Small Business Advancement Program

Overview

The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) awards an annual grant to the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GWHCC) to provide Small Business Assistance to business in the District of Columbia.

The program allows experienced consultants and business owners to provide one-on-one counseling to help small businesses improve processes, sales, and strategies necessary to move their businesses forward.

Thanks to Capital One, the Small Business Administration and City First Bank the Chamber's Foundation is able to extend this resource to Maryland and Virginia small business owners by providing webinars, workshops, and accessibility to partners and fellow organizations who assist in providing SBTA to businesses outside of the district.

SOLICITE ASISTENCIA TÉCNICA AQUÍ

LOCATED IN DC? APPLY FOR SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE HERE

LOCATED OUTSIDE OF DC? APPLY FOR SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE HERE

Consultant Responsibilities

Business Owner Responsibilities

The consultant must work in a business or be a business owner. They must have a successful track record and have the ability to work with a small business. In addition the consultant must:

Be able to meet at least once a month.
Be able to be accessible via email or phone.
Be willing to offer consulting services.
Be a good listener, persistent, committed and patient.
Be able to establish a positive, respectful relationship with client/business owner.
Help client/business owner develop skills that will enhance their business.
Assist client/business owner in obtaining additional resources or leveraging your professional network.
Must be willing to dedicate up to 25 hours should client be approved for the program.

The client/business owner must be a small business owner or work in a small business. They must be seeking guidance from a consultant. In addition, they must be a District of Columbia resident or operate in the District of Columbia.

In addition the client/business owner must:

Must be willing to dedicate up to 25 hours should client be approved for the program.
Identify the skills, knowledge and goals you want to achieve and be intentional about communicating it to your consultant.
Maintain a plan with your consultant and be accountable.
Set up goals, objectives and an action plan for execution.
Work with your consultant to identify resources that would be helpful.
Take full advantage of this opportunity to learn.

MEET OUR CONSULTANTS

Process and Timeline

The 2023 program application deadline is ongoing and prospective clients must complete the application below. Upon review of the form, GWHCC will determine eligibility and qualifications. Within a week of submission, business owners will be invited for a short orientation to understand roles and responsibilities.

Why Apply?
You should consider this program is you want to:

Work through complex business ideas and/or decisions.
Share ideas with experienced business owners.
Answer questions about your business plan, ask about marketing ideas, look for creative and innovative business solutions.

ACCESS THE GWHCC MAIN STREETS DIRECTORY