Mayor Bowser unveiled the Fast Beauty Initiative at the grand opening of Yeleen Beauty Makerspace in Ward 7. Joined by Deputy Mayor Nina Albert, the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) and Councilmember Wendell Felder, the mayor launched this new effort to streamline licensing requirements for beauty professionals, cutting unnecessary training hours and making it easier to launch careers and grow businesses in DC. 

Yeleen, a $640,000 grant recipient of DMPED’s DC Locally Made Manufacturing grant, supports early-stage, beauty entrepreneurs with manufacturing and business resources. DC’s beauty industry continues to thrive, with local sales growing over 2% year-over-year (Global Cosmetic Industry). The Fast Beauty Initiative ensures more of that growth benefits DC residents with faster licensure, fewer barriers, and more opportunities. 

The District recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) by honoring the vibrant and growing community of Hispanic and Latino entrepreneurs who power our local economy. With more than 66,000 Hispanic-owned firms in the DC Metro region, Latino entrepreneurs are driving growth across key sectors like construction, hospitality, retail, food services, and personal care (Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce). 

According to a 2024 McKinsey study on the economic state of Latinos in the United States, Latinos start more businesses per capita than any other racial or ethnic group in the United States, and in DC, their impact is felt citywide—from neighborhood storefronts to tech startups. Mayor Bowser’s Growth Agenda continues to support inclusive economic development by streamlining licensing, expanding access to capital, and investing in programs that help DC-based businesses thrive. 

We invite you to shop local, attend community events, and uplift Latino-owned businesses—not only during HHM, but year-round. Follow along on DMPED's social media for our Creatives con Pasión HHM series, where we'll spotlight Latino entrepreneurs making a difference in DC’s creative economy.  

September’s 202Creates Month— Led by the Office of Cable, Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME)— celebrates local artists, entrepreneurs, and innovators. With more than 150,000 jobs and $15.9 billion in economic impact, DC’s creative sector ranks among the highest per capita in the nation. The month kicked off with the inaugural 202Creates Con, where artists and local businesses networked over fireside chats and spotlighted OCTFME’s Rebate Fund. That fund offers rebates of up to 35% to attract film and media projects, helping to position DC as a national hub for creative production. 

From September 12 to September 13, Art All Night, the District’s largest free arts festival, featured150+ artists across all eight wards. Mayor Bowser joined DSLBD, DLCP and OCTFME as they increased visibility for local artists, small and local businesses, and restaurants, reinforcing the District’s reputation as a vibrant cultural destination.  

And it doesn’t end there. The District’s new Art Ave exhibit along Connecticut Avenue NW launched “to make Downtown more welcoming and a place where local talent and creativity can shine,” said Mayor Bowser.  

The month will close out with the Mayor’s Arts Awards on September 25. All these activities reinforce that DC isn’t just the nation’s capital—it’s the Capital of Creativity. 

AT&T Small Business Contest 

Apply to AT&T’s Small Business Contest for a chance to win $50,000, a full year of AT&T service with a new device and national exposure. If your business has 50 or fewer employees, is U.S.-registered, and you’re 18 or older, you may be eligible. Review the contest rules and apply by September 30, 2025. 

Square’s Cornerstone Grant 

Square’s Cornerstone Grant is offering $10,000 to four small businesses, along with a full year of expert financial mentorship. Open to current Square sellers with fewer than 20 employees, the grant is designed to break down funding barriers and help businesses scale. Apply by September 30, 2025. 

Downtown DC is creating fun, safe, and family friendly experiences throughout September. From Thursday Night Out to Wellness Wednesdays at Anthem Row, there is something for everyone. Join DMPED and the Downtown BID to support our city through food, art, culture and entertainment because a thriving downtown means a thriving DC.  

H Street Festival — September 20, Noon to 7 p.m.