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Guide to Washington, DC Small Business Services and Resources
How to tap a wealth of helpful state and regional-level solutions
By Daniel Kehrer
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Uncommonly
Useful
9.0
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If you are looking to start or expand a business in Washington, D.C., or just need help solving a problem specific to this state or region, there's a wide range of resources — both government and private — available to help. While many nationally focused resources offer helpful solutions, some issues are better addressed at the state or local level. Answers to licensing, zoning, sales tax, incorporation, economic development issues and a mountain of other matters often reside at the state level. Ironically, however, finding the right resources closer to home can often be even more difficult, as local solutions often live in many different places. Cover your bases by seeking solutions in these locations: - State government agencies, such as the commerce department, economic development office, secretary of state's office or other business-related state agencies.
- Small business assistance programs offered through local universities and community colleges that are backed by state and federal resources. These include Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and SCORE offices.
- Private, non-profit and special-interest industry and business organizations that provide a range of services, networking opportunities and even funding options for small businesses.
- State and local offices of federal agency programs, such as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) office in your area.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
 Get free help at the D.C. Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
The District of Columbia SBDC Network promotes the growth and expansion of small businesses in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.
I recommend: The DC SBDC Network provides free counseling and low-cost training. The Web site has specialty areas for startup help, existing businesses, counseling requests, success stories and market research listings.
SCORE more free help for your biz
SCORE, "Counselors to America's small business" is a terrific national organization that provides free mentoring for small business owners.
I recommend: Visit SCORE's Washington, D.C., chapter site for help.
Dig into D.C. government assistance programs for small business
D.C.'s Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) can help you get a business started in D.C. or provide assistance for growing an existing business.
I recommend: DSLBD has a helpful Business Center along with a variety of other resources.
Snag state-level help from the SBA
District, state and regional offices of the U.S. Small Business Administration can put a more focused face on federal programs and resources, and plug you into local training and assistance solutions.
I recommend: Just plug in a Zip Code, select a specific city from the pull-down menu or check your state on the U.S. map in the middle of the SBA home page.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Many types of businesses require state, city or county licenses and permits. State offices listed above will spell out any specific requirements for your industry.
- Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) are an often-overlooked but terrific place to obtain free or low-cost advice and information, including training seminars and technology resources that are nearby.
- Locally-based SBDC consultants can advise you individually on how to write a business plan, market your products and services, find financial resources and other valuable information.
- The regional SBA office can plug you into loan and assistance programs, seminars and other initiatives to aid small businesses.
- Linking up with a local SCORE counselor is a great way to learn from an experienced individual about state-specific solutions.
The official source of Washington, DC Small Business Services and Resources is
the Washington, DC Small Business Development Centers page at Business.com
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 Recommended Solution Providers | Back to top |
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Free counseling made available for business owners in Washington, D.C. Just use the drop-down menu to target results.
Public resources available for business owners in Washington, D.C.
Allows users to find and register for business permits and licenses at the state, county, and local levels.
Find out if complaints have been filed against your business by contacting your local Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Offers explanations and downloading for Employee's Witholding Allowance Certificate in Washington, D.C.
Use the search box to find forms for startups and existing businesses by typing the name of your state in the search box.
Small-business association fighting for small business on key issues such as regulatory and civil justice/tort reform.
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 Best Sites to Learn More | Back to top |
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Communities of small business owners in Washington, D.C. Search for a chapter near you.
Lists government web sites for Washington, D.C.
Small Business Association services in Washington, D.C.
Lists resources to find demographic data useful for business research in regions nationwide.
Type state name into the search box (in upper right-hand corner) to find advice on employees, holidays, wages, and taxes.
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 Best Blogs and Forums | Back to top |
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Read about innovative online technology focused on local businesses.
Evaluates business, social, economic and technology trends that are changing the local market.
Informs owners on how they can utilize the internet to promote their business online for local searches.
Entries have more of a consumer focus, but the forums could be useful if you need to gather information from a local perspective.
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