RESOURCES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
The following resources were last updated on January 17, 2025. Please check back regularly for new additions and updates.
LEDC Entrepreneur Training for Success Program
Amount: Free Cohort
Deadline: TBA
Learn more here
Entrepreneur Training for Success (ETS) is a 3-month cohort-based program that centers around business training and enhancing leadership skills.
Truist Retail Readiness Entrepreneurship Training Program
Deadline: January 26th
Learn more here
A 10 part program designed to help underserved entrepreneurs become retail ready.]
Santander X Cultivate Small Business Cohort 11
Deadline: January 30th
Learn more here
We know growing a food business is tough. Santander's Cultivate Small Business offers training, mentors & capital to food businesses.
Elevate: Minority Executive Education Program
Amount: Free Cohort
Deadline: February 11th
Learn more here
The Coalition’s Executive Leadership Education Venture Advancing Talented Entrepreneurs Program provides best-in-class training to minority-owned small businesses (MBEs) in DC.
ACE NextGen Business Accelerator Program
Learn more here
Amazon Black Business Accelerator
Learn more here
Bank of America Start.Pivot.Grow
Learn more here
Chase Coaching for Business
Learn more here
CNHED Small Biz Help Website
CNHED Small Biz Resource Hub
CNHED Small Biz Calendar
FSC First: Small Business Resources
Learn more here
Minority Business Development Agency Resources
Learn more here
Morgan Stanley Small Business Academy
Learn more here
US Black Chamber of Commerce ByBlack Program
Learn more here
Verizon/LISC Digital Ready Support Program
Learn more here
VISA Small Business Hub
Learn more here
LEDC Entrepreneur Training for Success Program
Amount: Free Cohort
Deadline: TBA
Learn more here
Entrepreneur Training for Success (ETS) is a 3-month cohort-based program that centers around business training and enhancing leadership skills.
Truist Retail Readiness Entrepreneurship Training Program
Deadline: January 26th
Learn more here
A 10 part program designed to help underserved entrepreneurs become retail ready.]
Santander X Cultivate Small Business Cohort 11
Deadline: January 30th
Learn more here
We know growing a food business is tough. Santander's Cultivate Small Business offers training, mentors & capital to food businesses.
Elevate: Minority Executive Education Program
Amount: Free Cohort
Deadline: February 11th
Learn more here
The Coalition’s Executive Leadership Education Venture Advancing Talented Entrepreneurs Program provides best-in-class training to minority-owned small businesses (MBEs) in DC.
ACE NextGen Business Accelerator Program
Learn more here
Amazon Black Business Accelerator
Learn more here
Bank of America Start.Pivot.Grow
Learn more here
Chase Coaching for Business
Learn more here
CNHED Small Biz Help Website
CNHED Small Biz Resource Hub
CNHED Small Biz Calendar
FSC First: Small Business Resources
Learn more here
Minority Business Development Agency Resources
Learn more here
Morgan Stanley Small Business Academy
Learn more here
US Black Chamber of Commerce ByBlack Program
Learn more here
Verizon/LISC Digital Ready Support Program
Learn more here
VISA Small Business Hub
Learn more here
BUSINESS ADVICE AND SBA GUIDES
Seven Steps to Emergency Preparedness in Your Business
1. Conduct a Risk Assessment
2. Develop an Emergency Plan
3. Establish a Crisis Communication Strategy
4. Train Your Team
5. Back Up Data and Secure Assets
6. Create a Business Continuity Plan
7. Review Insurance Policies
More resources here
New Year Cash Flow Check-in
Reflect on 2024. Think about what went well, and what didn’t go well. What do you want to bring into 2025? What’s better left behind?
1. Audit your financial performance. Review your profit and loss statements, as well as your business and personal credit. Where did you see success? What could improve?
2. Set your goals. Start with your 10-year vision, then work backward to 5-year, 1-year, and quarterly.
3. Build your income plan with our easy guided budget template.
4. Create your daily routine. A goal without a plan is just a dream. Think about how you can make healthy financial choices daily and weekly.
5.Cash Flow Health Dashboard
Protect your Business against Check Washing Scams
1..Go Digital: Set up automatic payments through your bank to eliminate the need for mailing checks.
2. Use Security Envelopes: Avoid using envelopes that say “payment enclosed.” Instead, opt for opaque security envelopes.
3. Write Smart: Gel pens are harder to erase, but counterfeiters are increasingly sophisticated—consider minimizing check use altogether.
4. Stay Vigilant: Check your bank statements daily for unauthorized transactions and report them immediately.
5. Secure Your Mail: Never leave outgoing mail in your outdoor mailbox.
Learn more here
Business Safety Tips
1. Empty cash registers overnight to prevent loss of funds during a break-in.
2. Secure cash in a properly mounted, bolted-down safe that cannot be easily removed. Lock boxes can be easily pried open or removed.
3. Be vigilant and report suspicious activity, including individuals showing signs of casing businesses. Promptly report such behavior to authorities.
4. Remove keys from lockboxes or other easily accessible locations to prevent unauthorized access.
Winter Weatherization Tips
Seal and Insulate: Proper insulation and sealing of windows and doors can significantly reduce energy consumption and keep indoor spaces warm.
Inspect Heating Systems: Regular maintenance of heating systems ensures efficiency and prevents breakdowns during the coldest days.
Adopt Green Heating and Cooling Solutions: Consider transitioning to green energy systems.
Prevent Frozen Pipes: Insulating exposed pipes and keeping indoor temperatures consistent can help avoid costly repairs and water waste caused by burst pipes.
Clear Snow and Ice Safely: Maintain clear walkways and entry points to prevent accidents. Use eco-friendly de-icing products to minimize environmental impact while ensuring safety.
SBA Business Emergency Preparedness Guide
SBA Business Resilience Guide
SBA Small Business Resource Guide
Small Business Insurance Resources
1. Conduct a Risk Assessment
2. Develop an Emergency Plan
3. Establish a Crisis Communication Strategy
4. Train Your Team
5. Back Up Data and Secure Assets
6. Create a Business Continuity Plan
7. Review Insurance Policies
More resources here
New Year Cash Flow Check-in
Reflect on 2024. Think about what went well, and what didn’t go well. What do you want to bring into 2025? What’s better left behind?
1. Audit your financial performance. Review your profit and loss statements, as well as your business and personal credit. Where did you see success? What could improve?
2. Set your goals. Start with your 10-year vision, then work backward to 5-year, 1-year, and quarterly.
3. Build your income plan with our easy guided budget template.
4. Create your daily routine. A goal without a plan is just a dream. Think about how you can make healthy financial choices daily and weekly.
5.Cash Flow Health Dashboard
Protect your Business against Check Washing Scams
1..Go Digital: Set up automatic payments through your bank to eliminate the need for mailing checks.
2. Use Security Envelopes: Avoid using envelopes that say “payment enclosed.” Instead, opt for opaque security envelopes.
3. Write Smart: Gel pens are harder to erase, but counterfeiters are increasingly sophisticated—consider minimizing check use altogether.
4. Stay Vigilant: Check your bank statements daily for unauthorized transactions and report them immediately.
5. Secure Your Mail: Never leave outgoing mail in your outdoor mailbox.
Learn more here
Business Safety Tips
1. Empty cash registers overnight to prevent loss of funds during a break-in.
2. Secure cash in a properly mounted, bolted-down safe that cannot be easily removed. Lock boxes can be easily pried open or removed.
3. Be vigilant and report suspicious activity, including individuals showing signs of casing businesses. Promptly report such behavior to authorities.
4. Remove keys from lockboxes or other easily accessible locations to prevent unauthorized access.
Winter Weatherization Tips
Seal and Insulate: Proper insulation and sealing of windows and doors can significantly reduce energy consumption and keep indoor spaces warm.
Inspect Heating Systems: Regular maintenance of heating systems ensures efficiency and prevents breakdowns during the coldest days.
Adopt Green Heating and Cooling Solutions: Consider transitioning to green energy systems.
Prevent Frozen Pipes: Insulating exposed pipes and keeping indoor temperatures consistent can help avoid costly repairs and water waste caused by burst pipes.
Clear Snow and Ice Safely: Maintain clear walkways and entry points to prevent accidents. Use eco-friendly de-icing products to minimize environmental impact while ensuring safety.
SBA Business Emergency Preparedness Guide
SBA Business Resilience Guide
SBA Small Business Resource Guide
Small Business Insurance Resources
SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES IN WASHINGTON, DC
D.C. DEPARTMENT OF SMALL AND LOCAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
The District’s Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) provides a range of services to meet the needs of District-based small businesses. These services are available to both start-up and existing businesses. Services include one-on-one counseling, workshops, and seminars for both entrepreneurs and small business owners. For more information on DSLBD’s programs, please contact us at (202)727-3900.
U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent agency of the federal government and was created to aid, counsel, assist, and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise, and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. The SBA helps Americans start, build, and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U. S. Virgin Islands, and Guam.
UDC SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
UDC’s School of Business and Public Administration is dedicated to supporting its students in the pursuit of excellence. Working professionals enjoy the support of an institution that is small enough to attend to their personal needs and achievements, but is large enough to take full advantage of the opportunities afforded by the University’s unique position in the nation’s capital. The school encourages its students and faculty to apply their skills and knowledge to the urban challenges specific to the district and to envision how solutions devised can be applied elsewhere. In line with its mission to offer high-quality opportunities for learning and engagement, the Business Management and Accounting Programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
The District’s Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) provides a range of services to meet the needs of District-based small businesses. These services are available to both start-up and existing businesses. Services include one-on-one counseling, workshops, and seminars for both entrepreneurs and small business owners. For more information on DSLBD’s programs, please contact us at (202)727-3900.
U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent agency of the federal government and was created to aid, counsel, assist, and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise, and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. The SBA helps Americans start, build, and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U. S. Virgin Islands, and Guam.
UDC SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
UDC’s School of Business and Public Administration is dedicated to supporting its students in the pursuit of excellence. Working professionals enjoy the support of an institution that is small enough to attend to their personal needs and achievements, but is large enough to take full advantage of the opportunities afforded by the University’s unique position in the nation’s capital. The school encourages its students and faculty to apply their skills and knowledge to the urban challenges specific to the district and to envision how solutions devised can be applied elsewhere. In line with its mission to offer high-quality opportunities for learning and engagement, the Business Management and Accounting Programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).