November 2026
Dear Customers, Colleagues, and Friends,
This season offers an opportunity to recognize the collective efforts that strengthen our communities and support the continued growth of local businesses and entrepreneurs.
At the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), the past month highlighted the power of collaboration and innovation. DLCP proudly served as a sponsor of DC Startup Week (October 19-23), bringing together entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators from across the District. I was honored to join Mayor Muriel Bowser as she announced more than $5 million in funding to support startups, expand accelerator programs, and help launch new technology and life sciences companies. Investments like these create new opportunities for businesses to grow, contribute to our local economy, and shape the future of innovation in the District.
I was also pleased to represent DLCP as a speaker at the DC Digital Government Summit's Cross-Agency Collaboration Roundtable at George Washington University. The discussion brought together public sector leaders to exchange ideas, address shared challenges, and explore practical solutions that strengthen government services. These conversations play an important role in building partnerships that help agencies better serve residents, businesses, and stakeholders throughout the District.
Another significant milestone this year has been the launch of BOSS, DLCP's unified platform designed to simplify how businesses complete registration and licensing requirements in the District. Since its launch in August, BOSS has provided a more streamlined experience for entrepreneurs navigating key business processes. You’ll learn more about the continued progress of this transformative system and the momentum it is already building across the District in the upcoming edition of the BOSS Bulletin.
As we continue to advance our mission, DLCP remains focused on delivering efficient services, expanding access to resources, and creating a more customer-centered experience for the businesses and consumers we serve. The progress we have made this year reflects the strength of our partnerships and the shared commitment to building a thriving and inclusive business environment in the District.
Thank you for your continued partnership and trust. Your feedback, engagement, and collaboration help guide our work every day.
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 Tiffany Crowe
Director
Our newest DLCP Hub article spotlights Gesenia Corea, founder of Side Dish Queen, a DC-based catering and gourmet meal-prep business built on resilience, culture, and community. What began as a way to navigate workplace challenges evolved into a thriving business that now serves clients across the DMV through personalized meal preparation, catering, and chef-crafted culinary experiences.
Drawing inspiration from her Salvadorean heritage and DC's diverse food scene, Corea creates globally inspired dishes using premium ingredients while prioritizing health, quality, and connection. Through entrepreneurship training and support from the Latino Economic Development Center, she transformed her passion into a certified, insured, and licensed business.
As the holiday season approaches, Side Dish Queen is helping make celebrations throughout the region even more memorable with customized catering, signature side dishes, seasonal specialties, and homemade desserts that bring people together around the table.
Read the full feature on the DLCP Hub to learn more about Corea's entrepreneurial journey and vision for the future.
On Friday, November 13, Washington, DC’s business community will come together at the Marriott Marquis Washington, DC for the 2026 Chamber’s Choice Awards & Gala—an evening celebrating the businesses, leaders, and changemakers moving the District forward.
Limited table and premier sponsorship opportunities are still available! For companies looking to strengthen their presence in the nation’s capital, this is more than an opportunity to attend. It’s an opportunity to connect, engage, and be seen.
DATE: Friday, November 13, 2026
TIME: 6 PM - 11:30 PM
LOCATION: Marriott Marquis Washington, DC | 901 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20001
To celebrate Customer Service Week, DLCP recognized employees from October 5-9 who consistently go above and beyond in serving District residents and businesses. Selected for their dedication to providing exceptional service, these team members help customers navigate processes, find solutions, and access the resources they need.
Employees shared insights on customer service, highlighting the patience, empathy, communication, and problem-solving skills that help create positive experiences for the people we serve. By recognizing employees who exemplify these qualities, DLCP reaffirmed its commitment to delivering responsive, customer-focused service and continuously improving the experience of residents and businesses across the District.
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On Thursday, October 29, the DC Board of Funeral Directors hosted its 2026 Practitioners' Forum at DLCP. The program brought together DC-licensed funeral directors for a day of professional development and industry updates, with attendees earning three continuing education credits. |
Participants received information on the Federal Trade Commission's Funeral Rule, the consumer complaint process, and updates from DC Vital Records. The forum also provided an opportunity for licensees to engage with industry partners, stay informed on regulatory requirements, and strengthen their knowledge of resources that support funeral service professionals and the communities they serve. |
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Through events like the Practitioners' Forum, the Board continues to support professional growth, regulatory awareness, and high standards of service within the funeral services profession. |
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On Friday, October 23, DLCP participated in the Washington DC Digital Government Summit 2026 at The George Washington University Student Center, where public-sector leaders from across the District gathered to explore emerging technologies, digital transformation, and innovative approaches to government service delivery. |
Director Tiffany Crowe represented DLCP as a panelist during the Cross-Agency Collaboration Roundtable: Solving Our Biggest Challenges Together. The discussion highlighted the importance of breaking down operational silos, sharing strategies across agencies, and strengthening collaboration to address common challenges in technology, procurement, and service delivery. |
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The event provided an opportunity for government leaders to exchange ideas and discuss how partnerships across agencies can help improve efficiency, accelerate problem-solving, and better serve District residents and businesses. |
The 11th Annual DC Startup and Tech Week brought together founders, technologists, entrepreneurs, investors, and partners for a weeklong series of sessions focused on supporting innovation and business growth in the District. Participants had access to workshops, pitch events, networking opportunities, panel discussions, and resources designed to help new and emerging companies launch, strengthen their operations, and build connections across the city’s tech community. |
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DLCP participated in the opening day to show support for the District’s startup landscape and the work being done to strengthen pathways for business success. DC Mayor Bowser opened the week with an announcement of more than $5 million in funding to grow the District’s technology sector and accelerate the development of local startups. These investments will support six new accelerator cohorts and help launch five new companies, expanding opportunities for founders and increasing the availability of tools that contribute to business advancement in the city. |
DLCP supports the continued expansion of resources for entrepreneurs, as these efforts align with the agency’s commitment to helping businesses start, operate, and grow in the District.
Howard University has been honored with a $10,000 NCEES Engineering Education Award for its innovative student project, “Kenya Water Supply Project.” The university will host a celebration of this achievement on Friday, November 13th from 2:00-3:00pm. Michael Jelen, Chairman, DC Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, will also attend this event to provide comments on behalf of the Board.
“This national award highlights engineering programs that demonstrate strong partnerships between students, faculty, and licensed engineers while addressing real-world challenges. Submissions are reviewed by a diverse panel representing engineering educators and professional organizations, who evaluate each project’s collaboration, impact, and educational value.”
The District of Columbia Board of Architecture, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture and the District of Columbia Board of Professional Engineers invite industry professionals to attend the 2026 Practitioners' Forum, a day of learning, discussion, and professional development designed to support practitioners and strengthen industry knowledge.
Join fellow architects, interior designers, landscape architects, professional engineers for presentations, resources, and hands-on learning opportunities focused on topics relevant to the profession.
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Date: November 13, 2026
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Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
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Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 5th Floor Auditorium
Space is limited.
NOTE: Attendees participating in the hands-on session are encouraged to bring a laptop or tablet with a keyboard.
Don't miss this opportunity to connect with peers, gain valuable insights, and stay informed on matters affecting your profession.
Surveillance Pricing Prohibition Amendment Act of 2026 - B26-0667
The DC Council introduced the Surveillance Pricing Prohibition Amendment Act of 2026 (B26-0667) to ban businesses from charging individualized prices based on consumer surveillance data. April Randall, Chief of Legislative Affairs and General Counsel of DLCP, testified before the Council on October 19th, 2026.
The Surveillance Pricing Prohibition Amendment Act of 2026 addresses emerging concerns around digital marketplace practices that harm consumers. This legislation would amend the District’s Consumer Protection Procedures Act (CPPA) by creating new definitions for “surveillance-based price discrimination” and “personally identifiable information,” and explicitly classify surveillance-based pricing as an unfair or deceptive trade practice under D.C. Official Code § 28–3904. This measure will protect consumers from opaque pricing systems that leverage personal data to manipulate costs for private gain.
As of April 24th, 2026, a Notice of Intent to Act on B26-0667 has been published in the District of Columbia Register here.
Board of Professional Engineers - Mutual Recognition Agreement Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
Interested in enhancing professional mobility and the pathways to professional licensure, the D.C. Board of Professional Engineering (Board) unanimously voted on November 20, 2025, to adopt the U.S.-UK MRA. This rulemaking updates 17 DCMR § 1504 regarding applications for licensure as a professional engineer and a professional land surveyor from foreign applicants and persons with degrees from foreign schools.
These final rules went into effect on October 2, 2026, as they were published in D.C. Register Vol. 73 – No. 40.
Business Organizations Amendment Act of 2026 (B26-0859)
The Business Organizations Amendment Act updates the District of Columbia’s laws for entity registration and filings to align with current practices and industry best practices. The legislation also seeks to ensure that the District’s business registration and entity process is consistent with current practices in light of the launch of the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection’s new Corporate Online System, which the Council of the District of Columbia funded. As of October 23, 2026, a Notice of Intent to Act on B26-0859 published in the District of Columbia Register here.
Board of Architecture, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture Rulemaking
This rulemaking establishes flexible pathways for licensure as an architect in the District of Columbia and to align the District with other jurisdictions across the country by amending 17 DCMR Ch. 34 Sec. 3403 (Licensure by Examination) and Sec. 3499 (Definitions). This rulemaking was published in the D.C. Register on October 23rd, 2026 here.
Funeral Directors Licensing Reform Amendment Act of 2025 - B26-0047
As introduced, Bill 26-47 would amend the requirements for a funeral director’s license, and create an embalmer’s license. Among other things, it would also create requirements for a funeral directing or embalming internship. The bill is now in the Congressional Review period, and can be tracked here.
Broadband Price Transparency Regulation Emergency Amendment Act of 2026 – DC Act 26-435
The Broadband Price Transparency Regulation Emergency Amendment Act of 2026 resolves legal confusion regarding how telecom and internet providers comply with existing price transparency requirements, specifically to prevent potential litigation and ensure consumers receive clear pricing information. This legislation can be tracked here.
DLCP works with nine Boards and Commissions that establish licensing standards, provide professional oversight, and support consumer protection throughout the District. These groups meet regularly to discuss industry matters, review regulatory issues, and offer a transparent forum for public engagement. Community members and stakeholders can stay informed about upcoming meetings by visiting the monthly calendar on our website, which lists dates, times, and additional details.
The Business Resource Center continues to provide practical tools and learning opportunities for District entrepreneurs. This November, the BRC is offering a range of workshops, coaching sessions, and resource events designed to support business owners at every stage of their journey.
Take a moment to explore the complete November event lineup below, and sign up for the sessions that best align with your business objectives.
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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