April 2025
Dear Customers, Colleagues, and Friends,
April has been a meaningful and engaging month for the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP). In recognition of Financial Literacy Month and Second Chance Month, DLCP hosted a series of workshops designed to empower residents with tools for financial wellness, smart planning, and business readiness.
Through these efforts, we’re helping individuals make informed decisions as they start or expand their ventures. Visit the DLCP Hub to explore powerful perspectives from our team members on the importance of financial literacy and second chances in fostering growth.
We’d also like to remind our license holders that over 20,000 individuals are currently eligible for renewal. If you haven’t renewed yet, now is the time, especially as we prepare for the implementation of the Business and Entrepreneurship Support to Thrive (BEST) Act requirements.
Looking ahead, May will be a busy and exciting time. We’re gearing up to celebrate National Small Business Week, National Small Business Day, and National Small Business Month, important observances that highlight and uplift the entrepreneurs driving our local economy.
We appreciate your continued partnership and look forward to everything we’ll accomplish together in the months ahead.
Best regards,
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 Tiffany Crowe
Director
The DC Chamber of Commerce is a key resource for businesses in the District. By becoming a member, local business owners gain access to essential tools, networking opportunities, and advocacy designed to foster growth and success.
Through the Chamber, businesses can connect with industry leaders, government officials, and fellow entrepreneurs, helping them stay informed about important developments in DC's business landscape. The Chamber also offers events, workshops, and forums to support business owners in navigating regulatory changes and strengthening their operations.
At DLCP, we are committed to supporting businesses, and we encourage local entrepreneurs to take advantage of the Chamber's resources. By joining, you’ll be part of a vibrant network that prioritizes business growth, compliance, and community engagement.
Ready to take your business to the next level? Click below to become a member and start benefiting from all the Chamber has to offer.
DLCP is taking important steps to support entrepreneurs and small businesses through the implementation of the Business and Entrepreneurship Support to Thrive (BEST) Act. Introduced by Councilmember Brooke Pinto and funded effective October 1, 2024, this legislation aims to simplify the business licensing process and reduce financial barriers for District-based businesses.
Through the BEST Act, DLCP will consolidate more than 100 business license categories into just 11, introduce a revenue-based fee structure, and lower upfront licensing costs, making it easier for new businesses to get started and established ones to stay compliant.
Additional changes include the elimination of outdated licensing requirements and the introduction of a clearer structure for late and expired license fees. DLCP has already released a Request for Proposal (RFP) to support necessary system upgrades and secured funding in the current fiscal year to begin implementation.
Initial efforts are underway, including reducing late fees and beginning the overhaul of business license categories, helping to create a more accessible and supportive environment for DC business owners. Visit here to learn more.
DLCP, in partnership with other key community agencies, is proud to take part in the 11th Annual POWERUP DC Small Business Summit in celebration of National Small Business Week.
🗓️Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025
🕒Time: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM EDT
📍Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
DLCP is committed to supporting the District’s small businesses. Through our participation, we aim to connect entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and information they need to grow, innovate, and thrive in today’s evolving business landscape. Join us and hundreds of DC business leaders for a day of learning, networking, and inspiration. Let’s power up DC together!
Enhance your skills and knowledge in the field of barbering and cosmetology by attending this Instructor Development Workshop. Hosted by the DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology, this event is designed to help professionals strengthen their teaching abilities and gain a deeper understanding of the examination process.
🗓️ Date: Monday, May 19, 2025
🕒Time: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
📍Location: Bennett Career Institute
700 Monroe Street NE, Washington, DC 20017
Attendees will have the opportunity to observe a live mock exam, gain insights into how examiners evaluate performance, and connect with fellow industry professionals.
Participants will earn two DC Continuing Education (CE) credits. No promo code is required.
For more information, please contact the DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology.
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DLCP joined the DC Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Small Business Summit at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, held on Tuesday, April 15. The summit brought together leaders from local and federal government, as well as key industry stakeholders, to discuss the current landscape and future of small businesses in the District. |
The BRC team represented the agency’s mission and services, engaging attendees with a display table, DLCP-branded giveaways, and helpful resources. Throughout the day, the team connected with small business owners, entrepreneurs, and community partners, building relationships and sharing valuable information. |
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DLCP remains committed to supporting the growth and long-term success of small businesses across the District. |
DLCP’s Weights and Measures team hosted a convenient drive-up inspection event outside of Eastern Market on Tuesday, April 15, to support farmers market merchants across the District. The event offered an easy, no-appointment-necessary opportunity for merchants to bring their weighing and measuring devices for on-the-spot inspections.
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Several business owners participated by bringing their equipment directly to the site, ensuring compliance with the District’s device registration and inspection requirements. This effort helped merchants stay on track with annual registration and biannual inspections while also avoiding potential violations. |
The Consumer Protection Unit (CPU) Vending Team plays a vital role in maintaining the safety and quality of food sold throughout the District. On Thursday, April 3, the team was stationed behind the office conducting food truck inspections to verify compliance with health and safety standards. |
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Each inspection reflects their commitment to consumer protection, whether it’s reviewing safety practices, confirming licenses, or making sure food trucks meet all regulatory requirements. Their efforts help maintain high standards and protect the health of both residents and visitors. |
Discover the future of sustainable living at the Healthy Homes Fair, a premier event focused on home electrification, energy efficiency, and eco-friendly innovation. Hosted by Electrify DC, a nonprofit committed to helping residents decarbonize their homes with ease and affordability, this event promises a day full of learning, exploration, and hands-on fun.
🗓️ Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT
📍 Location: The Catholic University of America, Pryzbyla Center
620 Michigan Ave., N.E., Washington, DC 20064
Attendees can look forward to over 100 exhibitors, interactive product demonstrations, a unique appliance petting zoo, and an exciting e-bike tasting party.
The day’s agenda includes the Expo from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Academy sessions running from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
This is your chance to get inspired, connect with experts, and explore tools that support a healthier, greener home.
May is just around the corner, and with it comes a full calendar of activities in celebration of National Small Business Week, Day, and Month. As we recognize the important role small businesses play in our communities, the BRC is here to support entrepreneurs every step of the way.
Starting or refining a business plan is an important step in setting goals, staying organized, and building toward long-term success. Throughout May, the BRC will offer one-on-one phone sessions and in-person events where our team provides personalized guidance on business operations, licensing, and compliance in the District.
To explore our upcoming events and register, click below.
Look below for DLCP-related Council happenings and new laws
- B26-224, the "Restricting Egregious Scalping Against Live Entertainment (RESALE) Amendment Act of 2025" - Introduced by Councilmember Charles Allen, this bill imposes caps on the price of tickets sold by resellers on secondary ticket platforms; requires resellers to register with DLCP, obtain a bond of at least $10,000, and submit reports to DLCP; and establishes civil penalties of up to $10,000 for resellers and secondary ticket platforms that violate the law.
- B26-228, the "Common Sense TOPA Reform Amendment Act of 2025" - Introduced by Councilmember Brianne Nadeau, this bill would expedite transaction timelines involving TOPA; create consequences for bad actors who delay the process or mislead tenants; give tenants earlier access to information about their rights and options, as well as connect them to tenant support organizations; and exempt all new residential construction from TOPA for the first three years while clarifying which refinancing transactions are exempt.
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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