RIA Radio

When DC Brau opened its doors in 2009, it became the first brewery to operate in DC since 1956. Owners Brandon Skall, Jeff Hancock, and Mari Rodela join us to talk about the growth of DC Brau, the challenges they faced during the pandemic, and the next steps they are looking at with their bond offering through The SMBX. Listen now to hear their entire story, plus a virtual beer tasting or two. 

We've chatted with folks from The SMBX before, so by now you know about about investing in your local businesses via bonds. Today, Annie Eser of The SMBX joins us to talk about the partnership between the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development and The SMBX to broaden the scope of the bond program. Bottom line: small business owners interested in raising funds through this program will have access to more resources to prepare themselves for the bond offering process, and you'll be able to invest in a larger and more diverse selection of businesses in your community. Tune in now to listen to the whole story.

One of the newest businesses on the RIA Main Street corridor is Bandura Design. This all-woman design firm, founded by Jennifer Farris, opened in July of 2020. They specialize in commercial design for hotels, apartments, and other hospitality venues. Listen now to hear how this fantastic firm is already making an impact by helping their business neighbors.

Our good friend, Darryl Maxwell of the DC Bar Pro Bono Center joins us once again to talk all things related to small business legal guidance. As restrictions are lifted post-pandemic, many of the challenges that small businesses have faced, as well as many of the opportunities for assistance (PPP loans, eviction moratoriums) are coming to an end. What to small businesses need to know from a legal framework? Darryl and his Pro Bono team have the answers! 

Some of the best advocates for small businesses are the micro bloggers of social media. Their news and reviews reach audiences in a way that even the best advertising strategies can miss. And many times, the authors behind the handles have the opportunity for invaluable insights into the trends and news about DC-area dining, and our guest, @eat_dc, is no exception. Tune in to hear his thoughts on the challenges that the DC dining scene face, as well as some of the outstanding successes we have seen arise from the pandemic.

As DC reopens for business, we are not only welcoming the businesses that we have known and loved, but also new businesses that have been busily working to join the ever-growing list of great hangouts in neighborhoods all across the District. Today we're visiting with one of the newest on the block: Jesse Rauch from metrobar, located in the new Bryant Street development at 640 Rhode Island Ave NE. Jesse and his team have created an amazing metro-themed (yes, as in WMATA-esque) space, complete with beverages from local distilleries and breweries. Not only does the drink menu reflect the talented crafters of the region, but there will soon be a fully retrofitted metro train car serving as indoor seating and bar space! Listen now to learn more about metrobardc.com

The pandemic has shaken up so many small business sectors, and the food service industry has definitely taken a big hit. In a year of so many restaurants closing, we're excited to talk with Sarah Frimpong of Wellfound Foods. Frim and her team are bringing "Smart Fridges" full of healthy fresh foods to campuses, airports, hospitals, and more. How do you keep a vending machine stocked with high quality, delicious, fresh foods? Listen now to learn all about Wellfound Foods!

economic effects of the pandemic, there are some additional options for sales that they may not be aware of! Both the local DC government and the Federal government regularly hire small businesses as contractors, and in far more business categories than you might imagine. Sheila Edmondson from the DC Procurement and Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) joins us, along with Cristina Amoruso, from the Department of Small and Local Business Development, to talk about the ways PTAC helps small businesses prepare to do business with the government. Tune in now to see how YOUR business can benefit! https://dslbd.dc.gov/service/dc-procurement-technical-assistance-center

For the last few years, we've been eagerly watching the construction going on at the new Bryant Street Development. We're excited to welcome Matt Bailey of MRP Realty to talk about the progress of the project, as well as some of the exciting new businesses and amenities they are bringing to the area. Listen now!

Small businesses seem to always face challenges with cash flow, and this past year has seen entrepreneurs constantly searching for ways to keep their businesses afloat. At the same time, community members have been searching for ways to support their favorite locally-owned small business. Enter The SMBX! Now small businesses can apply to release SEC-approved bonds directly to general public, allowing businesses to raise capital while allowing community members to invest in a business that is meaningful to them. Benjamin Stein of The SMBX talks us through the details of how investements of as little as $10 can make raise funds for a business, provide a return to investors, and make a positive impact on the entire community.

Once again, District leadership is stepping up to help strengthen the DC economy during this pandemic year. The DC Local Equity, Access, and Preservation Fund (DC LEAF) is open now, with $3.185 Million in funds available across 3 different programs. Stephanie Thomas, Director of Great Streets and Retail at the office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, joins us to talk about the grants. Listen now for details, and visit dmped.dc.gov to apply. But hurry - the grant deadline is March 15, 2021!

When Covid-19 led to the shut down of businesses around the world, one of the most severely impacted industries was restaurants. Food delivery quickly became the norm here in DC, but just as quickly, we realized that the traditional food delivery service via a 3rd party app, such as Uber Eats or GrubHub, was no the only game in town to access food from our favorite dining spots. Enter DC To-GoGo, offering affordable delivery rates to restaurants, and paying their drivers a living wage. Adam Fry, co-founder of DC To-GoGo joins us to talk about the newest food delivery app in town. Listen now!

In honor of Black History Month, we are excited to visit with Corey Griffin, President and CEO of Global Government and Industry Partners, LLC, and the Board Chair of the Greater Washington Black Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has a mission to "...promote black business growth in the District of Columbia through the facilitation of business opportunities and education," and they bring together an impressive network to make it happen. Tune in to hear Corey's take on the biggest challenges facing the Black business community in DC right now, as well as the opportunities the GWBCC is pulling together to educate, inspire, and promote entrepreneurship among Black business owners.

As the COVID 19 pandemic continues to impact the economy, small businesses are among the hardest hit. The District of Columbia has implemented many programs to assist small businesses in DC, and the latest rounds of grants to help keep them afloat are out now. We're joined by Department of Small and Local Business Development Director Kristi Whitfield, and the Great Streets program director at the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning & Economic Development, Stephanie Thomas. We'll be discussing the Robust Retail Grant and the Bridge Fund Grants. Listen know to learn how your business can take advantage of some much-needed funding.

Coronavirus, or COVID 19, is here and already creating economic challenges. We're facing some uncharted territory in the small business world, but some strategic planning and some "outside the box" thinking may make all the difference for your business. Kyle visits with Sara Gibson of 20 Degrees about how to create some basic resiliency for your customers, employees, and cash flow. We'll also talk about some of the resources available to you at this moment in time, and some ways that you can maximize any slow times your business might be currently experiencing. Listen now, and subscribe for more updates.

Spring is just around the corner, and it couldn't be a better time to introduce one of the newest businesses on RIA Main Street! Olde City Garden is gearing up for their spring opening on Saturday, March 14th, at 9 a.m., and we visit with owner Pat Patterson, general manager Jeremy Gabriel, and business operations manager Tom Henry about their plans. If you ever visited their old location in Shaw, you know what a wonderful resource this will be for our community. In addition to meeting just about any gardening need you might have, they will have classes, special events, and fun activities for gardeners of all ages. We also chat with Stephanie Liotta-Atkinson of MidCity Development about some exciting art programming and more, all at the shared location of Olde City Garden. Listen now!

Sure, DC is full of beer breweries and distilleries, but we're also becoming known for cider! We visit with Will from Supreme Core Cider, and wow does it sound delicious. The cidery and tasting room is located just off Bladensburg Road on T St NE. Tune in now for details on their special recipes and more!

We're joined by Dionne Baux, Director of Urban Programs for the National Main Street program. Dionne talks about some of the challenges facing urban Main Street programs, from the unique challenges of doing business in a large city, to the ways our Main Street programs can help our businesses navigate a more complex regulatory environment while still growing and thriving. Tune in for this and more from Dionne!

The 2020 Census is just around the corner, and the DC Office of Planning has rolled out a robust program to help everyone prepare to participate in this federally required program. Many people have questions about the nature of the census, and there is a substantial amount of incorrect information floating around. To counter that misinformation, we visit with Office of Planning's Director Andrew Trueblood, and Melissa Bird, the program manager of DC Census 2020. Listen now to have your questions answered, and to learn why now more than ever your participation in the census is critical for the future.

Like any major metropolitan area, DC faces challenges in housing access for some of its most vulnerable citizens. Organizations like Pathways to Housing DC not only work to assist in placement, but also to deliver a variety of significant services before, during, and after placement. Executive Director Christy Respress and Donor Relations Officer Lina Permut stop by to talk about the programs they offer, including Housing First Teams, Urgent Care Clinics, Behavioral Healthcare, and Supported Employment. Visit www.pathwaystohousingdc.org to learn more, and tune in now to listen to the full interview!

Leticia Long, MSA, the creator of the Wired Cycling™ and Senior Fitizens™ Programs has been a leader in the fitness industry for almost two decades. The approach she brings to her Wired Cycling studio provides the community with the latest technology in fitness, including spin, TRX, and yoga classes. Ready to burn off some holiday calories and keep fit during the winter months? Listen now!

Jennie Lightfoot and Janet Walkoe, both of Bluebird Sky Yoga, stops by the studio to talk about some of the new programming available at their studio. As they embark on their 3rd year in the neighborhood, it is clear that Bluebird Sky Yoga is here to stay! Their class offerings as well as their special events and workshops have made their studio a centerpiece of the community. New to the idea of Yoga? They've got you covered with Mysore style Ashtanga (http://www.bluebirdskyyoga.com/mysore-ashtanga). Want an inspiring art experience to go with your yoga practice? Check out their rotating gallery show. Listen now for all of the yoga opportunities waiting for you at Bluebird Sky.

The Inner Loop (www.theinnerlooplit.org) is a literary reading series and network for creative writers in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Founders Rachel Coonce and Courtney Saxton talk about their goal to create a space for both emerging and established writers to connect with their community, through events and workshops featuring readings from writers of all genres here in the DC area.

In this Bonus Episode, we are joined by Lauren Adkins, Interim Program Manager of the DMPED Great Streets Program (www.greatstreets.dc.gov). Interested in applying for a Great Streets grant for your business? Be sure to listen to this episode for all the info you need to to know to successfully apply for up to $50,000 in small business assistance!

There are so many fantastic economic development organizations in DC, and two of our favorites are the Latino Economic Development Corporation (www.ledcmetro.org), and the DC Bar Pro Bono (www.dcbar.org) program. We're joined in the studio by Marla Bilonick, Executive Director of LEDC, and Darryl Maxwell, of DC Bar Pro Bono for Nonprofit and Small Business. They each have great resources for the small businesses in the DC Metro area, and they are each continually growing their programming. Tune in now to learn about some of their upcoming events.

There are so many food delivery and subscription systems available out there! But how about one that delivers individual meals, made that day, from chefs from all over the world? Foodhini is based here on RIA Main Street, and is an amazing new concept from Founder and CEO Noobtsaa Philip Vang. He joins us to talk about how Foodhini came to be (hint: Noobtsaa was hungry for some home-cooked food like his mom used to make), and he was keenly interested in helping to support opportunities for immigrant/refugee chefs. The result? Amazing international food delivered to your doorstep.

DC is fast becoming the destination of choice for entrepreneurs, and with programs like #ObviouslyDC and Great Streets to attract and support businesses, it's no wonder. Karima Woods, Director of Business Development and Strategy at the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, joins us to talk about all things economic development in DC. Between in-depth business recruitment resources and a host of grants available to new and existing businesses, Karima and her team are in place to keep the DC economy growing. Listen now!

DC-area gardeners were devastated when they heard that venerable Behnke's Nursery was closing. After 89 years in business, Behnke's leadership knew it was time for a change. During the months between the announcement and the actual closing, the leadership of Behnke's put on a Master Class about how to take care of your staff as you close your business. Stephanie Fleming, Vice President of Behnke's, chats with us about their decision-making process, and how to do right by your staff - the people that are an invaluable part of a business success story.

We aren't the only Main Street in town! In fact, we're one of 18 Main Street programs in DC, as of this broadcast. Today, we visit with Edwin Washington, the director of one of the newest programs, The Parks Main Street. Their program is just down the road from ours, and the geographic similarities don't stop there. Tune in to learn more about The Parks Main Street and the fantastic DC businesses that call it home.

Neighbor Kelly Bell is one of the go-to photographers for portraits and more here DC. She's just launched "The Neighborhood Project" to capture portraits and stories from residents of the Greater BrooklandWoodridge area, We talk with her goals for The Neighborhood Project, and how neighbors like you can participate. Next, we chat with Devin Zitelman of the Washington DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP) about WeDC and their upcoming Futures Forum. The goal? To create educational opportunities for the DC business community, as well as opportunities to work collaboratively across sectors. Listen now!

As an organization that specializes in Economic Development, we spend a lot of time assisting small businesss entrepreneurs that are just starting out, or that are ready to expand their business to the next level. But what happens when an entrepreneur is ready to retire or move on to the next big thing? Hint: If you just close down and move on, you might be leaving money on the table! This week, we visit with Melissa Patel of Transworld Business Advisors of DC Metro. Melissa talks about how to go about selling your business, no matter where you are in your business life cycle. Listen now and plan your next steps!

Our friend Brian Becker wears many hats. Not only is he the wizard behind the successful NE Eats event, but he's also the Director of Small Business Outreach at the Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship at Catholic University. This exciting program is part of the Busch School of Business, providing exclusive DC access to the Inner City Capital Connections program. Tune in now to find out how Brian and his colleagues are making a difference for small business owners throughout the DC area.

There are many aspects of business ownership that are directly informed and impacted by laws and regulations. Kevin Hilgers and Tom Martin of Goldblatt Martin Pozen LLP visit with us about several new laws impacting businesses in DC, including the implementation and implications of Universal Paid Leave. Listen to learn more, and be sure to send us legal topic requests for future episodes featuring Tom and Kevin.

Brian Becker started NE Eats four years again, and it is almost here again! This year it will be at DC Brau on June 1, from 4 - 8 p.m. We visit with Brian about how the tasty event got its start, what this year is featuring, the future of the event, and most importantly, why NE Eats is such an important event for DC food and beverage producers. Tickets are still available - listen now to find out how you can get involved!

We all know that community libraries are an invaluable resource and are true anchors in the community. But did you know that the DC Public Library has resources for small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs? In this episode, Diamond Newman, David Quick, and Eric White from the DC Public Library stop by to talk about "GoDigital" and other spectacular opportunities for small businesses.

It's that time again! Porch Fest 2019 is on April 13th, from 2 - 6 p.m. Our own team member, Jessica, stops by to talk about the food, the sponsors, and of course, the music! Listen now, and you can get all the info about Porch Fest on our website (www.riamainstreet.org).

Get ready for the most local of local 5Ks! The MBT 5K is back, and local "Health Architect" Chickaro Martin stops by to give us an update on registration information. They are also planning several workshops to help you get ready for the race!

A wide-ranging discussion with Paul Ruppert, long-time DC entrepreneur, on the small business climate here in DC.

Zachy's is a fantastic new wine business, with a really interesting range of services! Tim Finch stops by to tell us all about it.

A recap of the year's activities on RIA Main Street

Author, DC Family Biking, and Ward 5 neighbor

DC has a robust music history, particularly when it comes to jazz. Local jazz expert and Ward 5 neighbor Rusty Hassan joins us to talk about DC Jazz history, and what the music scene was like on Rhode Island Avenue NE.

With guests Bill Levy and Hadiah Jordan from DC Water

We are always happy to welcome Darryl Maxwell of DC Bar to the show - this time with more great resources for small businesses in DC.

Discussing all things Ward 5 with our Council Member, Kenyan McDuffie

Kyle Todd explains the Brookland Business Improvement District

Economic development is always about more than just giving out grants and education to businesses in a community. It's also about creating a climate where community members and community businesses grow together. Our very own Michelle Yancey, with her BFF Andi Fleming host a monthly happy hour at rotating locations throughout the Greater Ward 5 community. Learn how they got started, as well as some of the great stories that have come out of the happy hours. We also check in with Casey from Good Food Markets - summer deliciousness is is full swing. Listen now!

DC is full of exciting and diverse neighborhoods, and the Main Street program is an integral part of the success of these communities. Today we visit with Brianne Dornbush, the Executive Director of District Bridges. Her organization manages two adjacent Main Street programs - Columbia Heights/Mt. Pleasant, and Lower Georgia Avenue. We discuss the unique assets of these neighborhoods, and the programs and incentives that Brianne's team is working on to help the small business owners on their corridors. Listen now!

Jenny Crittenden is the Executive Director for the Gloucester Main Street Preservation Trust and the Cook Foundation in Gloucester, VA. She was a speaker at the 2017 Main Street Now conference, and we just had to have her join us to talk about 21st Century Marketing. Listen now to get your business marketing on point and maximize the wide breadth of style and resources available in the digital age to lock in sales 24/7!

We've had several of their members in to chat with us, and now it's time to visit with the founder of Tastemakers! Kirk Francis has not only expanded on the food incubator concept to create an amazing (and delicious!) food "mall" right here in the neighborhood, but he walks the walk as the guy behind Captain Cookie. We check in with Casey from Good Food Markets, and then we visit with Jon Stover of Stover & Associates for a wide-ranging chat about market research to grow your business.

It takes a strong public/private partnership to grow a city into a vibrant economy. The District of Columbia is a perfect example of solid, multi-agency economic development teamwork. Deputy Mayor Brian T. Kenner joins us to talk about the role his office plays in supporting the economic growth of DC, from housing and small business support, to strategies for luring industry giants like Amazon to our city. Listen now!