December 2023
Dear Customers, Colleagues, and Friends,
As we enter a new year, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) has been on this year.
Your partnership and willingness to provide candid feedback publicly and privately have been the driving force behind our progress. Over the past year, we have experienced significant growth in new basic business licenses, fostered innovation with the District’s Enterprise Business Portal, and made adjustments to the way we process high-volume license types (i.e., Security licenses and Basic Business Renewals).
In 2024, the agency is preparing for enhancements such as:
- Translating the District Enterprise Business Portal to seven additional languages
- Building out professional licensing
- Collaborating with all 11 Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and Sister Agencies to improve processes
- Launching the Expeditor blog to highlight the hard work of our area business and encourage agency collaboration
I am excited about the possibilities that the upcoming year holds for us. We remain committed to building on our progress, delivering exceptional services, and exceeding your expectations.
May the coming year bring you prosperity, joy, and new opportunities. Thank you for being an integral part of our community and contributing to the thriving success of DLCP. I wish you and your loved ones a happy and fulfilling holiday season.
Best Regards,
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 Tiffany Crowe
Director
As we say goodbye to another year, DLCP looks back on the achievements that have been highlighted in 2023.
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Enforcement of the Consumer Protection Procedures Act (CPPA): Established a working group with stakeholders from the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), the DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB), Legal Aid DC, and various other entities that are committed to protecting the rights of consumers.
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The Short-Term Rental (STR) Licensure Portal: Streamlines the application process and provides more convenient options for customers to submit and make payments securely.
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The DC Business Licensing Portal (beta.business.dc.gov): Created in partnership with the DC Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO), it is a new "one-stop" business portal that allows customers to smoothly navigate through the business licensing process among different agencies.
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Enforcing the Flavored Tobacco Product Prohibition Amendment Act of 2021: Bans the sale of flavored tobacco, menthol cigarettes, and electronic smoking devices within a quarter mile of middle and high schools in the District.
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Created the Street and Sidewalk Vending Workshop Series: Offers culturally-relevant assistance to vendors for the licensing and compliance process as it relates to street and sidewalk vending.
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Supporting Mayor Bowser DC's Comeback Plan: DLCP continues to support the Mayor’s Comeback Plan by making it easier and faster to do business in the District; streamlining occupational and professional licenses; increasing education and outreach activities on licensing, regulatory compliance, and consumer protection in all eight wards, especially minority populations.
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Amplifying information that aligns with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) regarding District laws on price transparency for retail items and the rights of consumers when making qualified purchases through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
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Enforcing The Cashless Retailers Prohibition Amendment Act of 2020: Protects residents and consumers by prohibiting businesses in the District from refusing to accept cash.
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Administering the Street Vending Amnesty Program: Allows street vendors with certain debts to qualify to obtain a Vending License. Additionally, a street vendor who qualifies for the Amnesty Program will also be eligible to have this unpaid debt forgiven.
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Kicking off DMV Black Restaurant Week, Director Crowe had the honor of serving as a guest speaker in the H Street Corridor. Expressing gratitude, Crowe acknowledged the importance of events like these, which contribute to the economic uplift of DC and offer residents and visitors an opportunity to enjoy delicious cuisines in the District.
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In partnership with the Mayor's Office on African American Affairs (MOAAA), the event drew a full house at Hill Prince bar, where attendees engaged in networking, enjoyed music, and savored flavorful foods. |
Crowe also attended a grand opening marking a significant moment for a black-owned establishment and drawing supporters from the community. Miss Toya's Southern Kitchen, a blend of Southern, Cajun, Creole, and Caribbean cuisines, opened its doors at 3216 Pennsylvania Avenue SE.
Crowe showed support by attending the event and interacting with members of the community. During the festivities, Mayor Muriel Bowser revealed the recipients of $5 million in grants through the District’s Food Access Fund (FAF) fourth round. These funds will be distributed among four new businesses and provide additional support for three existing recipients.
Established in 2018, DMV Black Restaurant Week highlights and supports numerous local Black-owned restaurants and food service providers across DC and the Metropolitan area.
DLCP's Business and Professional Licensing Administration Small Business Resource Center (SBRC) was established with a clear mission: to make starting a business in the District of Columbia easier.
The SBRC serves as a support hub for individuals looking to start or manage a business in the District. It offers guidance through the process of regulatory procedures, providing essential information, guidelines, and support for success in today's dynamic business environment.
The SBRC staff will assist stakeholders in navigating the regulatory processes essential for mastering the fundamental steps of acquiring a business license. These steps encompass, among others:
- Engaging in in-depth discussions about your position within the registration process.
- Acquiring knowledge of the registration procedures for various corporate structures (e.g., Limited Liability Companies, Corporations, Non-Profit, etc.).
- Completing registration processes with the DC Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR).
- Fulfilling registration processes with the Department of Buildings Zoning Division (e.g., Certificate of Occupancy and/or Home Occupancy Permit).
- Providing opportunities and resources for business advancement, fostering the initiation, growth, or expansion of your business model.
DLCP's staff and resources in the SBRC division are here for you. To join us for these upcoming call sessions and events, click here.
DLCP follows the customary holiday closures aligned with federal and District government holidays. Despite these closures, DLCP provides a range of online services, tools, and resources, ensuring customers can engage in business activities 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
In acknowledgment of New Year's Day, DLCP will observe a closure on Monday, January 1, 2024. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.
Additionally, DLCP will be closed on Monday, January 15, to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday. Operations will resume on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.
At DLCP, we are committed to following Mayor Bowser's initiative 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. To learn more about the career opportunities, 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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