Vincent B. Orange, Sr., President and CEO

March 27, 2017
DC's New Economic Strategy
The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development unveiled the District's new economic strategy last week. The strategy outlines the Mayor's plans to grow the economy, and also presents a new focus on fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. Learn more.
Membership Spotlight
Enlightened, Inc. Makes Donation to 
Howard University's School of Business: 
Cybersecurity, Education and Research Center

DC Chamber member, Enlightened Inc., donated $200,000 to Howard University's School of Business: Cybersecurity, Education and Research Center.  Enlightened, Inc.'s CEO Antwanye Ford, as well as the company's chief financial officer Andre Rogers and DC Chamber Board Chair Marie Johns were on hand to offer remarks during a ceremony held at the school's campus on February 28. 

Enlightened, Inc. is an award-winning, HUBZone certified, information technology and management consulting firm dedicated to helping its clients achieve success in meeting their objectives and solving their problems.  F or more information on the company's products and services, visit  http://www.enlightened.com .


Each year the DC Chamber of Commerce honors the success of small businesses who have contributed to the business and economic growth of our community. The event gathers local politicians, corporations, civic leaders and successful businesses to celebrate the small business community.

Date:            Tues day, May 9, 2017 
Time:            8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location:     Walter E. Washington Convention Center 

For more information on sponsorship opportunities please contact Janelle Morris at [email protected] or 202.347.7201.  
  AROUND TOWN
Frederick Douglass Historic Site
Frederick Douglass Historic Site Quarter Release
The United States Mint invites you to attend the ceremonial launch of the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site quarter on April 4, 2017. 

The 37 th coin in the "America the Beautiful Quarters®" Program is the second quarter to be released this year. For more information about this popular program, click  here

The ceremonial launch of the Frederick Douglass Historic Site quarter will take place on April 4 at 10:00 am (EST) at the home's site
The event is free and open to the public. For more details, visit the U.S. Mint Events webpage.  

SPECIAL NOTE: All children who attend the event will receive a brand new Frederick Douglass National Historic Site quarter from the United States Mint.
Greater Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Minority Business Expo
Join the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for the 8th Annual Minority Business Expo!  
 

Capitalize on this unique opportunity to reach one of the fastest growing Hispanic markets in the country! Great panels on workforce development, media and marketing, government certification and contracting, international trade and technology along with over 170 exhibitors.
Featured Opportunities


7-Eleven® Kicks off Women's Franchise Initiative Competition

In an effort to increase the number of female franchise owners, the world's largest convenience retailer is kicking off a franchise giveaway contest targeted exclusively to women entrepreneurs.

7-Eleven® invites qualified women to enter the contest and consider becoming an independent business owner. One deserving woman will be awarded a 7-Eleven fee-free franchise, a value of up to $190,000.

The winner can choose any of the company's convenience stores available in the continental U.S. at the contest's culmination. Interested women can enter online at WomensFranchiseGiveaway.com now through 11:59 p.m. CST on April 7, 2017. The winner will be announced in July 2017.
Inner City Capital Connections Comes to the District

The Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) initiative will launch in Washington, D.C., in partnership with The Catholic University of America, as a part of the fall 2017 academic semester.  
 
ICCC is a national program that helps small businesses build capacity for sustainable growth in revenue, profitability and employment. Entrepreneurs participate in a comprehensive curriculum that combines targeted executive education with mentoring and matching them with potential capital sources and investors. 

What are the general guidelines for the small business candidates?
  • Annual company revenues of at least $500,000 per year;
  • In operations for at least 2 years;
  • Readiness/commitment of the CEO; and
  • Geographic location inside the Capital Beltway.

For more information on the nomination process, visit  www.iccapitalconnections.org

The nomination deadline is March 31, 2017.

If you would like to be considered as a DC Chamber of Commerce nominee , contact Margaret Singleton via email at [email protected] or call 202-638-7336 by March 28, 2017
Upcoming Events 

Tues., April 4
11:00 am -
1:00 pm 
Lunch & Learn: Are You Ready for Government Contracting?
Government contracting can be a great way for a business to expand its market and grow revenues. Many firms don't realize that government contracting requires a different approach and understanding and has its own nuances that differentiate it from the commercial and nonprofit client markets. This workshop is for aspiring government contractors to provide them with an overview of best practices to be successful in the government contracting arena before they enter the market.
Facilitator: Charles Motte, DC SBDC
Sponsored by:
Thurs., April 9
1:00 pm - 
5:00 pm 


Presented by: The National Park Service and the 11th Street Bridge Park 
For a taste of local D.C., come celebrate the Anacostia River and take a canoe out to explore the River, ride in our bike parade, play lawn games with your family and experience Southeast D.C.'s local arts scene at this special FREE event. 

This year's event celebrates biking in the District with trail rides, safety classes, quick bike tune ups and special bike activities for all ages. For additional information visit http://bridgepark.org/anacostia-river-festival

Sponsored by:
Tues., April 11
9:30 am - 
11:30 am 


Join us for our DC Chamber of Commerce/DC Health Link Seminar Series. Hear from an expert in government contracting on how to grow and scale your business by transitioning from subcontractor to prime contractor.

Facilitator: Lisa Anderson, CPA
Sponsored by: DC Health Link and the DC Chamber of Commerce

Tues., May 9
8:00 am - 
2:00 pm

Small Business Awards & Expo 2017  @ Walter E. Convention Center
Each year the DC Chamber of Commerce honors the success of small businesses who have contributed to the business and economic growth of our community. The event gathers local politicians, corporations, civic leaders and successful businesses to celebrate the small business owner.

Register now and make plans to join us on Tuesday, May 9 for this annual celebration and stay posted for event updates.

Tues., May 17
9:30 am - 
10:30 am

ChamberWorks @ DC Chamber of Commerce
Ready to discover all the ways your Chamber membership can work for you? ChamberWorks is a detailed discussion of all the elements of your Chamber membership including: ChamberPerk$, your Chamber plan development, and Chamber committees. Join us to learn more about your membership, meet our staff and build relationships with your fellow Chamber members!
Sponsored by:  giant logo small





























































All events noted are complimentary for members of the DC Chamber of Commerce. 
Special pricing is available to nonmembers. Tickets and/or email registration is required.
Please refer to full event descriptions for applicable registration information.
COMPLIMENTARY DOWNLOAD | #CHAMBERS
 
 
 
COMPLIMENTARY DOWNLOAD | Perfect Combo #SMB #BUSINESS
 
 
Contact:
Janelle Morris, Vice President
Membership and Business Development
506 9th Street, NW,  Washington, DC 20004
Email: info@dcchamber.org | Phone: (202) 347-7201