June 2026
Dear Customers, Colleagues, and Friends,
June brings a sense of momentum across the District, and this year is no exception. Pride Month is underway, and we are proud to join the city in celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and the many contributions that enrich our neighborhoods. Our Business Resource Center (BRC) team has a full slate of events throughout the month — you can click here to explore and share upcoming programming.
I’m also excited to share that DLCP is preparing for the launch the District's Business One Stop Solution, or BOSS, our new unified licensing and registration platform. This is a major step forward for the agency, and one we've been looking forward to all year. BOSS will bring a clearer, more modern experience to the customers we serve every day. For more details, read more about it below.
We are gearing up for the 18th Annual Practitioners Forum, hosted by the DC Board of Barber & Cosmetology. This event continues to be an important space for industry professionals to connect, learn, and grow. More information will be shared soon.
As we move into the summer months, we’re also sharing Essential Tips for DC Homeowners — a timely resource for residents preparing for renovations or seasonal updates. The advisory includes helpful reminders on permitting, inspections, and safety considerations.
DLCP continues to accept applications for the 2026 Firework Season through June 26. As the District prepares for increased activity surrounding American 250, this year’s licensing period is especially important for businesses planning to participate in seasonal or commemorative events. Additional details are included below for those preparing to apply.
Thank you for your continued partnership as we step into a busy and vibrant season across the District. I’m looking forward to the work ahead — and to the progress we will make together.
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 Tiffany Crowe
Director
Our newest DLCP Hub article highlights the story of Da Hsin Trading Inc. and second‑generation owner Richard Chiang, whose family has served DC’s Chinatown community for more than 40 years. From preserving cultural identity to supporting wellness through traditional herbal medicine, Richard’s work reflects the resilience and heritage of a neighborhood that continues to evolve.
Read the full feature on the DLCP Hub to learn more about his family’s journey and the shop’s impact on the community.
DLCP is preparing to launch BOSS: Business One Stop Solution, the District’s new unified licensing and registration platform designed to modernize how businesses interact with the agency. BOSS is anticipated to roll out by the Fall, marking a major step toward a more streamlined, accessible, and user‑friendly experience for customers across the District.
BOSS will bring multiple systems together, reduce administrative steps, and create a clearer pathway for entrepreneurs, established businesses, and industry professionals.
What BOSS Will Deliver
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Unified Platform — Combines corporate registration, Basic Business Licensing (BBL), Special Events, Weights and Measures, and Vending services into one integrated system.
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Fewer Document Uploads — New APIs allow information to move more easily between DLCP and partner systems, reducing the number of documents customers need to submit.
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Improved Data Connections — Stronger links between employer and employee records support greater accuracy and reduce duplicate data entry.
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Amendments During Active License Periods — Businesses will be able to update BBL applications without waiting for renewal.
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Automated Updates — Changes made to corporate registration will automatically sync to licensing records.
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Customer Dashboard — A comprehensive dashboard will give users a clear view of license status, outstanding requirements, and upcoming deadlines.
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Critical Requirement Alerts — Notifications will help customers stay aware of approaching deadlines for items such as insurance certificates or bonds.
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New DC‑Focused License Design — Licenses will feature a refreshed, District‑centered look.
Why BOSS Matters
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Simplified Processes — Customers will complete business transactions with fewer steps and less confusion.
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Faster Interactions — Integrated data flow reduces delays and supports quicker decision‑making.
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Greater Transparency — Clearer views of requirements and deadlines help customers stay on track.
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Modern Experience — A user‑friendly interface supports smoother navigation for both new and returning customers.
DLCP will continue sharing updates on our website as the rollout approaches, giving businesses the information they need to prepare for this significant modernization.
Stay informed on upcoming industry engagement opportunity.
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Barber & Cosmetology Instructor Development Forum — Hosted by the DC Board of Barber & Cosmetology on June 15, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the MLK Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St NW, Washington, DC 20001.
This forum provides instructors and practitioners with updates on regulatory expectations, instructional standards, and best practices across the barbering and cosmetology fields.
DLCP oversees nine Boards and Commissions that help guide licensing standards, support professional accountability, and strengthen consumer protection across the District. These meetings give the public a chance to stay connected to the work happening across licensed industries and to follow discussions that shape regulatory decisions.
You can stay in the know by viewing the monthly meeting calendar posted on our website. The calendar includes dates, times, and links to additional meeting details.
The Open Data DC Basic Business Licenses dataset provides the public with information on businesses licensed by DLCP. Our latest update focuses on making the dataset more complete, more accurate, and easier to understand by adding new fields that offer additional details about licensed businesses across the District.
The goal is to help residents, researchers, and community organizations better understand DC’s business landscape and identify legitimate business activity in their neighborhoods. This update also moves the dataset to a Databricks‑powered pipeline, supporting DLCP’s broader effort to modernize how we manage and share public data.
Why this matters for the public:
A more accurate dataset helps residents verify businesses, supports transparency, and gives community groups and researchers better tools to understand economic activity in the District. It also helps entrepreneurs see what types of businesses are operating in different neighborhoods, and it strengthens public trust by making licensing information easier to access and use.
 The 2026 Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GWHCC) Business Expo marked a milestone year as the Chamber celebrated 50 years of empowering businesses and strengthening community across the region. Held on Thursday, May 21 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the event brought together entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and partners for a full day of networking, resources, and business development opportunities.
DLCP’s Business Resource Center (BRC) participated in the event, tabling throughout the day and engaging directly with entrepreneurs. The team provided guidance on licensing, compliance, and available support services so attendees had access to clear and actionable information to support their business goals.
The Expo highlighted the continued importance of collaboration, accessible resources, and strong community partnerships in building a thriving business ecosystem across the District.
Juneteenth is a time to reflect on the significance of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equity.
In observance of Juneteenth, DLCP will be closed on Friday, June 19, 2026. The agency will resume normal operations on Monday, June 22, 2026.
We encourage everyone to take a moment to honor the history and meaning of this important day.
Thank you for your attention.
As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the United States, the District is preparing for increased activity, tourism, and business engagement. DLCP is working with partners across the city to support businesses, vendors, and consumers as planning for American 250 moves forward.
The commemoration is expected to bring higher demand for business licensing, vending, special events, and fireworks sales and displays. DLCP will share guidance to help businesses understand timelines, application requirements, and compliance expectations ahead of the celebration.
Key areas of focus will include:
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Business Licensing — Helping new and existing businesses stay up to date on licensing needs during high‑traffic periods.
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Vending Regulations — Clarifying rules for sidewalk, mobile, and special‑event vending as interest grows.
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Fireworks Season — Providing updates on sales, permitting, and safety requirements for the 2026 season and related activities.
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Special Events Compliance — Offering clear guidance on permits, operations, and consumer protections for event organizers and participants.
DLCP will continue to share updates as planning progresses, giving businesses the information they need to participate confidently in this historic milestone.
For broader DC citywide updates and resources, visit 250.dc.gov.
DLCP opened the application period for temporary firework stand licenses on May 15, 2026, and will continue accepting applications through June 26, 2026.
Required Documentation Applicants must submit all required materials to be eligible for a temporary firework stand license, including:
The temporary firework sales license fee is $99.00.
All applications must be submitted by June 26, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.
*Late submissions will not be accepted.
DLCP works closely with partner District agencies to ensure applicants comply with all applicable DC Official Codes and Municipal Regulations. Additional documentation or proof of inspection may be requested. Paper applications are not accepted.
Learn more about prerequisite requirements from the Department of Buildings: Firework Stand Permits for New and Returning Applicants
For questions or assistance, contact dlcp@dc.gov or (202) 671‑4500.
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DLCP participated in the DC Chamber’s 2026 Small Business Summit & Showcase, held on Monday, May 11 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Northwest DC. The annual summit brought together entrepreneurs, industry experts, and local leaders for discussions on small business challenges and opportunities, with sessions focused on access to capital and digital transformation. |
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Mayor Bowser provided opening remarks, highlighting the importance of supporting small businesses across the District. Director Tiffany Crowe joined the panel discussion Start Smart: The Essentials Every New Business Needs, where she spoke about the foundational steps new businesses should take to operate successfully in the District.
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DLCP’s Business Resource Center team tabled throughout the event, sharing information, answering questions, and connecting directly with business owners. We look forward to continued collaboration that supports entrepreneurs and advances a thriving business environment across the District.
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The DC Board of Barber & Cosmetology hosted a successful Instructor Development Workshop on Monday, May 11, at the Bennett Career Institute in Northeast DC. The session brought together instructors, industry professionals, and aspiring educators for a focused training experience designed to strengthen teaching practices and support high‑quality instruction across the District’s licensed cosmetology and barbering programs.
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Attendees were highly engaged throughout the workshop, asking questions, sharing real‑world experiences, and participating in discussions about instructional standards, classroom management, and best practices for preparing the next generation of beauty professionals. |
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Board Members were actively involved, offering presentations, guidance, and insights into regulatory expectations, licensing requirements, and the Board’s commitment to supporting instructors in their professional growth. Their participation reinforced the importance of strong educator development in maintaining excellence across the industry.
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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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