DC is the obvious choice for any business, big or small, from technology to hospitality. Explore what DC has to offer every industry, including opportunities for growth, economic incentives, and community support.
Industries that obviously belong in DC
DC, recently called “the Silicon Valley of cybersecurity,” is leading the way in both cyber and physical access security.
Washington, DC is the economic engine of a metropolitan region with a population of more than six million residents.
The hospitality industry is one of DC’s strongest sectors, supporting more than 80,000 jobs in DC as of May 2018.
Washington, DC is a world-class city that boasts tremendous assets and opportunities for startups looking to solve the world’s challenges in innovative ways.
DC’s proximity to policy influencers, strong technology sector, and access to top talent make it a leading city for data science and analytics firms.
DC is a national center for patient care and medical research, with 16 medical centers and hospitals located within the District. These institutions help make the metro area a national hub for biomedical research.
DC is an epicenter of global and local impact with a combination of influence, top talent, and access to investment dollars.
The professional services industry drives innovation in DC and is one of its largest employers, supporting more than 125,000 jobs.
Regulatory simplicity and unparalleled access to policymakers coupled with technological advances have helped make DC the #6 smartest city in the world.
Incentives built obviously for you
The Industrial Revenue Bond program (IRB) provides access to tax-exempt financing to help renovate and build new construction with interest rates up to 4% lower than a traditional commercial loan.
Through the Supermarket Tax Exemption Act of 2000, the District waives certain taxes and fees to supermarkets that locate in specific neighborhoods, encouraging investment in areas lacking access to groceries and fresh food.
Qualified High Technology Companies (QHTC) can claim one of the most attractive incentive packages for high technology businesses in the country.
The Creative and Open Space Modernization Tax Rebate fosters the development of technology-focused businesses in Washington, DC by providing QHTCs tax rebates for qualified tenant improvements.
The HUBZone program gives federal contract preference to businesses in certain DC neighborhoods.
DC is obviously built for the future
The Economic Strategy Report outlines DC’s high-impact priorities for increasing the commercial tax base, creating jobs, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, and advancing inclusive economic growth in DC.
The Cultural Plan establishes a framework to inclusively grow the District’s cultural community.
The Pathways to Inclusion Report lays out a roadmap to making DC the nation’s premier tech hub by creating an inclusive and equitable ecosystem where people and innovation can grow together.
The Resilient DC Strategy positions DC to tackle 21st century challenges—like climate change, population growth, and technological transformation—and create models for other cities to follow.
DC is obviously about community
Events DC is the official convention and sports authority, leveraging the beauty, history and diversity of DC to attract and promote an extensive variety of events.
Destination DC manages and markets Washington, DC as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination, with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historical communities.
RAMW is the regional trade association representing restaurants and the foodservice industry, providing legislative and regulatory representation, marketing, support, programming and events in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area.
The Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce supports the economic development of the Washington, DC metropolitan region by facilitating the success of Latino and other minority-owned businesses and the communities they serve through networking, advocacy, education, and access to capital.
The Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) enacts and enforces alcohol laws and regulations in the District, issues licenses that enable qualified businesses to serve or sell alcoholic beverages, and monitors compliance with alcohol laws.
WDCEP is a non-profit, public-private organization that drives inclusive economic growth and job creation, supports business, and promotes Washington, DC as a leading global city.
The DC Chamber supports a synchronized, strategic approach to economic development in the District, honing the city’s competitive edge and connecting its members to vital business and investment opportunities.
DC advisory boards and commissions
ITIC advises on ways in which to grow the District's innovation and tech-economy in an inclusive manner, increase the number of jobs and high-technology businesses in the District, and ensure opportunities for all District residents.
CFAE promotes the fashion and beauty industry as a viable economic resource in the nation’s capital, positioning the city as an emerging market for the fashion and beauty industry through effective stakeholder engagement, strong partnerships and growing economic vitality.