This summit is part of Community Development Week 2026:
Shaping Tomorrow’s Community Development Ecosystem
Capacity Building Institute , Community Development Week , Small Business ,
This summit is part of Community Development Week 2026:
Shaping Tomorrow’s Community Development Ecosystem
As part of Community Development Week 2026, The Coalition will convene leaders from across Washington, DC’s small business ecosystem to examine how systems, programs, and partnerships can better support entrepreneurs, small businesses, and commercial corridors.
Small businesses are essential to the District’s economic vitality, but navigating the systems designed to support them can be complex. From licensing and permitting to procurement opportunities, commercial corridor support, and access to resources, businesses often face barriers that impact their ability to start, grow, and thrive.
The Small Business Policy Summit will bring together small business owners, business support organizations, commercial corridor partners, procurement stakeholders, and other ecosystem leaders to develop a shared understanding of how the small business ecosystem currently functions and identify opportunities to strengthen coordination, improve systems, and expand economic opportunity.
Through facilitated discussion and cross-sector engagement, participants will explore where existing systems are working, where gaps remain, and what improvements are needed to create a more connected and effective ecosystem for small business success.
Navigating Business Regulations and Requirements
Exploring opportunities to improve licensing, permitting, regulatory processes, and agency coordination while reducing unnecessary barriers for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Strengthening Commercial Corridor Ecosystems
Examining how neighborhood-based organizations, Main Streets, business support providers, and other partners can work together to support vibrant commercial corridors, address challenges such as vacancy and displacement, and create stronger pathways for business growth.
Expanding Economic Opportunities Through Procurement
Discussing how the District’s contracting and procurement systems can better support small businesses, including opportunities to strengthen access, transparency, preparedness, and competitiveness within programs such as Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) contracting and First Source implementation.
Who Should Attend?
This summit is designed for:
Why Attend?
Participants will have the opportunity to:
Thank you to our Community Development Week Funders
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