DC Chamber of Commerce

Have you heard the buzz about AI but are wondering what it actually means for your business? Join the DC Chamber and Google for a special workshop during #NationalSmallBusinessMonth that cuts through the noise and offers practical applications and real-life examples that will help you create a personalized plan to put AI to work for your business immediately. In this webinar, led by Grow With Google Coach Yulkendy Valdez, you will get hands-on practice with Google AI tools and discover how to use them strategically to tackle common business challenges. Through practical exercises, you will learn how to: - Content creation and outreach: Brainstorm and execute consumer outreach using Gemini. - Document drafting: Support drafting proposals, grants, contracts, and RFPs using Gemini in Workspace. - Financial analysis: Upload and analyze financial reporting documents using NotebookLM. This workshop is specifically designed for small business owners and their teams. No prior AI knowledge or technical expertise is required—just bring your business challenges and a laptop to participate. 📆: Wednesday, May 27 ⏰: 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. 📍: Virtual (webinar link to be sent after registration) Free for members | $35 non-members Register now! /atlas/events/grow-with-google-build-create-and-scale-your-business-with-ai-webinar--482051/details

The DC Chamber of Commerce Health Policy Forum brought together leaders from across healthcare, business, and policy for a timely and solutions-focused conversation on the future of care in the District. Hosted at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, the forum convened experts and stakeholders to explore the innovations, partnerships, and workforce strategies needed to strengthen DC’s healthcare system. Throughout the discussion, panelists highlighted the importance of collaboration across sectors to address rising costs, expand access to care, and build a more resilient healthcare workforce. Conversations also underscored the role of innovation and policy alignment in improving outcomes for residents across all eight wards. More than anything, the forum reinforced a shared goal: ensuring that DC’s healthcare system is equipped to meet the needs of today while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow. A special thank you to our keynote speaker, Dr. Roger A. Mitchell Jr., President of the National Medical Association, and to our featured speakers: Tonia Wellons, Greater Washington Community Foundation; Karima Woods, DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking; Melisa Byrd, Department of Health Care Finance; Jacqueline D. Bowens, DC Hospital Association; and Mila Kofman, DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority. We also extend our gratitude to our partners and sponsors at CareFirst, including our Board member Collette Chichester, Yulondra Barlow, and Yani Golden, whose time and effort helped make this gathering an incredible success. Photos are courtesy of photographer Ron Thomas. #DCChamber #Healthcare #DCEconomy #HealthPolicy #DCEvents

Washington, DC’s small business community brilliantly showed up for each other our the DC Chamber's Small Business Summit & Showcase this week, and we could not be more thankful! Thank you to every board member, sponsor, partner, speaker, exhibitor, maker, coach, and attendee who helped make the convening a powerful celebration of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship across all eight wards. We are grateful for Events DC (@eventsdc ) and their partnership as host of the convening, and for being committed to elevating DC’s business ecosystem. Thank you as well to our District Government partners at DISB (@disb_dc ), DMPED (@dmped ), and DSLBD (@smallbizdc ), and to The Washington Informer (@washinformer ) and Smart City Networks (@smartcitynetworks ); your partnership strengthens the foundation of DC’s connected business community. To our distinguished speakers, including Mayor Muriel Bowser, Chairman Phil Mendelson, and Councilmembers Wendell Felder and Doni Crawford, Chairman of the Board Earle (Chico) Horton III, Exodie Roe III, Dr. Steven Johnson, Director Rosemary Suggs-Evans, and Commissioner Karima Woods, thank you for your leadership and for championing the small businesses that keep our city strong. A special thank you to the companies who filled our exhibitor hall and Makers Market, and to the business owners who met one‑on‑one with experts during DISB's Coach’s Corner. Your energy and engagement made this summit come alive. Our gratitude also goes to all of our speakers who put so much professionalism and heart into their panels and stage remarks; their insights will fuel growth for months to come. This summit reflects what is possible when our community shows up, collaborates, and invests in one another. We are excited to continue to share more pictures and expressions of appreciation for our speakers, sponsors and partners in the coming days! #DCChamber #DCSmallBusinessSummit2026 #SmallBusinessMonth #SmallBizDC #DCEconomy

Being seen isn’t the same as being chosen. In today’s AI-driven world, businesses are creating more content than ever, but not all of it is making an impact. At the DC Chamber's 2026 Small Business Summit & Showcase, join us for Seen But Not Chosen: The Brand Problem AI Is Exposing, a hands-on session focused on why some brands stand out—and why others get overlooked. AI doesn’t create clarity. It amplifies what’s already there. This workshop will help you build the foundation your brand needs to be recognized, remembered, and chosen. Featured Speaker: Madia Brown, Brandire Agency 📅 Monday, May 11, 2026 📍 Walter E. Washington Convention Center Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your brand and make your message matter. Online registration for this year’s Summit has officially closed, but you can register to attend for free on site! #DCChamber #SmallBusinessSummit #DCSmallBusiness #BrandStrategy #AI #Marketing #BusinessGrowth

During National Small Business Month, conversations around protecting and strengthening small businesses are more important than ever. Cyber threats are evolving rapidly, and small businesses are increasingly in the crosshairs. At the DC Chamber of Commerce's 2026 Small Business Summit & Showcase, Verizon’s Director of Cybersecurity Solutions Tristan O’Brien will lead a unique and tailored activation that covers the important topic of how AI is transforming the cybersecurity landscape for small businesses. “AI & Cybersecurity for Small Business,” will break down the real-world risks businesses face today, from ransomware attacks to AI-powered scams and voice cloning, while also highlighting practical, budget-friendly strategies to help protect your business, employees, and customers. 📅 Monday, May 11, 2026 🕗 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 📍 Walter E. Washington Convention Center Online registration for this year’s Summit has officially closed, but you can register to attend for free on site! #DCChamber #SmallBusinessSummit #SmallBusinessMonth #Cybersecurity #AI #SmallBizDC #DCEconomy

As part of National Small Business Month, DC Chamber President and CEO Chinyere Hubbard recently joined the Think Small Podcast (@thethinksmallpodcast ) to discuss the realities facing Washington, DC’s small business community and the strategies the Chamber leverages to help businesses adapt and grow. During the interview, Chinyere shares insights on how the Chamber is navigating economic uncertainty, supporting workforce innovation, and strengthening connections between entrepreneurs and the resources, capital, and opportunities they need to succeed. She also highlights the upcoming Small Business Summit & Showcase, sharing more about featured speakers and what the business community will get out of the Chamber's pinacle annual event. Drawing on her deep roots as a native Washingtonian and decades of experience across business, government, and community development, she offers a thoughtful perspective on the future of DC’s economy and the importance of collaboration during times of change. Listen to the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/eDByvRVF hashtag#DCChamber hashtag#SmallBusiness hashtag#DCEconomy hashtag#Entrepreneurship hashtag#Leadership

@dcchamber small business summit & showcase is next Monday (May 11, 2026) at the convention center! And it is FREE to attend! If you’ve never been to a conference or small business event, this is a perfect, low stress one start with. Literally just a ton of free education and networking opportunities. 💛 This year’s POWERUP DC was fab (per usual!), can’t wait for the next one. @dchealthlink 📍 Washington, DC #smallbusiness #conference #washingtondc #chamberofcommerce #entrepreneurship #freeevent Events for entrepreneurs in DC How to start a business First time business owner

Access to capital is changing—and small businesses need to be ready. As we celebrate National Small Business Month, now is the time to strengthen your financial strategy and position your business for growth. At the 2026 Small Business Summit & Showcase, join us for Financial Preparedness & Access to Capital, a practical workshop focused on navigating today’s evolving funding landscape. From grants and traditional lending to alternative financing and fintech tools, this session will break down the options available—and what lenders and investors are looking for right now. Featured Panelists Include: Aaron Fenwick, DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (Moderator) Kristina Sicard, Dracis Inc Sonja Sanders Wells, City First Bank C. Lorenzo Evans, CLE Business Services Nelvin J. Adriatico, City National Bank Ron Thurston, Truist 📅 Monday, May 11, 2026 📍 Walter E. Washington Convention Center Don’t miss this opportunity to unlock new pathways to capital. Online registration for this year’s Summit has officially closed, but you can register to attend for free on site! #DCChamber #SmallBusinessSummit #DCSmallBusiness #AccessToCapital #SmallBusinessFinance #BusinessGrowth

Government and enterprise contracting is becoming more accessible to small businesses, but it’s also evolving faster than ever. Join us at the DC Chamber’s Small Business Summit & Showcase for a timely conversation on how to navigate today’s shifting procurement landscape. From modernization efforts to new expectations around partnerships and performance, this session will help you understand where opportunities are, and how to position your business to win. As we celebrate #NationalSmallBusinessMonth, there’s no better time to explore new opportunities for growth and position your business for what’s next. Gain insight into federal and local procurement trends, set-aside eligibility, and how tools like AI and strategic teaming are changing how businesses find and secure contracts. Featured Panelists Include: Susan Shorters, High Impact Partners (Moderator) Sharon Pinder, Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council Kelvin Jeter, Krendell Orren Business Solutions Keith Howard, DC Department of Small and Local Business Development Ronnette Meyers, JLAN Solutions Larry Webb, U.S. Small Business Administration 📅 Monday, May 11, 2026 📍 Walter E. Washington Convention Center Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to compete and win in today’s contracting environment. 🔗 Register now: bit.ly/smallbizsummit26 #DCChamber #SmallBusinessSummit #DCSmallBusiness #GovernmentContracts #Procurement #SmallBusinessWeek

Just one week away! Join us to celebrate the leaders shaping DC’s small business community. The DC Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with DC Department of Small & Local Business Development (DSLBD), is proud to recognize this year’s Small Business Award Winners: ↗️ Made in DC Maker of the Year: Oluwatobi OSOBUKOLA-ABUBU, Fritters and Roast LLC ↗️ CBE of the Year: Jimmie Drummond, III, Drummond Projects ↗️ Retailer of the Year: Madeleine Odendahl & Megan Flynn, Merry Pin ↗️ Small Business of the Year: Andrew Dana, Call Your Mother Deli ↗️ Small Business Person of the Year: Victor P. Holt, V-Tech Solutions Inc. ↗️ Non-Profit of the Year: Jim Knight, Jubilee Housing ↗️ Small Business Champion of the Year: Mila Kofman, DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority ↗️ Women in Business Champion: Ronnette Meyers, JLAN Solutions ↗️ Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Cory Jones, First Choice Construction Inc. These awardees represent the innovation, resilience, and impact driving DC’s economy forward. Celebrate them in person at the Small Business Summit & Showcase Awards Luncheon—tickets are still available. 📅 Monday, May 11, 2026 🕗 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 📍 Walter E. Washington Convention Center 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW, Washington, DC 20001 🎟️ Purchase your luncheon ticket and register today: https://bit.ly/smallbizsummit26 Be part of an inspiring afternoon honoring the entrepreneurs and changemakers who keep DC thriving. #DCChamber #SmallBusinessSummit #SmallBizDC #DCEconomy #Entrepreneurship

The DC Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors convened on April 24 at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, welcoming returning and new Board members for a morning of strategic planning and mission-driven discussions. Board Chair Earle “Chico” Horton, III opened the meeting, followed by welcome remarks from the U.S. Chamber’s Senior Vice President of Strategic Alliances and Outreach Rick Wade, and Vice President of Federation Relations and Coalition Partnership, Sara Armstrong. Chamber Committee Chairs provided updates across various aspects of the organization, including Membership, Government Affairs, Health & Wellness, Women in Business, Small Business Advisory, International Business Development, Workforce Development, Real Estate & Construction, Legal Services, and Financial, highlighting ongoing programming, member engagement efforts, and upcoming initiatives. Thank you to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Rick Wade, and Sara Armstrong for hosting and sharing their perspectives on how we can continue working together to support and elevate our business community.

As part of the District’s celebration of Small Business Week, DC Health Link and the Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) are proud to present the 2026 POWERUP DC, an energizing event designed to equip small business owners and nonprofit leaders with the tools, insights, and connections they need to thrive. Centered on this year’s theme, Keep Small Business Moving: Resilience, Survival, and Growth, the summit will offer timely strategies, practical resources, and forward‑looking conversations that empower entrepreneurs to strengthen their businesses, navigate change, and manage growth. Learn more and register! /e/powerup-dc-keep-small-business-moving-resilience-survival-growth-registration-1984845614664?aff=oddtdtcreator Event Details Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 Time: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Location: Business Conference Center at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library 901 G St. NW, Washington, DC 20001