March 2024
Dear Customers, Colleagues, and Friends,
This month holds great excitement for me as we celebrate and honor Women's History Month. I am continually inspired by the remarkable women who have shattered barriers and paved the way for progress and equality in all spheres of life.
The theme of Women’s History Month this year is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.” This theme pays tribute to women nationwide who recognize the importance of eliminating systemic bias and discrimination from our lives and institutions for a brighter and more positive future. I'm honored to be a part of that work.
In addition, on February 28, I was thrilled to discuss DLCP's first anniversary of the Business Licensing Portal on the 'OCTOPod.' If you missed the interview, you can listen here.
Our agency strives to turn individuals' dreams into reality in the District. This month, DLCP has shined the spotlight on women-owned businesses, showcasing their contributions to the District's economy. Their stories of entrepreneurship are featured below.
You may have heard the great news about Monumental Sports staying in the District. Our Mayor set out a clear vision for the future of DC Businesses, and Downtown. DLCP is happy to be a part of that work, in cooperation with the Deputy Mayor for Economic Development (DMPED), and the Deputy Mayor for Operations and Infrastructure (DMOI). At DLCP, we have a saying that we use in our work daily – Infrastructure is Economic Development. Part of the work we are doing now is building a safe, reasonable vending infrastructure in the District. We are coordinating with our federal and local partners to make the best use of public space under current law.
For example, leaving vending materials in public spaces is prohibited. To ensure public safety, signs were posted to serve as a reminder in Columbia Heights and surrounding areas as part of a collaborative effort between District agencies. A public advisory regarding abandoned property was published, and you can view that advisory here.
As always, our commitment to improvement remains steadfast, and to that end, we have created a virtual comment box: [email protected]. Through this one-way communication channel, we welcome your comments about our tools, systems, and processes.
Best Regards,
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 Tiffany Crowe
Director
Women's History Month serves as a tribute to the contributions women have made throughout history. In this month dedicated to reflection and celebration, DLCP is spotlighting the achievements of women entrepreneurs who have made significant contributions in the District.
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Established in 1998, Ching Ching Cha offers a unique experience beyond just serving tea. Located on 21st Street, close to Dupont Circle, Ching Ching Cha provides a quiet space amid the hustle and bustle of city life. The name "Ching Ching" stems from Hollie Wong's Chinese name, while "Cha" symbolizes tea. For twenty-five years, Ching Ching Cha was located in Georgetown on Wisconsin Avenue. However, amidst rising rent costs, Hollie recognized the need to alter her business strategy. |
With determination to succeed, she moved to a new location near Dupont Circle, seizing the opportunity to explore a different neighborhood and connect with a broader customer base. As she approaches her one-year milestone in her new location, Hollie finds herself flourishing in her surroundings. Hollie cherishes her community, as everyone is supportive. The community lends a helping hand, from gardening to building projects inside the establishment.
When you walk inside Ching Ching Cha, you are greeted with a variety of Chinese, Japanese, and Taiwanese teas. Hollie sources the teas directly from farms to her tea shop, primarily from China, Japan, and Taiwan, establishing and maintaining relationships with farmers over the years. |
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The inspiration behind creating Ching Ching Cha for Hollie was to establish a calm space. The tea house serves as a serene environment for the community to gather, converse, think, read, and write, while enjoying a cup of tea, which holds significance in her culture.
Hollie is thankful for DLCP in embracing her vision and acknowledging her potential contributions to the community. DLCP staff provided guidance to ensure her business remains in compliance.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Hollie offers wise advice: believe in yourself, work hard, be patient, and follow your heart.
Learn more about Ching Ching Cha at chingchingcha.com.
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In the heart of Georgetown, located along Wisconsin Ave Northwest, a neighborhood grocery store, Spicez, offers a variety of scented spices. Owned by Rani Soudagar, Spicez has been a source of culinary delight since it first opened its doors in November 2020. Originally from Bombay (Mumbai), India, Rani's journey to America in 1997 was driven by a commitment to support her family. |
Over the years, Rani has made a name for herself as a versatile entrepreneur, engaging in eyebrow threading, henna artistry, and hosting private culinary events. Having over a decade of experience in the food industry, Rani envisioned her grocery Spicez as a completion of her rich heritage. Inspired by her childhood memories of her parents and grandfather's shop, Rani was encouraged to create a space that catered to the community's spice needs. |
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With Spicez, Rani strives to bridge the gap for her DC community, providing easy access to authentic Indian spices without the hassle of traveling to neighboring states. Spicez offers a wide selection of culinary treasures, featuring cardamom, coriander, cumin powder, and red chili powder. These spices are very popular with customers.
Although Rani juggles multiple business ventures, she navigates the entrepreneurial landscape smoothly. Looking ahead, Rani envisions expanding her creative pursuits by opening a gallery where she plans to teach the art of making traditional Indian bread, rotis, to aspiring youth. Rani encourages all entrepreneurs to never give up on their dreams and to let passion and determination drive you forward. To find out more about Spicez, go to SpicezDC.com.
The Greater Washington DC Chamber of Commerce (GWBCC) welcomed guests to an Open House event on March 26, hosted at the Thurgood Marshall Center. In partnership with the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD), the gathering provided a dynamic platform for attendees to develop connections, gain knowledge, and thrive.
During the event, a panel discussion titled 'DLCP Means Business' was facilitated by DLCP Director Crowe and DLCP Legislative Director April Randall. Crowe emphasized the importance of businesses owners and community members sharing ideas, insights, and questions with the agency to help inform improvements to services and resources, making it easier for businesses to open and grow in the District.
Randall highlighted the importance of businesses staying in compliance and educating business owners on new federal beneficial ownership reporting requirements to FinCEN. Randall also provided strategies for protecting against fraud and scams within the business community. |
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The event also provided an opportunity for the DLCP's Business Resource Center (BRC) to engage with community leaders and stakeholders of the District. DSLBD, a sponsor of the event, had professionals present to offer insights into programs like the Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) initiative and business counseling services, making it a successful event. |
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On March 21, DC leaders gathered at the NoMa Business Improvement District (BID) office for a morning of inspiration, connection, and empowerment. Hosted by the NoMa BID, the business social brought over 20 DC professionals from different industries, creating a vibrant atmosphere for networking and collaboration. Attendees enjoyed a cup of coffee while engaging in meaningful conversations and exchanging ideas. |
DLCP leaders were invited to the event, to discuss the agency's mission and address any business licensing questions attendees may have in the District. Events like this serve as an excellent platform for DLCP leaders to connect with the community, gain feedback, and forge relationships with local stakeholders. |
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On March 21st, The Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) hosted a virtual session in collaboration with DLCP. The purpose was to remind registered attendees about the upcoming corporate registration biennial report and trade name renewal deadline (April 1st) and informing attendees about a new federal beneficial owner reporting requirements.
Deputy Superintendent of Corporations, Dominic Moulden gave an overview of the importance of the BRA-25 Biennial Report and the importance of filing it by April 1st every two years to ensure accurate records of business activities and maintain up-to-date information.
Senior Paralegal Specialist Vickie Matthews provided guidance on navigating CorpOnline, a platform that enables users to register new domestic and foreign corporations, file biennial reports, renew trade names and request documents like good standing certificates and certified copies.
Rebecca Janovich, Superintendent of Corporations, addressed the penalties of late filings, including late fees of $100 for profit organizations and $50 for non-profits. Additionally, discussions covered the Federal Corporate Transparency Act enacted in 2021, which requires many businesses to file file a report with the federal government that discloses their beneficial owners.
Janovich highlighted the obligation for businesses to file a Beneficial Ownership Information Report (BOI report) with the Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). For entities formed prior to January 1, 2024, they have until January 1, 2025, to file. Entities formed after January 1, 2024, must file the report within 90 days.
Look below for new laws, regulations and important Council Hearing dates.
Restaurant Revitalization and Dram Shop Amendment Act of 2024
On March 5, 2024, the Council of the District of Columbia passed B25-. The bill will have a significant impact on the restaurant and alcoholic beverage-licensed establishment industry. A few highlights include:
(a) limits civil action for alcoholic beverage-licensed establishments when it knowingly sells alcohol to a knowingly intoxicated patron or a person under 21 years of age;
(b) requires third-party delivery platforms not to exclude restaurants that are within a four-mile radius of a customer;
(c) prevents third-party delivery platforms from reducing the number of delivery drivers from the available to deliver an online order from a restaurant with whom it has an agreement; and
(d) requires third-party platforms to disclose to the restaurant any fees, commissions, or charges associated with the service agreements
The bill will be submitted to the Mayor for signature.
General Contractor Licensing Amendment Act of 2024
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Chairman Phil Mendelson introduced B25-737, the General Contractor Licensing Amendment Act of 2024. The bill would establish a general contractor license and the Board of the Residential and Commercial Contractors.
On March 15, 2024, the Architectural License Notice of Proposed Rulemaking will be published in the D.C. Register for 30-day notice and comment. The proposed rulemaking would amend 17 DCMR §§ 3403.1, 3403.3 and 3404.1, and 3499.1 by incorporating the National Council of Architectural Registration Board’s architectural licensure updates, including:
1. Removal of the five-year limitation for the Architect Registration Examination (also known as the “rolling clock”);
2. Replacement of the term, “Intern Development Program” with “Architectural Experience Program”; and
3. Allowing applicants for licensure to satisfy the Architect Registration Examination prerequisites by participating in the Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure Program.
Council Hearing
DLCP’s budget hearing will take place on April 26, 2024, at 3 p.m.
DLCP has issued important updates regarding the renewal process for businesses. We strongly encourage you to take action! Please prioritize the following renewals by their deadlines:
- Body Artist: April 15
- Cosmetology: April 15
- Architect: April 30
- Security Officer: April 30
Your My DC Business Center Dashboard will display the number of licenses eligible for renewal. We will also send renewal notifications every 30 days from the day your license becomes eligible for renewal until its expiration date, with a final notice sent seven (7) days before expiration.
Please continue to monitor your inbox for updates specific to your account.
At DLCP, we are committed to following Mayor Bowser's initiative of building a team of the best and brightest employees to both work and live in the District.
We are currently seeking talented professionals who possess a relevant skill set and strong desire to serve the residents and businesses of the District.
- IT Specialist (OIS), Grade 13
- Public Affairs Specialist, Grade 12
- Public Affairs Specialist, Grade 12
- Program Manager (CPU), Grade 13
- Program Manager (CPU), Grade 13
To apply to one of these opportunities, please visit dlcp.dc.gov/jobs.
Contact DLCP via email, or our online inquiry form at any time. We’re also available through the live chat on dlcp.dc.gov or by phone at 202-671-4500 during normal business hours.
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