Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets

Results: This past year was one of great challenges; six months into the fiscal year, the city was shut down due to the pandemic. FY20 was a year for pivoting. We have been working quietly behind the scenes to help businesses survive COVID-19. We gave out five grants to small businesses for $3000. We marketed and assisted some 100 merchants prepare for the DC Micro-Grant, Bridge Grants, EIDL Loan, Paychecks Protection Program, and then the second round of Paychecks Protection. We hand delivered more than 280 notices to Dupont Circle businesses to ensure that everyone applied to the Small Business Recovery Micro-Grant. And then when I noticed no one was open to see our fliers, we spent days updating our email list so that we could communicate with 250 businesses virtually, even when their doors were closed – sending emails almost daily in April 2020 about free Personal Protection Equipment, service industry assistance, food delivery, and other programs to assist small business. Through the summer we produced Facebook Live events about Dupont’s services, including yoga (thank you Dupont Yoga), haircuts (thank you SpaLogic), and massage (thank you Deluca Massage) to bring attention to Dupont growing service sector. We worked with DDOT to create six Pick-up/Drop-off Zones, made available to any retailer, which DDOT turned around in two days. And we worked on approximately 15 outdoor café and streatery permits to help Java House expand, Zelano open its outdoor seating, or True Value Hardware sell merchandise on the sidewalk. Twenty-twenty has been a difficult year, but so many people have risen to the challenge. By working together – businesses, residents, nonprofits, and the DC and federal governments – we have been able to overcome many of the obstacles. We are optimistic about the opportunities for the coming year. Here is to a better and healthy 2021!

Target demographics: small businesses

Direct beneficiaries per year: 100 small businesses

Geographic areas served: Dupont Circle

Programs: technical assistance, marketing, events, and grants