Ecosystem Map CNHED Website

Plan, Start and Grow Your Business

Businesses require different levels of support and guidance depending on their stage. Whether you’re just starting out as a small business owner or aiming to expand and achieve lasting success, the following guidance is designed to assist your business in planning, launching, and growing.

Turn Your Business Idea into Reality

If you believe you have a brilliant business idea, it’s time to take the crucial first step toward launching your business and develop a business plan outlining how you will execute your great idea.

A comprehensive business plan for bringing your product or service to market is the most effective way to ensure the success of your business. While this task may seem daunting, there are numerous organizations and resources in the District available to support you.

A business plan will outline the next steps necessary to initiate and expand your business. Select a focus area below to learn more about the local organizations available to support you.

Select a focus area below to learn more about the local organizations available to support you.

Regulatory Requirements

Identify local regulatory requirements pertinent to your business and industry.

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Marketing

Develop a solid marketing and plan to reach your target audience.

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Finances

Learn essential business finance and accounting best practices.

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Products & Service Pricing

Maximize your profits with proper pricing of your products or services.

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Business Operations

Implement key processes, systems, and procedures to optimize your business operation.

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DCSmallBizHelp Success Stories

Impact stories spotlight the unique journeys of the featured small businesses and the pivotal decisions they made with help along the way.

“Shanklin Hall received a microloan of $30,000 through Hilltop Microfinance Initiative. “It came at perfect timing for us because we were just at the final hurdle.” The funds went toward purchasing audio equipment, acquiring final kitchen equipment, and completing design touches throughout the space.”
– Camille Hall, Co-Founder of Shanklin Hall
“Genelle purchased a commercial space for her business receiving down payment assistance through the Community Property Acquisition Fund (CPAP) a program of the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED). “I applied in January, and by April I went to settlement.” ”
– Genell Anderson, AMAR Group, LLC
“With the help of The Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD), my business became a Certified Business Enterprise (CBE). We were able to access more procurement opportunities, compete for and win more DC government contracts.”
– Victor Holt, V-Tech Solutions, Inc.
“We utilized the DC Small Business Development Center (DC SBDC) at Howard University to help finalize the details of our business plan, and secure funding for part of the restaurant’s construction costs.”
– Kristal Williams, FishScale
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