innovate in dc!

incubators, shared workspaces + resourcesfor the dc entrepreneur

planning.dc.gov

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an initiative of

 The H Street Greenhouse

An incubator office space in the heart of the exciting Atlas Arts District

1341 H Street NE Washington, DC 20002

Call Sara at 202.330.8745 for more information

As a member, you’ll join an ever-expanding group of diverse businesses in fields from real estate development to consulting, environmentalism to graphic design, who develop partnerships, projects and programs together, and keep an eye out for business opportunities attractive to other members. If you’re interested in expanding your reach across Washington, we’d love to get you involved with some of our other networks! ¥ Building Performance Institute ¥ Green Drinks DC ¥ Green Roofs for Healthy Cities ¥ Live Green ¥ National Association of Realtors ¥ Net Impact ¥ Sustainable Business Network of

Washington ¥ US Green Building Council

Join us today! Private offices from $1,200 Private desks from $500 Shared desks from $250

For a limited time get private desks for $350 per month with

a one year lease!

 

1341 H Street NE Washington, DC 20002

202.330.8745

winter 2010

What can an incubator or shared workspace do for you?

in•cu•ba•tor

n: an organization or place that aids the development of new business ventures especially by providing low-cost commercial space, management assistance, or shared services

Incubators and shared workspaces provide start-up firms and small businesses with an entrepreneurial environment, professional network, savvy mentors and critical resources to develop and grow successful businesses. They serve as a forum for entrepreneurial development, where new companies co-habitate in a physical space or join a virtual network to exchange ideas, access key business support services and test-drive their ideas. Business incubation has been adapted to meet a variety of needs, from fostering commercialization of technologies to increasing 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.

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• 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.

 

reasons 5 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

Incubator programs can range from the traditional model of providing physical space to the virtual model that connect entrepreneurs to capital and startup services. Traditional incubators typically require significant public subsidy, involve a physical office space and business support services. Non-traditional incubator models have emerged more recently, driven by private companies that offer office amenities, a buzzing creative environment and mentorship services in exchange for a moderate fee or ownership stake in the new business. Shared workspaces are tailored to provide businesses with flexible leasing options for affordable office space, conference rooms, printers, copiers and phones. For those companies that do not require physical office space, the virtual-model incubator might offer start-up capital along with the services of an attorney, a publicist and accountant in exchange for a small ownership stake. Each of these models helps to stimulate small business growth by encouraging idea exchange, partnerships and a professional network to ensure success.

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why you should start your business in DC

Discover the spaces in DC

The following pages provide information on existing shared workspaces and incubator programs in DC, as well as those planned for the future:

Affinity Lab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Center for Green Urbanism . . 6e-BIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Flashpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9H Street Greenhouse . . . . . . 10 N Street Incubator . . . . . . . . 11Temporium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12The Hive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Planned Spaces: FAB LAB DC . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Gallaudet Innovation Lab . . 14Hub DC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

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.

an entrepreneurial dream and action space

www.AffinityLab.com

U Street920 U Street NW Washington, DC 20001p: 202.332.1360 f: 202.332.1365

Lab fun facts:

• Regular professional and social events, including brown bag lunches, monthly happy hour, book club and quarterly art show

• Green operations: 100% recycled paper, 100% green energy, green cleaning and other services

• 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

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Spotlight on Skyline InnovationsGreen tech start-up and member of Affinity Lab

Zach Axelrod and his staff are growing their business out of Affinity Lab. A green technology start-up, Skyline Innovations, installs solar thermal technology and energy monitoring systems on commercial and residential building rooftops. As a rooftop tenant, Skyline Innovations pays rent to their clients and sells green energy at a guaranteed discount. Clients get access to clean energy and save significantly on their utility bills, without having to invest in their own solar system. According to CEO, Zach Axelrod, starting Skyline in DC was a no-brainer. DC is one of only three jurisdictions nationwide that offers solar thermal renewable energy credits.

Quick Facts on DC’s Green Economy

• DC government’s existing green policies, legislation and proposed initiatives could produce over 169,000 job opportunities between 2009 and 2018.

• The DC Green Building Act is expected to generate approximately 70% of new green jobs.

• DC is the national leader in green buildings and projects. As of September 2010, DC has 129 LEED certified projects, 814 LEED registered projects, 760,000 square feet of green 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 Demand Analysis.”

“Affinity Lab bought us an instant business community. We’ve traded services with several of the other Lab members. We tapped a web design firm at the Lab to create our website and perhaps when the time comes, we’ll engage a member that does PR.” - Zach Axelrod, CEO

Company highlights:

• 7 full-time employees, all DC residents• 40% of the cost for solar installation goes towards

green collar labor• Currently operating 5 pilot projects in DC, PA, NC, MD • Ambitious plans for significant expansion in 2011

www.skylineinnovations.com

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where urban meets nature

3938 Benning Road, NEWashington, DC

Points of interest:

• 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

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.

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.

a business resourcecenter

http://dslbd.dc.gov, click on Training and Education

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library901 G Street, NWWashington, DC 20001p: 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

• Newest class offerings on Social Media Techniques: how to market your business with Twitter, Facebook Fan Pages, BlogTalkRadio, Shoetalk and Podcasting

• Clients include specialty food carts, retail shops, clothing distributors, and professional services firms around DC

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Spotlight on Solas NuaCreative non-profit and member of Flashpoint

Linda Murray formed a creative team to bring the best new artistic talent from Ireland to audiences in America. Her non-profit organization, Solas Nua (which means new light in Irish), is the only contemporary Irish arts organization in the United States. Solas Nua provides a platform for open dialog on national identity by providing unique Irish programming; including a full theatre season, visual arts exhibitions, literary events including the DC Irish writers’ festival, Irish book day, and the Capital Irish film festival.

Quick Facts on DC’s Creative Economy

• DC’s creative sector is a powerhouse, accounting for more than 75,000 jobs and over 10,000 establishments; including the culinary, building and performing arts; media and communications; museums and heritage; visual arts/crafts and designer products.

• DC’s creative economy generates more than $5 billion in income each year.

• 7,000 jobs in the creative sector are self-employed.

• Between 2002 and 2007, DC’s creative sector employment grew by 9%, outpacing the US as a whole at 5%.

Visit planning.dc.gov to review the “Creative DC Action Agenda.”

“Shared space has been of great value--- particularly during

the first year of my organization. Flashpoint legitimized

Solas Nua. After moving the business out of my home and

into Flashpoint, our individual donor base grew significantly,

despite the grim economic climate. An office address and

stable home at Flashpoint demonstrated to donors and grant

makers that Solas Nua was a serious business with a long

term vision and commitment.” - Linda Murray, Artistic Director

Solas Nua highlights:

• Long term plans to locate in NOMA, the historic Irish district of DC

• 6 part time staff, 1 full time• New programming added each year: in 2009, Solas

Nua introduced music and the visual arts, by 2011 programming will include dance

www.solasnua.org

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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.

a launchpad for creatives

www.flashpointdc.org

916 G Street, NWWashington, 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

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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 and all the office tools necessary to build a new or existing business. The H Street Greenhouse provides a comfortable, friendly atmosphere with common desk space, private offices, a shared 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.

growing green business

taurusdev.com/Hstreet/Greenhouse.html

Bearden Arts Building1341 H Street, NEWashington, DC 20009p: 202.330.8745f: 202.462.4906

H Street Greenhouse offers:

• Capacity for 33 entrepreneurs, 12 desks in shared space and 6 private offices

• Quarterly brown bag lunches and fun events bring together member organizations and other building tenants

• 10% discount at most H Street businesses• Location within both a SBA HUBZone and federal

government Enterprise Zone• Organic socializing/networking happenings both in

and outside the office

 The H Street Greenhouse

An incubator office space in the heart of the exciting Atlas Arts District

1341 H Street NE Washington, DC 20002

Call Sara at 202.330.8745 for more information

As a member, you’ll join an ever-expanding group of diverse businesses in fields from real estate development to consulting, environmentalism to graphic design, who develop partnerships, projects and programs together, and keep an eye out for business opportunities attractive to other members. If you’re interested in expanding your reach across Washington, we’d love to get you involved with some of our other networks! ¥ Building Performance Institute ¥ Green Drinks DC ¥ Green Roofs for Healthy Cities ¥ Live Green ¥ National Association of Realtors ¥ Net Impact ¥ Sustainable Business Network of

Washington ¥ US Green Building Council

Join us today! Private offices from $1,200 Private desks from $500 Shared desks from $250

For a limited time get private desks for $350 per month with

a one year lease!

 

1341 H Street NE Washington, DC 20002

202.330.8745

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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.

Walter E. Washington Convention CenterN Street, NWWashington, DC

Quick facts:

• 9 current members with capacity for 20 • Current residents include Crafty Bastards and Artomatic• Free office space, wi-fi, networking happy hours and

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

N Street Arts Incubator

an incubator for artists and arts organizations

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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.

Looking to activate a vacant space with a creative use? Visit planning.dc.gov.

DC’s Retail Strategy:

The Retail ActionRoadmap 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.

3. Cultivate and strengthen locally-owned small businesses.

4. Market the city’s retail

offerings in innovative, effective ways.

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

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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:

• Membership includes professional receptionist, phone with voicemail, high-speed cable Internet access

• 4 and 8 person conference rooms• 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

www.thedchive.com

2027 MLK, Jr. Avenue SEWashington, DC 20020

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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.

Keep your eyes peeled for future spaces:

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.

Check out these Business Resources and OrganizationsDoing Business in DC Guide www.wdcep.comWhether 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.govDC 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.comThe 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.comAnnually, 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.htmlSBA 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.orgAs 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.orgGWHCC 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.

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In late 2009, the Washington, DC Economic Partnership and DC Office of Planning convened community leaders for actionomics®, a citywide economic development forum, to build on the District’s emerging strengths and to target key opportunities across the creative, green and technology sectors. During actionomics, non-profit, government and private sector leaders formed working groups with a mission to support small business development through incubation and shared workspace. For more information on actionomics, go to planning.dc.gov.

8:00

8:30

8:35

9:00

9:15

10:45

11:30

12:00

Ha

rriet Treg

on

ing

, Director,

DC

Office of Plan

ning

Va

lerie Sa

nto

s, Dep

uty M

ayor for Pla

nn

ing

a

nd

Econ

omic D

evelop

men

t, D

istrict Govern

ment

Vin

cent G

ray, C

ha

irma

n,

Cou

ncil of the District of C

olum

bia

Stev

e Mo

ore, P

residen

t & C

EO

, W

ashing

ton, DC

Econom

ic Partnership

Th

is program

is brought to you by the Offi

ce of Plan

nin

g and

the Wash

ing

ton, D

C E

conom

ic Partn

ership

.

Reg

istration &

Refresh

men

ts

“Cool F

acts” vid

eo

Welcom

e, Op

enin

g R

emark

s & P

urp

ose

Gu

idan

ce for Work

Grou

ps

Work

Grou

ps M

eet

Recon

ven

e & C

losing

Netw

orkin

g

En

d

11/09/09©

2009 Wash

ington, D

C E

conomic P

artnership

The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning & Economic Development dcbiz.dc.gov

DC Department of Small and Local Business Development dslbd.dc.gov

DC Office of Planning planning.dc.gov

DC Department of Employment Services does.dc.gov

DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs dcra.dc.gov

DC Office of Tax and Revenue cfo.dc.gov/otr

Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts www.thewala.orgSince 1983, WALA has supported artistic expression and creative innovation by serving the legal needs of Washington, Maryland and Virginia’s arts and cultural communities. A 501 (c) 3 not-for profit organization, WALA provides education, advocacy and volunteer legal services through workshops and seminars, legal clinics for artists and arts organizations, and pro-bono referral services.

Latino Economic Development Council www.ledcdc.orgLEDC is a community-based economic development organization. LEDC works with Latinos and other groups that are underserved and under-represented in the decision-making processes that impact communities. LEDC provides small business development, homeownership counseling, and affordable housing preservation.

Washington, DC Economic Partnership www.wdcep.comWDCEP is a public/ private partnership dedicated to facilitating economic development in the District of Columbia. A 501(c)(3) organization, the WDCEP promotes business opportunities in DC and contributes to business retention and attraction activities.

Howard University GADGET Center www.gadgetcenter.orgGADGET = Georgia Avenue Development, Growth & Enterprise Transformation, is an innovative, student led public-private partnership that catalyzes economic development in the heart of the historic Georgia Avenue corridor. The Center provides access to computers and information resources, consulting and support services, forums for learning, and positive community interactions between residents, city government, local businesses and regional developers.

For business resource questions, please contact DSLBD’s Enhanced Business Information Center

Katina.Bolden@dc.gov202.727.2241