DSLBD is pleased to announce its annual small business expo focusing on how to Pivot, Survive and Thrive

District Connect 2020 virtual expo includes 4 activities across 3 days:

Key Partner Presentations – Nov. 18

Workshops – Nov. 19 and Nov. 20

Ask the Expert Consultations – Nov. 19 and Nov. 20

Matchmaking – Nov. 19

—————————————————————————–

WORKSHOPS

This year at District Connect There will be 2 tracks for workshops.

After registering, prior to November 18th you will receive an email with the schedule of workshops and WebEx links. Some of the workshops this year will include:

• Outdoor Businesses 2020-21. An exploration of how-to for winterization support and advice, outdoor dining, and outdoor winter markets.

• Good to Great. In this workshop participants will learn about the Brooks Act and 27 DCMR 2620 Evaluation Factors: (1) Professional qualifications necessary for satisfactory performance of the required services; (2) Specialized experience and technical competence in the type of work required; (3) Capacity to accomplish the work in the required time; and (4) Past performance on contracts This workshop will inform participants ways to improve responses to solicitations.

• Alternative Financing. Looking at additional options, like crowdfunding, in addition to traditional small business loans to achieve capital and cash flow in the business.

• SBA PPP Forgiveness – Reporting & Tax Compliance. General overview of SBA programs and reporting requirements for loan recipients; (2) Best practices with end-of-year reporting for recipients of the SBA’s PPP, EIDL and general loan programs; (3) Access to capital and credit readiness programs offered by TD Bank; and (4) Demo of DC Capital Connector

• Foundations for Future Success. Recognizing the need and benefit for long-term recovery efforts grounded in addressing new and newly discovered needs in the market.

• Contractor 101 – How to Work with the DCSEU. An info session that covers all of the opportunities that the DCSEU has for upcoming fiscal year

• Restaurant & Food Business Innovations. Exploring new innovations and old strategies that are new again for food businesses in a tough market.

• The Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) Program – The Development, Growth and Retention of District-Based Businesses”. Learn about the CBE program benefits, requirements and how to navigate business and access to capital opportunities.

• Forecasts for Property and Business. Understanding what market projections suggest about the future of commercial real estate and business retention and growth.

• Small Business Social Media NOW. Tips for how to best engage with customers online during the ongoing pandemic.

• Technical Assistance Roll Call. A review of the many free resource providers who offer support to small businesses every day, and how to engage their services.

• Cooperative Equity and Resilience. A primer on how to use the cooperative, worker-owner, and/or ESOP model to increase stability and wealth-building during the recovery.

• Mental Health for Creative and Entrepreneurs. Resources available now to support the health and wellness of owners, makers, and creative.

—————————————————————————–

ASK THE EXPERT CONSULTATIONS on Thurs., Nov 19 and Fri., Nov. 20

Meet 1 -on-1 with 15+ Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for 20-minute sessions to discuss an issue affecting your DC business’ ability to survive, thrive and pivot. Coaches are available for:

START, SURVIVE + PIVOT

• Food Business Development
• Business Development (any industry)

FINANCING

• Financing Startups
• Financing Established
• Financing Food Business
• Credit Rebuilding

MARKETING

• Marketing to Increase Sales
• Online Presence (ecommerce, social media, web site)
• Target Market (tools, how to analysis new customer base)

CONTRACTING

• Government Contracting
• Insurance for Government Contracting

LEGAL

• Legal Advice on any business issue

OPERATIONS

• Utility Cost Savings Consultation

To participate, you must be a DC-based business or DC resident entrepreneur. Experts are from participating non-profit partners including: DC Bar Pro Bono Center, EatsPlace, Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC), Life Asset, DC Office of Risk Management (ORM), and Wacif.

>> 3 STEPS TO SIGN UP for CONSULTATIONS <<

1. Review Topics above or search http://bit.ly/DSLBDtraining for “District Connect'”
2. Express Interest by 11/15 — In each topic record, click SIGN UP button. Login/setup of free eCenter account required.
3. Look for DSLBD email with available session times. Respond by by 11/17 COB to book session.