and Inflation Reduction Act Grants
On April 15, a U.S. district court granted a preliminary injunction to stop all freezes, halts, or pauses carried out by EPA, DOE, DOI, HUD, and USDA for grants funded under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. This injunction applies to all such grants that are currently frozen. It does not apply to grants that have been selected but were never awarded. If your grant has been suspended, use this template from Lawyers for Good Government to demand that it be reinstated.
- If your grant has been unfrozen, now is the time to properly draw down because we do not know when it will close again.
- Request legal assistance from Lawyers for Good Government by filling out this intake form.
- The Environmental Protection Network provides additional guidance on what you can do.
Issues with Construction or need help with Department of Buildings?
Contact DOB via email at [email protected], through our online inquiry form or during normal business hours using the live chat available on dob.dc.gov or at 202.671.3500, and we will get back to you in three business days or less.Customer Service hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
If you want to report illegal construction, vacant property concerns, or property maintenance issues after hours, you can always report them via DC311. You can call 311 at any time day or night. You also can visit the online portal at 311.dc.gov.
DMPED Grants
To learn more about these three grant programs - Great Streets Retail, Emerging Retail, Locally Made Manufacturing - please read through the Request for Applications (instructions). Are you on an eligible corridor? Do you have all of the documents on the checklist?
Are you on the right block?
Great Streets Grant RFA
Did you Remember to File Your Biennial Report with DLCP?
April 1 was the deadline for business entities to file their Biennial Report, Form BRA-25, with the District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP). If you do not know what year your entity should file in, you can go to DLCP's CorpOnline website and check your entity's filing history by searching for the legal name under "Business Filings Search." Avoid fines, check today!
DC Health Link Special Enrollment Period for Loss of Employer Health Coverage
If you are a DC resident who lost (or will lose) your employer health coverage, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in a DC Health Link private health insurance plan.
Learn more here
Lost Coverage Information
Customer Service Center Temporarily Relocating
The DLCP Customer Service Center will temporarily move from the second floor to the sixth floor (Suite E630) at 1100 4th Street SW. You can access the following services on the sixth floor:
DLCP Walk-in Center: Assistance with obtaining, renewing, and managing business and professional licenses, as well as support for filing complaints and resolving consumer issues.
DOB Walk-in Center: Resources for residential and commercial permit applications, plan reviews, and vacant building inspections.
DDOT Permitting Center: Support for filing permit applications related to the District’s public space.
Free ServSafe Training through September 2025
DC restaurants and hospitality businesses can access free ServSafe food safety and alcohol management certifications as part of a new DMPED-funded program.
Learn more here
Alert DC
The District’s official notification system, designed to provide real-time updates directly to your phone or email. Whether it’s severe weather, traffic disruptions, or other critical incidents,
Alert DC for more information
Corporate Transparency Act (CTA)/BOI Update
The Treasury Department has issued a stay on registering your business and they are not requiring filing requirements for domestic based businesses. - as more information becomes available, updates will be provided.
DC Pro Bono Law Center: Corp Transparency Act Info
Department of Public Works (DPW) “Smart Bins Program”
In its latest effort to expand the infrastructure required to support food waste composting in DC, DPW announced the installation of 30 food waste ‘Smart Bins’ across the District. These smart bins will provide convenient, 24/7 drop-off locations for food scraps. The Food Waste Smart Bins’ “rodent-proof” design keeps food scraps out of the reach of rats or other rodents and is expected to ultimately help reduce the populations of these pests.
Chevy Chase Library (5601 Connecticut Ave NW)
Tenley-Friendship Library (4450 Wisconsin Ave NW)
Stoddert Elementary (40th St NW & Calvert St NW)
Reminder that the Clean Hands threshold has been raised.
Get Clean Hands here
DC Security Camera Rebate Program
Protect your business - a rebate is available of up to $750 for businesses for the cost of the camera, including sales tax; installation - accessories, and storage are not covered.
Learn more
Department of Labor Employee Rights Poster
2025 DOL Employee rights and information poster (aka “break-room poster.)
Get poster here
Tax Resources
Small Retailer Property Tax Relief Credit Expanded - Small businesses that earn less than $3 million in annual sales can apply for a credit of up to $10,000 to offset the cost of their property taxes or rent. Visit MyTax.DC.gov and click on “Forms” then “Business Tax Forms and Publications.”
Paid Family Leave Employee Tax Rate Increase
The PML employer contribution is now set at .75% per employee from .26% and the first quarter tax payment is due by April 30th. If you have questions email [email protected] for more info. Learn more
Federal Resources
US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Workplace Discrimination Update
Learn more here
The DC Department of Employment Services
DOES launched a webpage with details about unemployment compensation and opportunities for former federal employees.
Learn more here
SBA EIDL Hardship Accommodation Repayment Update
The SBA Has Stopped Auto-Enrollment In The Hardship Accommodation Plan for COVID EIDL Loans - check your MY SBA Portal to see if your EIDL Loan is affected.
Learn more here
Access Point: Paycheck Paycheck Protection Program Information Overview
Learn more here
Small Business Administration Announces Agency-Wide Reorganization
Learn more here
US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Workplace Discrimination Update
Updates to “DEI-Related” Discrimination in the workplace
Learn more here
Immigration Resources
RAMW Support Immigration Resources for Businesses
Comprehensive guide of immigration support resources for business owners.
RAMW Immigration Resource Guide
RAMW Immigration Resource Support Trainings
Families United Immigration Support Resources
How to Defend Your Neighbors (or Yourself) from ICE Enforcement in DC
2025 Immigration Compliance Guide
Workplace Immigration Law in 2025: What Restaurants Should Expect
Learn more here
