Have or want to start a small business near Georgia Ave? Meeting tonight about getting city grant money

If you'd like to start a small business, or already own one, the city may be able to help. The Great Streets Small Business Capital Improvement Funding Program has grants of up to $85,000 for local small businesses. They have a number of meetings about the program, and one is tonight at the Banneker Rec Center, 2500 Georgia Avenue, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

The Great Streets program aims to improve a few of the city's main commercial corridors: "support existing small businesses, attract new businesses, increase the District’s tax base and create new jobs for District residents." Georgia Avenue/7th Street NW is the one in our area.

However, it doesn't just include those businesses on Georgia, it is actually a corridor -- the map is here. So if you have a business near Georgia, you may be eligible.

The city's flyer is here, which also includes future meetings (the one after today's is at Ft. Stevens Rec Center on August 5th), and here are some of the rules for who's eligible:

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?
Eligible applicants must:
• Own a retail or service business within the approved boundaries
• Be a registered business in Good Standing with the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), the Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR), the Department of Employment Services (DOES) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
• Own or otherwise possess site control of the subject property
• Possess proof of property and liability insurance 

What businesses are ineligible?
Ineligible businesses include businesses not  within the Great Streets boundaries, liquor stores,
nightclubs, bars, banks, hotels, and non-profits