RESOURCES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
The following resources were last updated on June 24, 2025. Please check back regularly for new additions and updates.
Chase Coaching for Business
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DC Pro Bono Law Center: Resiliency in Action Training
Legal Compliance and Best Practices for Small Businesses
FSC First: Small Business Resources
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US Black Chamber of Commerce ByBlack Program
Learn more here
Verizon/LISC Digital Ready Support Program
Learn more here
VISA Small Business Hub
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HR Software for Small Businesses
Learn more here
IRS Correspondence Strategies
Don’t panic if mail comes from the IRS – they’re here to help. But be aware of ever existing tax scams or letters “posing to be from there IRS
Here are a few things businesses should do if they receive mail from the IRS:
1. Read the letter carefully.
2. Take any requested action, including making a payment.
3. Reply only if instructed to do so. Let the IRS know of a disputed notice.
Businesses that are unsure if they owe taxes may be able view their Business Tax Account information on IRS.gov.
Learn more here
The SBA Introduces Onshoring Portal
This free tool from SBA helps connect businesses with verified U.S. manufacturers, producers, and suppliers. It’s built to support companies that want to onshore operations, strengthen their supply chains, and source the components they need
Learn more here
Essential Workplace Safety Tips to Protect Your Business and Employees
Hiring for your Manufacturing Business
How to Attract Employees to Your Manufacturing Business
How to Go From Product Conception to Manufacturing: A Step-by-Step Guide
Improving your Businesses Logistics
Patents and Copyrights: Everything You Need to Know
Patent Types and How to File for a Small Business Patent
Prepare and Protect Your Small Business
Product Sourcing Tips
Resources for Manufacturing
SBA Onshoring Portal
Small Businesses Should Consider Workers’ Comp Insurance
Small Business Scoring Service
Your SBSS (Small Business Scoring Service) score is your business credit score, ranging from 0 to 300. This score is used by the SBA and lenders to assess your business’s financial health and trustworthiness when you apply for an SBA loan. Your SBSS score takes into account your business credit data, personal credit data, business financials, and more. The SBA requires a minimum SBSS score of 165 for SBA 7(a) loan applicants. However, your loan decision is not solely based on your SBSS score.
Learn more here
Loan Rejection Strategies
Don't take rejections personally—use them as feedback to improve your next application:
Chase Coaching for Business
Learn more here
DC Pro Bono Law Center: Resiliency in Action Training
Legal Compliance and Best Practices for Small Businesses
FSC First: Small Business Resources
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
HR Software for Small Businesses
Learn more here
IRS Correspondence Strategies
Don’t panic if mail comes from the IRS – they’re here to help. But be aware of ever existing tax scams or letters “posing to be from there IRS
Here are a few things businesses should do if they receive mail from the IRS:
1. Read the letter carefully.
2. Take any requested action, including making a payment.
3. Reply only if instructed to do so. Let the IRS know of a disputed notice.
Businesses that are unsure if they owe taxes may be able view their Business Tax Account information on IRS.gov.
Learn more here
The SBA Introduces Onshoring Portal
This free tool from SBA helps connect businesses with verified U.S. manufacturers, producers, and suppliers. It’s built to support companies that want to onshore operations, strengthen their supply chains, and source the components they need
Learn more here
Essential Workplace Safety Tips to Protect Your Business and Employees
Hiring for your Manufacturing Business
How to Attract Employees to Your Manufacturing Business
How to Go From Product Conception to Manufacturing: A Step-by-Step Guide
Improving your Businesses Logistics
Patents and Copyrights: Everything You Need to Know
Patent Types and How to File for a Small Business Patent
Prepare and Protect Your Small Business
Product Sourcing Tips
Resources for Manufacturing
SBA Onshoring Portal
Small Businesses Should Consider Workers’ Comp Insurance
Small Business Scoring Service
Your SBSS (Small Business Scoring Service) score is your business credit score, ranging from 0 to 300. This score is used by the SBA and lenders to assess your business’s financial health and trustworthiness when you apply for an SBA loan. Your SBSS score takes into account your business credit data, personal credit data, business financials, and more. The SBA requires a minimum SBSS score of 165 for SBA 7(a) loan applicants. However, your loan decision is not solely based on your SBSS score.
Learn more here
Loan Rejection Strategies
Don't take rejections personally—use them as feedback to improve your next application:
- Invest in professional-grade financial modeling to demonstrate your repayment ability clearly
- Target community banks where you can build relationships with decision-makers
- Consider proven systems like structured loan package planners rather than going it alone
- Prepare for a 6-12 month process and stay persistent.
EXTRA BUSINESS RESOURCES AND ADVICE
Daily Business Accounting Checklist
Lendio Intro to Cash Flow Management Resource Guide
Market Research Guide: Know Your Target Audience
Navigating Credit Part I: Basics to Credit Report
Navigating Credit Part II: Understanding and Dealing with Credit Scams
Navigating Credit Part III: How to protect a consumer’s credit report from scams
Nonprofit Checklist: What to do When Your Federal Grant or Contract is Terminated
SCORE Business Crises Management Resources
SCORE Marketing Calendar Template
Small Business Legal Toolkit
Successful Project Management: Roadmap to Stay on Track
Tax Saving Strategies for Small Businesses
Truist Business Finance Workbook Resource Guide
US Chamber: 10 Ways to Cut Overhead Business Costs
US Chamber: Top Reasons Small Businesses Fail (How to Avoid Them)
US Chamber Employee Benefits Guide
US Chamber: How to Use AI Tools to Write a Business Plan
US Chamber Small Business Briefing on Tariffs: Expert Insights & Latest News
WAEPA: 5 Tips to Take Control of Your Financial Life
WAEPA: Preparing for Financial Emergencies
Tips for Grassroots Advocacy
5 Tips for Nonprofit Lobbying and Avoiding Political Campaign Intervention
One of the first things that we need to know prior to lobbying and advocacy of any kind are the legal rules around these practices.
5 Tips on Communicating With Elected Officials
Lendio Intro to Cash Flow Management Resource Guide
Market Research Guide: Know Your Target Audience
Navigating Credit Part I: Basics to Credit Report
Navigating Credit Part II: Understanding and Dealing with Credit Scams
Navigating Credit Part III: How to protect a consumer’s credit report from scams
Nonprofit Checklist: What to do When Your Federal Grant or Contract is Terminated
SCORE Business Crises Management Resources
SCORE Marketing Calendar Template
Small Business Legal Toolkit
Successful Project Management: Roadmap to Stay on Track
Tax Saving Strategies for Small Businesses
Truist Business Finance Workbook Resource Guide
US Chamber: 10 Ways to Cut Overhead Business Costs
US Chamber: Top Reasons Small Businesses Fail (How to Avoid Them)
US Chamber Employee Benefits Guide
US Chamber: How to Use AI Tools to Write a Business Plan
US Chamber Small Business Briefing on Tariffs: Expert Insights & Latest News
WAEPA: 5 Tips to Take Control of Your Financial Life
WAEPA: Preparing for Financial Emergencies
Tips for Grassroots Advocacy
5 Tips for Nonprofit Lobbying and Avoiding Political Campaign Intervention
One of the first things that we need to know prior to lobbying and advocacy of any kind are the legal rules around these practices.
5 Tips on Communicating With Elected Officials
- Keep it : This step adds value and supports efficiency.
- Simplify it : This step is necessary but could be streamlined or automated.
- Cut it : This step adds little to no value and creates unnecessary friction.
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).