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Incentives, Insurance, Nonprofits, SBA Teams, Contracting Updates, & Tax Rates
1. District Publishes Menu of Economic Incentives The District of Columbia has made it even easier to see what incentives are available, whether your business is currently in the District or you are thinking about setting up shop in the District. "Economic Development Incentives in our Nation's Capital," recently released by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, explains the District of Columbia's new and existing incentives in a single brochure. Businesses considering relocating to the District, or currently operating in the District, can select from dozens of economic development incentives and assistance programs, including:
Contact chris.bender@dc.gov to order free copies. Emails should include your name, mailing address, and number of copies requested.
2. Insurance Agreement Forged on Behalf of District Businesses The Department of Insurance and Securities Regulation (DISR) continues to be an advocate for District businesses regarding insurance coverage for potential terrorist attacks. DISR has worked with the Insurance Services Organization (ISO), which rates insurance risks, to ensure that District businesses are assessed fair and reasonable premiums for terrorism insurance. In a Washingtonpost.com interview, the DISR Commissioner presented a general outline of what damage or loss is typically covered by terrorism insurance. (Read the interview.) Here are some highlights:
Business policyholders are encouraged to contact their insurance agent or carrier first in order to understand their specific coverage and limitations. District businesses can contact DISR's Consumer Affairs Division with questions pertaining to finding a licensed agent or carrier at (202) 727-8000 or disr.info@dc.gov via email. Visit the DISR web site .
3. District Expands Support for Nonprofit Organizations The Office of Partnerships and Grants Development (OPGD) launched the Grants Information Resource Center (GIRC) as an additional resource for nonprofit organizations serving the District. The GIRC assists District government agencies, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations with obtaining information that can help improve the delivery and sustainability of community services in the District of Columbia. Staff at the center instruct users how to perform customized online research on grant and other potential resource opportunities. The GIRC provides four Internet-ready computers with access to funding research databases - some of which can be accessed only via subscription - and a small library of printed materials. Staff can provide guidance and customized assistance with online searches. The Center is located in the OPGD office at One Judiciary Square, 441 4th Street, NW, Suite 200 South. Access to the GIRC is free of charge by appointment only. Interested individuals may call (202) 727-8900 to schedule an appointment. Nonprofits are also reminded to sign up for the free Funding Alert email newsletter. The Funding Alert is a weekly publication of OPGD that highlights grants for which citizen groups and nonprofit organizations can apply.
4. SBA Trade Area Delivers Results for DC Businesses The Washington Metropolitan Area District Office of the US Small Business Administration launched a new and unique approach to more effectively serve businesses within its area of operations. The local SBA office is the first in the nation to divide its staff into special Trade Area Teams that are defined by the local economy and geographically focused. One of the five new Trade Area Teams in the region targets businesses located in Washington, DC - while the others service the surrounding Maryland and Virginia suburban areas. District-based businesses have started to work with their Trade Area Team in growing numbers. During the last three months of 2002, the SBA guaranteed 86 loans in Washington, DC - as compared to 68 loans during the entire year prior to those three months. Similar successes have been seen regarding the growth in SBA guaranteed loans in the District for businesses owned by African Americans, other minority groups, and women. The SBA invites small businesses to contact their Trade Area Team in order to discuss the available financial, management and business development, and procurement assistance programs. For general information, visit the SBA. The District of Columbia Trade Area Team staff can be contacted by email or by calling (202) 606-4000 with the extension numbers listed below:
5. Vendors Advised of Two Contracting Updates The DC Supply Schedule (DCSS) solicitation for Management, Organization and Business Improvement Services (MOBIS) will close later this month. Responses are due by 3:30 pm on March 25, 2003. Also, all prospective vendors of goods and services should register using the Office of Contracting and Procurement (OCP) On-Line Vendor Registration Program. For more information about registration, the letter to prospective vendors. For more information about the DCSS, contact OCP Chief Contracting Officer Jonathan R. Butler at jonathan.butler@dc.gov or (202) 727-0252. Visit OCP and click "DC Supply Schedule."
6. Reminder: New Tax Rate Set for Vacant Properties Legislation passed in December 2002 created a class 3 property tax rate for vacant commercial and residential properties in the District of Columbia. Vacant property will be taxed at $5.00 per $100 of assessed value beginning in 2003. The first affected property tax bills were sent to owners in February, with payments due March 31, 2003. Read the press release. For any tax questions, contact the Office of Tax and Revenue's Customer Service Center, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at (202) 727-4TAX (727-4829).
7. DC Business Tools Available
Submit Feedback to brc.alert@dc.gov
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