Say hello to BOSS, now live and ready to support DC entrepreneurs with a simpler, clearer experience. Start now at boss.dc.gov.
DLCP’s Business One Stop Solution (BOSS) is a modern, unified platform that simplifies how businesses complete licensing and registration tasks across the District. Launching August 2026, the system will streamline processes, reduce redundancies, and give entrepreneurs a clearer, more efficient way to manage their interactions with the agency.
The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) is excited to announce the implementation of the Business and Entrepreneurship Support to Thrive (BEST) Act—a major step forward in simplifying and modernizing how businesses are licensed in the District of Columbia.
DLCP now offers an appointment scheduling system, making it easy to plan ahead and skip long waits.
Appointments are available for services including Business Licensing, Corporations, Occupational and Professional Licensing, Short Term Rental, Vending (by appointment only), Special Events, Weights and Measures, and Civil Infractions.
If you’ve had an issue with a vendor in the District, please file a complaint here. Your feedback helps improve service and prevent future problems.
The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) is excited to announce the implementation of the Business and Entrepreneurship Support to Thrive (BEST) Act—a major step forward in simplifying and modernizing how businesses are licensed in the District of Columbia.
If you’ve had an issue with a vendor in the District, please file a complaint here. Your feedback helps improve service and prevent future problems.
DLCP now offers an appointment scheduling system, making it easy to plan ahead and skip long waits.
Appointments are available for services including Business Licensing, Corporations, Occupational and Professional Licensing, Short Term Rental, Vending (by appointment only), Special Events, Weights and Measures, and Civil Infractions.
DLCP’s Business One Stop Solution (BOSS) is a modern, unified platform that simplifies how businesses complete licensing and registration tasks across the District. Launching August 2026, the system will streamline processes, reduce redundancies, and give entrepreneurs a clearer, more efficient way to manage their interactions with the agency.
Women's History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women throughout history and recognize their ongoing contributions in various sectors. At DLCP, we take this time to spotlight the women in business who are making a difference in our community. Their leadership, vision, and resilience drive innovation and growth, and we are proud to highlight their stories.
| 08/07/2026 DLCP News | BOSS Bulletin |
| 07/02/2026 DLCP News | July 2026 |
| 06/08/2026 DLCP News | June 2026 |
| 05/08/2026 DLCP News | May 2026 |
| 03/31/2026 DLCP News | March 2026 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 19, 2026
CONTACT:
Jemeisha Lyde (DLCP PIO) – 202-880-6544; [email protected]
Know Your Rights: Tips for Safe Back-to-School Renting
The District is home to several colleges and universities, and each year thousands of students choose Washington, DC as the place to continue their education. However, back-to-school season is the time of the year to pay closer attention to rental scams and counterfeit apartment listings.
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM (EDT)
8/27/2026 5:00 PM (EDT)
No Fee
Small Business Resource Center (202) 442-4538
Online Meeting (Live)
Business Plan, Other
A good business plan is a roadmap for the full-time business owner and, for those seeking capital, a clear and detailed tool to attract potential investors. The traditional business plan has given way to the “lean business plan” approach. This approach focuses on the most important points of the traditional business plan without extraneous information.
The Business Foundation Series: Lean Business Plan webinar will walk attendees through a lean business planning approach that can be used as an internal roadmap and a vehicle for attracting capital investment. Attendees should have completed the Business Foundation Series: Concept and Assessment session as a prerequisite and have a startup or existing business in place. Attendees are encouraged to get advisory assistance from a DCSBDC business counselor to develop the concept and the lean business plan.
NOTE: Following your registration you will receive logon instructions to register through WebEx before the webinar takes place.
Disclaimer: The instructional sessions and seminars are provided as a service by DLCP for informational purposes only. Attending an instructional session or seminar does not guarantee that DLCP will issue you a license, corporate registration, permit, or certification.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (EDT)
8/28/2026 5:00 PM (EDT)
No Fee
Tamika Wood (202) 442-4538
Online Meeting (Live)
Franchising
Are you an entrepreneur and run a profitable business? Do you want to grow a national footprint? Have you ever thought about turning your business into a franchise?
This is a 2-part masterclass series.
In the 2nd part of the masterclass, you will learn:
· If your business is “franchise-able”
· If franchising is the optimal growth strategy for you
· The process of franchise development: turning your business into a franchise
· The Success Stories of our clients (brands you know & love!)
Special Accommodations: In accordance with the American Disabilities Act and state law, you may request accommodations due to a disability by contacting the event organizer listed above. Advance notice may be necessary for some accommodations. Registration must be paid prior to accommodation requests.
Disclaimer: The instructional sessions and seminars are provided as a service by DLCP for informational purposes only. Attending an instructional session or seminar does not guarantee that DLCP will issue you a license, corporate registration, permit, or certification.
9/2/2026 5:00 PM (EDT)
Small Business Resource Center (202) 442-4538
Online Meeting (Live)
CBE Certification
Attend this session to learn about how the Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) program helps position your business to better compete in DC government contracting opportunities.
Note: Following your sign up, you will receive an email with registration and logon instructions for WebEx the day before and or the morning of the webinar.
Information will be emailed to participants that register.
Registration Policies:
Special Accommodations: In accordance with the American Disabilities Act and state law, you may request accommodations due to a disability by contacting the event organizer listed above. Advance notice may be necessary for some accommodations. Registration must be paid prior to accommodation requests.
Disclaimer: The instructional sessions and seminars are provided as a service by DLCP for informational purposes only. Attending an instructional session or seminar does not guarantee that DLCP will issue you a license, corporate registration, permit, or certification.
DLCP Feature Callout Blocks BizSpaceVacant Property Dashboard for Approved Businesses Across Wards.  Small Business Resource CenterAccess information about all the forms and requirements you need to start your business.  Live ChatChat with our support team to get answers to your questions.  Pay a FinePay your fines 24/7 using our simple and easy online system. |
