Get involved with the upcoming DC budget  Mayor Bowser announced that she will host three Budget Engagement Forums throughout the District in February 2017. The forums will be open to the press and the public. The purpose of the forums is to solicit public input, and then use that input to shape Bowser Administration priorities and investments.    Thursday, February 25th - Roosevelt Senior High School  Saturday, February 27th - Department of Employment Services Monday, February 29th - King Greenleaf Recreation Center

Pathways to Inclusion The ‘Pathways to Inclusion Report’ was cultivated from a commitment by Mayor Muriel Bowser and her Innovation Technology Inclusion Council (ITIC) to expand the District’s innovation economy in a way that will serve as a national model for inclusion and diversity. This report is the first of its kind for the District, providing a roadmap to create an inclusive ecosystem where the tech and innovation economy can grow.

Where to find a CBE contract The Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) released their Green Book handbook. The guide lists: (1) expendable budgets by agency, including operating and capital dollars, (2) CBE spending goals, (3) planned acquisitions (contracts over $1million), and (4) potential business opportunities where CBE capacity ha s not been available to fulfill procurement in the past.

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Get free legal advice for your small business The DC Bar's Small Business Legal Assistance Program offers legal advice to entrepreneurs that service low-income communities.

February workshops with DCRA Whether you already have experience working on government contracts, or are looking for help to win your first one, the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affair's Small Business Resource Center is available to help. Businesses can get assistance with developing strategies to pursue state, local and federal government contracts.

It's that time of year! Vote for your favorite places in Washington, DC. The poll closes on March 5th at 11:59 PM EST

How 2016 changed Washington, DC, Ward by Ward See what the biggest developments were in every area of the District as well as what projects have still yet to come (Curbed)

8th Annual Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Minority Business Expo Join GWHCC at their biggest event of the year and connect with the region's leading minority-owned businesses. Last year, we brought together 1,800 attendees, 172 exhibitors, and 97 sponsors and partners.

Historic Franklin School Downtown to Become Interactive Language Museum D.C.’s Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development announced Wednesday the selection of a plan from Aspen Institute trustee Ann Friedman and Dantes Partners to turn the former school at 13th and K Streets NW into  Planet Word , an interactive language arts museum and education space. (City Paper)

It's Restaurant Week! There's still a few days left of Metropolitan  Washington's Restaurant Week. Visit our Great Streets grantees:1905, Indique, and Maketto.

How to find out if your business idea already exists Viable was built to provide an initial scan of if, and how, your new venture’s name already exists in the universe. Using our custom algorithm, we pull data from Domainr, Markify (trademark registration), the App Store, Product Hunt, and Angel List to calculate your unique viability score. Congrats to another grantee doing great things!

Grantees that give back! Keep up the good work Mess Hall! (Washington City Paper)