incubators, shared workspaces + resources

for the dc entrepreneur

planning.dc.gov
winter 2010

innovate in dc!
;AGENDA=
8:00 Registration & Refreshments
8:30 “Cool Facts” video
8:35 Welcome, Opening Remarks & P
9:00 Guidance for Work Groups
9:15 Work Groups Meet
10:45 Reconvene & Closing
11:30 Networking
12:00 End
;SPEAKERS=
Harriet Tregoning, Director,
DC Office of Planning
Valerie Santos, Deputy Mayor for Plan

an initiative of
and Economic Development,

exciting Atlas Arts District

office space in the heart of
District Government
Vincent Gray, Chairman,

8745 for more information

t Greenhouse
Council of the District of Columbia
Steve Moore, President & CEO,
Washington, DC Economic Partnership
This program is brought to you by the Office of Pla
the Washington, DC Economic Partnership.

on, DC 20002
11/09/09 © 2009 Washington, DC Economic Partnership
What can an incubator or shared workspace do for you?
Incubators and shared workspaces provide start-up firms
and small businesses with an entrepreneurial environment,
in•cu•ba•tor professional network, savvy mentors and critical resources
to develop and grow successful businesses. They serve
n: an organization or place as a forum for entrepreneurial development, where new
that aids the development companies co-habitate in a physical space or join a virtual
of new business ventures network to exchange ideas, access key business support
especially by providing services and test-drive their ideas. Business incubation
low-cost commercial space, has been adapted to meet a variety of needs, from
management assistance, or
fostering commercialization of technologies to increasing
shared services
employment in economically disadvantaged communities.
Read on to learn more about the types of incubators,
shared workspaces and resources in DC to help you pursue
your business dream.

Impacts of entrepreneurship and incubation

Companies that graduate from business incubator programs and shared workspaces help to
stimulate local economic development, generate jobs and revitalize their host communities.
• In DC, there are approximately 32,000 micro businesses (less than 5 employees) that
employ 68,000 people.
• In the US:
• 84% of companies that graduate from incubators locate within their host community.
• Incubators reduce the risk of small business failures. 87% of companies that graduate
from incubators are still in business after 5 years.
• Every 50 jobs created by an
incubator business generates
approximately 25 additional
jobs in the same community.
• Small businesses and banks
create between 60% and 80%
of new jobs
Sources: Social Compact (2007); U.S. Department of
Commerce, Economic Development Administration
(2008); U.S. Small Business Administration; National
Business Incubator Association.

2
 
5 reasons
why you should start your business in DC
1. Global center of innovation. With 16 colleges/universities and several hundred government
and private-sector research institutions, the District is a global center for innovation in
technology, policy, finance and many other disciplines.
2. Creative and tech-savvy. DC’s creative economy is a $5 billion industry. The city hosted its
first ever digital arts festival, Digital Capital Week, that attracted over 5,200 participants.
3. Regional employment hub. DC has a large, diverse pool of educated talent; 48% of residents
have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
4. Robust economic engine. DC’s economy has weathered the economic collapse far better
than any other US city. DC, alone, provides jobs for approximately 712,000 people.
5. International visibility. DC attracts over 16 million visitors annually, boasts a world-class
transit system and is home to more embassies than any other place in the world.

Types of incubation/shared workspace Discover the

Incubator programs can range from the traditional model of
spaces in DC
providing physical space to the virtual model that connect The following pages provide
entrepreneurs to capital and startup services. Traditional information on existing shared
incubators typically require significant public subsidy, involve workspaces and incubator
a physical office space and business support services. Non- programs in DC, as well as those
planned for the future:
traditional incubator models have emerged more recently,
driven by private companies that offer office amenities,
Affinity Lab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
a buzzing creative environment and mentorship services Center for Green Urbanism . . 6
in exchange for a moderate fee or ownership stake in the e-BIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
new business. Shared workspaces are tailored to provide Flashpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
businesses with flexible leasing options for affordable office H Street Greenhouse . . . . . . 10
space, conference rooms, printers, copiers and phones. For N Street Incubator . . . . . . . . 11
Temporium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
those companies that do not require physical office space,
The Hive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
the virtual-model incubator might offer start-up capital along
with the services of an attorney, a publicist and accountant in Planned Spaces:
exchange for a small ownership stake. Each of these models FAB LAB DC . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
helps to stimulate small business growth by encouraging idea Gallaudet Innovation Lab . . 14
exchange, partnerships and a professional network to ensure Hub DC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
success.
3
 an entrepreneurial dream
and action space
Affinity Lab is a collaborative shared office space and entrepreneurial culture serving a rich
community of creative businesses, non-profits and start-ups. The Lab manages the shared
business and operations needs of its member organizations, allowing them to save money and
better focus on mission and execution. While the convenience and cost savings are valuable, it is
the culture, opportunity and idea sharing that makes Affinity Lab such a compelling place to start
and grow your dream.

Looking to join up? For a tour and a free test drive day, contact Philippe Chetrit, Chief
Operating Officer, at 202.518.6181 or philippe@affinitylab.com.

www.AffinityLab.com Lab fun facts:

• Regular professional and social events, including brown

U Street
bag lunches, monthly happy hour, book club and
920 U Street NW quarterly art show
Washington, DC 20001 • Green operations: 100% recycled paper, 100% green
p: 202.332.1360 energy, green cleaning and other services
f: 202.332.1365 • 74 member organizations (graphic design, green
businesses, web development, media production,
non-profits, arts and culture organizations, consultants,
international development)
• Since 2001, members have enjoyed a 85% success rate
(4 to 10 times the national average)
• 2009 winner of the first Washington, DC Economic
Partnership $100,000 Business Plan Competition

4
Spotlight on Skyline Innovations Quick Facts on
DC’s Green Economy
Green tech start-up and member of Affinity Lab
Zach Axelrod and his staff are growing their business • DC government’s
out of Affinity Lab. A green technology start-up, Skyline existing green policies,
Innovations, installs solar thermal technology and energy legislation and
monitoring systems on commercial and residential proposed initiatives
building rooftops. As a rooftop tenant, Skyline Innovations could produce
pays rent to their clients and sells green energy at a over 169,000 job
guaranteed discount. Clients get access to clean energy opportunities between
and save significantly on their utility bills, without having 2009 and 2018.
to invest in their own solar system. According to CEO,
Zach Axelrod, starting Skyline in DC was a no-brainer. DC • The DC Green
is one of only three jurisdictions nationwide that offers Building Act is
solar thermal renewable energy credits. expected to generate
approximately 70% of
Company highlights: new green jobs.
• 7 full-time employees, all DC residents
• 40% of the cost for solar installation goes towards • DC is the national
green collar labor leader in green
• Currently operating 5 pilot projects in DC, PA, NC, MD buildings and projects.
• Ambitious plans for significant expansion in 2011 As of September 2010,
DC has 129 LEED
“Affinity Lab bought us an instant business community. We’ve certified projects,
traded services with several of the other Lab members. We 814 LEED registered
tapped a web design firm at the Lab to create our website and projects, 760,000
perhaps when the time comes, we’ll engage a member that square feet of green
does PR.” - Zach Axelrod, CEO roofs and 204 EPA
Energy Star buildings.

• In 2009, DC identified
24,000 existing green
jobs.

Visit planning.dc.gov
to review the
“DC Green Collar Jobs
www.skylineinnovations.com Demand Analysis.”

5
 where
urban meets nature

The Center for Green Urbanism (CGU) recently opened its doors as a business incubator and
model of sustainability. Located in downtown Ward 7, near the intersection of Benning Road
and Minnesota Avenue, CGU is convenient to transportation, shopping and green space. The
incubator has adopted energy efficient principles, sustainable landscape design and storm
water management. With a focus on promoting green business practices, CGU assists resident
businesses in implementing techniques that increase operational efficiency and mitigate impacts
on the environment.

Take a tour to experience the space. Call Dennis Chestnut, 202.286.4970 or 202.374.2065.

3938 Benning Road, NE Points of interest:

Washington, DC
• Two floors of space includes shared desks, meeting
rooms and offices for up to 20 members
• Virtual space to tap into the CGU community with
plug- and-play counter space for you to work
• Spacious conference room and event space, 120-
person capacity
• Located by scenic Fort Mahan and 2 blocks from
Minnesota Avenue Metro stop
• Home to Groundwork Anacostia River DC, Authentic
Contemporary Art, and Majestic Landscaping and
Designs

6
 a business resource
center
The Enhanced Business Information Center (e-BIC), managed by the DC Department of Small
and Local Business Development, provides DC small businesses and entrepreneurs with
training, consulting and cutting-edge computer software to help their businesses succeed. From
third generation family businesses to start-up tech corporations, the e-BIC provides one-stop
technical assistance that enables businesses to more effectively compete in the domestic and
global economies.

Check it out. Stop by the e-BIC or contact Katina Bolden, Katina.bolden@dc.gov,

202.727.2241.

About the e-BIC:

• In 2009, 3,300 small businesses and entrepreneurs

benefited from e-BIC services and support
• Industry experts, successful entrepreneurs and other
business professionals deliver exceptional educational
programming
• Shared work stations and computer access available at no
cost for up to 8 entrepreneurs daily
• Business assessments for DC-based businesses and
residents by experienced professionals http://dslbd.dc.gov, click
• Newest class offerings on Social Media Techniques: how on Training and Education
to market your business with Twitter, Facebook Fan
Pages, BlogTalkRadio, Shoetalk and Podcasting
Martin Luther King, Jr.
• Clients include specialty food carts, retail shops, clothing
distributors, and professional services firms around DC Memorial Library
901 G Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
p: 202.727.2241

7
 Quick Facts on DC’s
Creative Economy Spotlight on Solas Nua
Creative non-profit and member of Flashpoint
• DC’s creative sector
is a powerhouse, Linda Murray formed a creative team to bring the best
accounting for more new artistic talent from Ireland to audiences in America.
than 75,000 jobs Her non-profit organization, Solas Nua (which means
and over 10,000 new light in Irish), is the only contemporary Irish arts
establishments; organization in the United States. Solas Nua provides a
including the platform for open dialog on national identity by providing
culinary, building and unique Irish programming; including a full theatre season,
performing arts; media visual arts exhibitions, literary events including the DC
and communications; Irish writers’ festival, Irish book day, and the Capital Irish
museums and heritage; film festival.
visual arts/crafts and
designer products. “Shared space has been of great value--- particularly during
the first year of my organization. Flashpoint legitimized
• DC’s creative economy Solas Nua. After moving the business out of my home and
generates more than into Flashpoint, our individual donor base grew significantly,
$5 billion in income despite the grim economic climate. An office address and
each year.
stable home at Flashpoint demonstrated to donors and grant
makers that Solas Nua was a serious business with a long
• 7,000 jobs in the
creative sector are self- term vision and commitment.” - Linda Murray, Artistic Director
employed.
Solas Nua highlights:
• Between 2002 and
2007, DC’s creative • Long term plans to locate in NOMA, the historic Irish
sector employment district of DC
grew by 9%, outpacing • 6 part time staff, 1 full time
the US as a whole at • New programming added each year: in 2009, Solas
5%. Nua introduced music and the visual arts, by 2011
programming will include dance
Visit planning.dc.gov
to review the
“Creative DC Action
Agenda.” www.solasnua.org

8
 a launchpad for
creatives
The Flashpoint Incubator Residency program, a Cultural Development Corporation project, is
designed to assist arts organizations and creative businesses in developing the administrative
blueprint and financial capacity to flourish. Flashpoint provides valuable management
resources and technical assistance to resident organizations for 2 to 5 years. The creative, open
environment makes collaboration a daily practice. Get access to office, exhibit, rehearsal and
performance spaces in the heart of DC!

Interested in learning more? Call 202.315.1305 or visit flashpointdc.org.

www.flashpointdc.org

916 G Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001

Flashpoint features:

• Shared office space for up to 10 arts organizations and

creative businesses
• Contemporary art gallery that hosts 7-9 exhibits per year
• 75-seat Mead Theatre Lab and Coor’s Dance Studio for
rehearsals and performances
• 14 full time support staff that provides space
management, public relations expertise, business
planning, fundraising strategies, technical support
• 3 current residents and 12 graduates of the program that
enliven the DC arts community

9
 growing green
business

et Greenhouse
H Street Greenhouse is a unique incubator office space located in the heart of DC’s burgeoning H
Street, NE corridor. Members have controlled 24 hour, 7 days a week access to their workspace
office space
and allin
thethe heart
office toolsofnecessary to build a new or existing business. The H Street Greenhouse
exciting Atlas Arts District friendly atmosphere with common desk space, private offices, a shared
provides a comfortable,
kitchen and meeting spaces in a vibrant neighborhood of complementary small businesses.
Members join an ever-expanding group of diverse businesses, from real estate development and
consulting to environmental stewardship and graphic design.

Expand your reach across DC. Contact Sara Loveland at 202.330.8745.

taurusdev.com/Hstreet/ H Street Greenhouse offers:

Greenhouse.html
• Capacity for 33 entrepreneurs, 12 desks in shared
Bearden Arts Building space and 6 private offices
• Quarterly brown bag lunches and fun events bring
1341 H Street, NE
together member organizations and other building
Washington, DC 20009 tenants
p: 202.330.8745 • 10% discount at most H Street businesses
f: 202.462.4906 • Location within both a SBA HUBZone and federal
government Enterprise Zone
E • Organic socializing/networking happenings both in
and outside the office
on, DC 20002
.8745 for more information
10
N Street Arts an incubator for artists and
arts organizations
Incubator
The DC Commission on Arts and Humanities (DCCAH), in partnership with the Walter E.
Washington Convention Center, is providing free office space and wi-fi to DC arts organizations
through March 2011 at Arts on N Street. Consistent with its mission to cultivate DC artists
and arts organization, DCCAH has attracted nine current members to grow and develop their
organization in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment.

Root yourself in the DC arts community! Contact Deirdre Ehlen at diedre.ehlen@dc.gov.

Quick facts:
Walter E. Washington
• 9 current members with capacity for 20 Convention Center
• Current residents include Crafty Bastards and Artomatic N Street, NW
• Free office space, wi-fi, networking happy hours and Washington, DC
press events
• This space is an experiment! Future plans will depend
on its success
• Desk space, conference space and printer access
• Arts on N Street festival brought awareness to the
incubator during two weekends in August 2010

11
 DC’s Retail Strategy:

The Retail Action
Roadmap provides a
guide for increasing retail
offerings in underserved
neighborhoods and
recapturing a significant
share of the sales leaking
into MD and VA suburbs.
1. Fill in gaps in
neighborhood markets.
2. Create new business
concentrations.
For three weeks in August 2010, the R.L. Christian library
kiosk (1300 H Street, NE) was transformed into a design
shop and wi-fi lounge. The Temporium provided space for 20
entrepreneurs to showcase their creations, welcomed over
1,600 visitors and earned over $12,000 in sales.
Supported by the DC Office of Planning’s Temporary Urbanism
initiative to activate vacant spaces and enliven neighborhood
corridors, the Temporium helped to meet several objectives
of the Creative DC Action Agenda and the Retail Action
Strategy. The temporary design shop supported creative
entrepreneurs, highlighted the retail potential of emerging
areas like H Street NE, activated a vacant space and promoted
a commercial corridor.

3. Cultivate and Looking to activate a vacant space with a creative use?

strengthen locally- Visit planning.dc.gov.
owned small
businesses.

4. Market the city’s retail

offerings in innovative,
effective ways.

Visit planning.dc.gov
to review the
“Retail Action Roadmap.”

12
 home of innovators,
visionaries and entrepreneurs
Located in the heart of the Historic Anacostia business district, The Hive is a creative and shared
workspace for freelancers, satellite offices and small businesses. The Hive is your place to do
your business on your terms; offering private, shared and virtual memberships. The space
is located in a DC government Enterprise Zone and a federal Small Business Administration
HUBZone. These designations allow your company to receive preferential consideration when
applying for DC and federal contracts.

Take a tour. Contact Nikki Peele at 202.352.6585 or nikki@respindc.com.

The buzz about The Hive:

www.thedchive.com
• Membership includes professional receptionist, phone
with voicemail, high-speed cable Internet access 2027 MLK, Jr. Avenue SE
• 4 and 8 person conference rooms Washington, DC 20020
• Fully equipped break area
• Video conferencing capability
• Dedicated off-street parking at a reduced monthly rate
• Mail and package delivery
• Lease terms vary depending on membership type and
vary from 3 months (virtual) to 1 year (private)
• The Hive is a project of ARCH Development
Corporation and funded by DC Department of Housing
and Community Development

13
Keep your eyes peeled for future spaces:
Give ordinary people the right tools, and they will design and
build the most extraordinary things. That’s the idea behind
FAB LABS. FAB LABS provide access to prototype tools for
personal fabrication, like a personal computer that can output
functional objects instead of images on a screen. FAB LAB
= Fabrication Laboratory is a rapid prototyping platform for
local entrepreneurs to take their own ideas from the drawing
board to prototypes to starting local micro businesses. FAB
LAB is coming to North Capitol Street in DC.

Get updates on FAB LAB DC. Go to www.fablabdc.org or

contact Phyllis Klein, pdk@fablabdc.org.

Gallaudet is in the early planning stages for the Innovation

Lab, a place for economic entrepreneurship. Gallaudet
Innovation Lab is envisioned as a multi-use complex that
provides space for academic research, visual and performing
arts, health and audiology services, media production, cultural
center, offices, meeting rooms and support facilities. The
Lab will serve as a nexus to link talent and new investment,
to advance the region’s economic competitiveness and the
university’s standing in the intellectual marketplace.

Keep track of Innovation Lab’s progress.

Visit www.gallaudetinnovationlab.org.

Hub DC will be a social enterprise with the mission to connect,

empower, and catalyze the people in DC who are working
to create positive social change in the world. As the premier
center for social innovation in the nation, it will:
• Drive collaboration between the social sector, artists,
businesses, investors, entrepreneurs and government.
• Cultivate talent and incubate initiatives that have the
potential for radical social impact.
• Develop a platform to share knowledge, ideas and
solutions and accelerate project development.

Learn more. Go to hubdconline.org.

14
Check out these Business Resources and Organizations
Doing Business in DC Guide www.wdcep.com
Whether you are starting a new business or relocating an existing one, you’ll need to know what is
required of you to operate in DC. This guide will take you through steps to start a DC business.
DC Certified Business Enterprise Program dslbd.dc.gov, “Certification”
DC-based businesses are eligible for CBE designation. The District directs government spending to CBEs
that support and contribute to job creation and the city tax base.
New E-conomy Transformation Act (NET 2000) dcbiz.dc.gov
DC offers one of the most attractive incentive packages for high-tech businesses in the country. NET
2000 provides certain credits, exemptions and other benefits for a Qualified High Technology Company
to develop their workforce, secure affordable facilities for their business and benefit from reduced real
estate, personal property, sales and income taxes.
DC Certified Capital Company (CAPCO) dccapco.com
The CAPCO model combines private-sector expertise in identifying, evaluating and financing businesses
with the public sector’s interest in a stronger local economy. Insurance companies receive a DC tax credit
against their premium taxes in exchange for making $50 million available in long-term equity (and debt)
for new or expanding small businesses based in the District.
DC Revolving Micro Loan dslbd.dc.gov, “Micro Loan”
DC Department of Small and Local Business Development manages the Micro Loan Program for Certified
Business Enterprises, with loans of up to $25,000.
Business Plan Competition www.wdcep.com
Annually, the Washington, DC Economic Partnership hosts a business plan competition to encourage
entrepreneurship, innovation and job creation within DC. The winner in 2010 received investment capital
of $100,000 from Enhanced Capital Partners and Advantage Capital Partners and $10,000 worth of legal
consultation from Venable LLP.
Small Business Administration http://www.sba.gov/localresources/district/dc/index.html
SBA offers counseling services through SCORE, consulting through the network of Small Business
Development Centers, special loan programs, financial assistance, management and technical assistance
and minority enterprise development.
DC Chamber of Commerce www.dcchamber.org
As the leading business organization in the Washington Metro Region, the Chamber serves a diverse
membership of over 2,000 individuals. Advocating for changes in federal and local laws, the Chamber is
able to positively impact business growth and development. From educational outreach, to networking
and procurement opportunities, the Chamber does it all.
Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce www.gwhcc.org
GWHCC aims to develop the network and tools in assisting businesses in the DC area to grow. Every
year more than 1,500 businesses and organizations participate in events, many of whom are members.
These members range from the Washington region’s largest corporations to one-person companies - and
everything in between.
15
Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts www.thewala.org
Since 1983, WALA has supported artistic expression and creative
innovation by serving the legal needs of Washington, Maryland and The Office of the Deputy
Virginia’s arts and cultural communities. A 501 (c) 3 not-for profit Mayor for Planning &
organization, WALA provides education, advocacy and volunteer Economic Development
legal services through workshops and seminars, legal clinics for dcbiz.dc.gov
artists and arts organizations, and pro-bono referral services.
Latino Economic Development Council www.ledcdc.org DC Department of Small
LEDC is a community-based economic development organization. and Local Business
LEDC works with Latinos and other groups that are underserved Development
and under-represented in the decision-making processes that dslbd.dc.gov
impact communities. LEDC provides small business development,
homeownership counseling, and affordable housing preservation. DC Office of Planning
Washington, DC Economic Partnership www.wdcep.com planning.dc.gov
WDCEP is a public/ private partnership dedicated to facilitating
economic development in the District of Columbia. A 501(c)(3) DC Department of
organization, the WDCEP promotes business opportunities in DC Employment Services
and contributes to business retention and attraction activities. does.dc.gov
Howard University GADGET Center www.gadgetcenter.org
GADGET = Georgia Avenue Development, Growth & Enterprise DC Department of
Transformation, is an innovative, student led public-private Consumer and
partnership that catalyzes economic development in the heart of Regulatory Affairs
the historic Georgia Avenue corridor. The Center provides access dcra.dc.gov
to computers and information resources, consulting and support
services, forums for learning, and positive community interactions
between residents, city government, local businesses and regional DC Office of Tax and
developers. Revenue
cfo.dc.gov/otr
11/09/09

In late 2009, the Washington, DC Economic Partnership and DC

12:00 End
11:30 Networking
10:45 Reconvene & Closing
Vincent Gray, Chairman,

Valerie Santos, Deputy Mayor for Planning

This program is brought to you by the Office of Planning and

Washington, DC Economic Partnership

Council of the District of Columbia

and Economic Development,

9:15
9:00
8:35
8:30 “Cool Facts” video
8:00
District Government

DC Office of Planning

;SPEAKERS=

;AGENDA=
the Washington, DC Economic Partnership.

Steve Moore, President & CEO,

Harriet Tregoning, Director,

© 2009 Washington, DC Economic Partnership

Office of Planning convened community leaders for actionomics®,

Work Groups Meet

Welcome, Opening Remarks & Purpose

Guidance for Work Groups

Registration & Refreshments

a citywide economic development forum, to build on the District’s For business resource
emerging strengths and to target key opportunities across the questions, please contact
creative, green and technology sectors. During actionomics, non- DSLBD’s Enhanced Business
profit, government and private sector leaders formed working Information Center
groups with a mission to support small business development
through incubation and shared workspace. For more information Katina.Bolden@dc.gov
on actionomics, go to planning.dc.gov. 202.727.2241