August 2024
Dear Customers, Colleagues, and Friends,
I hope you’re enjoying the last few weeks of summer with friends and family as the season begins to change. I’ve been taking some time off in the latter half of July to recharge for a big push in the fourth quarter.
Here at the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), I’ve been consistently impressed by the progress we've made in a short amount of time. I want to take a moment to thank my team for their commitment to local businesses and consumers, even during these summer months.
In July, we had the privilege of partnering with the Greater Washington DC Black Chamber of Commerce (GWBCC) for their 2024 Open House event. It was a fantastic occasion, and many attendees left feeling inspired. You can read more about the event below.
This month, we also celebrated two important initiatives that support and promote businesses in the Metropolitan area. National Black Business Month events, coincided with DMV Summer Restaurant Week, which took place from August 12 to August 18, both providing a helpful jolt to area restaurants and businesses.
Looking ahead, September and October promise to bring even more excitement with festivals and themed events throughout the fall season. DLCP will be engaging in these events and collaborating with our partner agencies.
Again, thank you for trusting DLCP with your business ventures. We look forward to what we will accomplish together in the coming months.
Best regards,
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 Tiffany Crowe
Director
In an effort to support your business needs, DLCP is extending the hours of its Business Licensing Center. Starting August 26, the center will be open until 6 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays, offering you greater flexibility to access our services.
DLCP remains committed to organizing events that inspire participants to grow, build connections, tackle challenges, and explore innovative ideas. In September, we’re offering a series of workshops and one-on-one sessions through our Business Resource Center (BRC), designed to provide business owners with vital information, clear guidelines, and support. We encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities. To register, click here.
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On Thursday, August 8, DLCP staff, alongside representatives from DC Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking (DISB), the DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME), and several other agencies, attended a screening of the documentary IRAA: Creating Hope. The event, hosted by the DC Corrections Information Council, took place at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. The documentary explores the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act (IRAA) and its profound impact on the District. The joint participation of various agencies highlighted a unified commitment to tackling criminal justice reform issues and supporting community-focused solutions.
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DLCP, alongside the DISB, the DC Small Business Development Center (DCSBDC), the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), and the Coalition for Non-Profit Housing and Economic Development (CNHED), participated in the Greater Washington Black Chamber of Commerce's (GWBCC) Open House event on July 30 at the Anacostia Arts Center.
The event focused on supporting DC business owners and entrepreneurs, with a strong emphasis on business support, funding, and personal finances. DLCP Director Tiffany Crowe delivered remarks to attendees: "It's our job to keep a clear path to support one another and make entrepreneurship attainable for everyone. People come, connect with resources, and they see that here in the District, there are plenty of supports," says Crowe. |
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The Open House featured a group of panelists discussing topics such as financial preparedness, the Corporate Transparency Act, artificial intelligence in small businesses, mentorship, and the business of art.
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DC Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie was also present and spoke about addressing the racial wealth gap and enhancing procurement opportunities for small businesses in the District. |
The Business Resource Center provided helpful resources to guests at the information table. DLCP takes pride in partnering with local agencies to support the growth of DC's economy by helping business owners achieve their full potential. |
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At DLCP, we are proud to spotlight a rising star whose impact extends beyond the boxing arena. Twenty-one-year-old Jahmal Harvey has achieved remarkable success in the world of boxing while also contributing to his community in ways that may not be widely recognized. His story is a powerful example of determination and commitment.
Jahmal Harvey’s path to success began in DC's Ward 8, where he lived before moving to Oxon Hill, Maryland, during his high school years at Potomac High School. His passion for boxing was discovered with the help of his coach. "I've been boxing for nine years. Daryl Davis got me into boxing. He originally started off as my football coach, and then we transitioned to training for boxing," says Jahmal Harvey.
Before moving to Maryland, Jahmal maintained a strong connection to the District by participating in the DC Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) for two years. During that time, he worked at DLCP, which was formerly known as the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). "My son went to Hendley Elementary. He always goes back to give to the children at Hendley. I'm very proud of him," says his mother, Kim Harvey.
In 2023, while competing in Santiago, Chile, at the Pan American Games, Jahmal received exciting news that he had qualified to compete in the featherweight boxing division at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This opportunity was a dream come true for Jahmal, and he looked forward to his trip to Paris. "Me, his dad, his grandparents, his aunt, his cousins, and his coach all flew out to support him for fifteen days. He had a great support system," says Kim Harvey.
During the Olympics, Jahmal advanced to the quarterfinals but lost in a 3-2 decision to Munarbek Seiitbek Uulu of Kyrgyzstan. Despite this setback, Jahmal’s experience in Paris was unforgettable, and his resilience inspired many. Reflecting on his experience, Jahmal offers words of wisdom: "Take things one step at a time, be prepared for tough days, and seize opportunities when they arise."
In celebration of Black Business Month, DLCP and the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF) sponsored the Black in Business event, hosted by the Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking (DISB) on August 27 at Sycamore & Oak. The event was more than just a celebration; it provided an opportunity for District residents to start and grow small businesses.
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Karima Woods, Commissioner of DISB, welcomed attendees and highlighted the critical role small businesses play in the District's economy. Director Crowe also addressed the audience, acknowledging the surge in entrepreneurship as the District recovers from COVID-19, despite ongoing economic challenges. |
The event featured a panel discussion on two topics:
- Personal Finances for Business Ownership
- Access to Capital
DLCP Business License Specialist John Hart was one of the panelists, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that everyone doing business in the District is in compliance and has a valid business license.
A resource fair followed, where the Business Resource Center provided information to participants. DLCP is committed to partnering with sister agencies to boost DC's economy through events and resources like this, helping consumers get licensed and thrive. |
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On August 20, Dr. Carletta Hurt, President of the DC Chapter of the National Black MBA Association, hosted the "Building Your Small Business" event. This virtual session provided entrepreneurs with the insights and tools essential for growing and sustaining their businesses.
The event featured two DLCP experts who offered important advice and practical strategies. Keisha Mims, Director of Outreach and Engagement, and Dominic Moulden, Program Manager, discussed DLCP’s services, highlighting the importance of proper paperwork alignment, particularly for foreign entities. They also emphasized the benefits of using registered agents and maintaining accurate records to avoid compliance issues.
Attendees were encouraged to seek one-on-one assistance from DLCP with their licensing questions. The session emphasized DLCP’s commitment to engaging with local businesses, especially Black-owned enterprises.
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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