GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Department of Small and Local Business Development

Open Government Report 2014

To institutionalize a culture of transparent and open government, accountability, and to expand
opportunities for resident participation and collaboration, this Report describes how the
Department of Small and Local Business Development has and will continue to develop and
enhance transparency, public participation, and collaboration. In accordance with Mayor’s Order
2014-170, this report addresses the following topics:
Transparency
The DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) supports the growth,
development, and retention of District based businesses and supports economic development
throughout the District’s commercial corridors. In order to increase accountability and
transparency, promote informed public participation, and create economic development
opportunities, DSLBD has expanded access to information by making it proactively available
online. Updates regarding DSLBD programs and initiatives are shared with the public utilizing
several methods including, press releases, special notices, and DC Register entries that are posted
on DSLBD’s website. DLSBD also releases information via an external mailing list available to
media, community partners, and District small business owners. In an effort to increase public
access to information, DSLBD continually seeks ways to better utilize its website and social
media outlets.
Pursuant to the District’s Freedom of Information Act, DSLBD has responded to every request
received in a thorough and timely manner to the extent permitted by law and subject to valid
privacy, confidentiality, security, or other restrictions. Any information requested by the public
has been made readily available and annual Freedom of Information Act reports are accessible
on the Department’s website.
DSLBD is working closely with the Office of the City Administrator (OCA) and the Office of
the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) to identify a significant number of datasets that OCA and
OCTO expect to publish online later this year. If no dataset from DSLBD is selected to be
included in this 2014 release, we will continue to work with OCA and OCTO to identify datasets
appropriate to publish in 2015. In the future, requirements for open data reporting will be
provided by the Chief Data Officer.
Public Engagement and Participation
In order to create more informed and effective programs that support small business
development, DSLBD has enhanced and expanded opportunities for the public to have a voice
regarding agency programs and services. Through online access to information and resources,
such as frequently asked questions, GradeDC, and contact information for key programs staff,
DSLBD ensures the public is properly informed. Public input and feedback is welcomed on the
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agency’s website and through social media activity. In an effort to improve public engagement
and participation, DSLBD will publish a quarterly newsletter and welcome content suggestions
from stakeholders and community partners.
Collaboration
DSLBD has made great strides in enhancing and expanding its practices to further cooperation
among departments, other governmental agencies, the public, and non-profit and private entities
in fulfilling its obligations. In 2014 DSLBD transformed its office into a mobile, co-work space
where agency staff, community development organizations, and small businesses collaborate
daily to improve the DC small business environment. This concept is called the Small Business
Inclusion Center. The SBIC supports co-location of federal government agencies, local
government agencies, and nonprofit community development organizations. Modern business
technology, updated policies and procedures for mobile working, and a performance-based
culture allow the Center to attract organizations that collaborate to help small businesses succeed
in Washington, DC.
The goal of SBIC is to improve the environment for small businesses in the District of Columbia
by creating a space where agency staff and partners of the agency collaborate in real-time in
setting reflective of the way business is done today – emphasizing mobility, adaptability, and
accountability. Since implementation in FY14, the Center has added 14 new partner
organizations such as the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Service Corps of Retired
Executives (SCORE), and the Washington Area Community Investment Fund. Further, DSLBD
averages a Grade.DC.gov score of ‘A’ due to the SBIC’s creative approach to catalyzing small
business programs.
Additionally, DSLBD has leveraged cooperative agreements with federal government agencies
to provide business development programs for District small businesses in the areas of
technology, export, and government procurement, all while continuing to collaborate with other
District government agencies and community partners in educating and equipping the District
small businesses with the tools they need to thrive.

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