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Mayor Bowser Awards Over $200,000 in Dream Grants to Ward 7 & 8 Microbusinesses

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the 21 recipients of the Fiscal Year 2021 Ward 7 & 8 Microbusiness Dream Grants. Through $10,000 grants, the District will provide business development support for microbusinesses in Wards 7 and 8 that are also owned, or majority-owned, by residents of Wards 7 and 8.

“The pandemic has hit small businesses hard, and going into the New Year we will continue using every tool in our toolbox to support our collective comeback,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “Through the Dream Grants, we support the local businesses that support and invest in our communities and in our residents.”

Operated by the Department of Small & Local Business Development (DSLBD), the Dream Grants support businesses with fewer than 5 full-time employees in growing and achieving sustainability. These targeted investments, along with additional, ongoing technical assistance and training, help to strengthen the critical small businesses that employ Washingtonians and build community wealth.

“Our small businesses have been resilient during these unprecedented times,” said Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development John Falcicchio. “Through these grants we are ensuring more residents have a fair shot and can thrive into the future, while alleviating some of the financial burdens COVID-19 has imposed on our small and local businesses.”

This year, the Dream Grantees represent a diverse cross-section of industries, including: a maternal and infant health provider, a ceramics studio, a food truck, a kids design firm, barbershops, clothing companies, a child care center, trucking and hauling businesses, education consultants, a jam producer, wellness practitioners, and more.

“In these uncertain times, the Dream Grants are another reminder of the Mayor’s commitment to reach across the river and into all 8 wards,” said Department of Small and Local Business Development Director Kristi Whitfield. “We are happy to support the development and sustainability of small businesses East of the River. Through this grant, these small businesses are not only able to survive, but contribute to the community and help build the local economy.”

Since the Dream Grants started in 2018, the District Government has awarded over $700,000 across more than 70 microbusinesses in Wards 7 and 8. DSLBD specifically designed the grant program to make it easy and accessible for microbusinesses to apply and receive technical support, while also streamlining the requirements and the payment process.

Fiscal Year 2021 Dream Grant Awardees

  • Amiracle Designs, owned by Krystal Robinson
  • Avi8ted Thoughts, Inc, owned by Charlton Woodyard
  • District Art and Crafts, owned by Yvonne Jones
  • Ellesipea LLC, owned by Lavanya Poteau
  • FP2 Barbershop, owned by Taurus Phillips
  • Granny's Kitchen LLC, owned by Meredith Jacobs
  • Haul Master's LLC, owned by Willie Hill
  • Healthy Home Pediatrics LLC, owned by Jalan Burton
  • I-M, LLC, owned by Makel Gage
  • J.A.W. Therapy LLC, owned by Rayan Hagona-Wordie
  • JackiCan LLC, owned by Jacqueline Bush
  • Lee's Barbershop dba Lee's Barbershop II, owned by Arthur Lee
  • L. Nelson Burton LLC dba Capital City Specialties, owned by Leland Burton
  • LoveVi_Only, owned by Victoria Akinseye
  • Promoting Love & Wisdom Home Childcare Center LLC, owned by LaTrell Duncan-Fitchett
  • The Write Consulting Group, owned by Antionetta Kelley
  • THINK KLEAN LLC, owned by Consuello Madison
  • Total Life Consultancy LLC, owned by LaVerne Adams
  • Truelife Exotics, owned by Antonio Hagans
  • VISIONBOARD LLC, owned by India Scott
  • Nail Bed & Bar, owned by Jhavon Kashif

Since the COVID-19 public health emergency began in March, the District has made available more than $100 million to support small and local businesses and nonprofits through various funding opportunities, including the Bridge Fund, the DC Small Business Microgrant Program, the Ward 7 and 8 Microgrant Program, the Small Business Resiliency Fund, DC Child Care Provider Relief Fund, the Legacy Business Supplemental Microgrant Program, and the Streatery Winter Ready Grant Program (in partnership with Mayor’s Office of Nightlife and Culture).