Access Point

Access Point is an online learning platform that helps small businesses across DC grow and thrive.

Main Street program staff are champions of providing targeted and comprehensive one-on-one technical assistance, learning sessions, and business needs workshops to the small businesses within their designated corridors. Recognizing that business needs are distinct for every owner, District Bridges and Rhode Island Avenue Main Street partnered with several DC agencies to create Access Point DC. Launched in 2020, this online learning platform addresses the expressed pain points for businesses across our city, including:

  • Need for self-paced learning
  • Limited time for in-person workshops
  • Comprehension difficulties caused by language barriers
  • Suspension of in-person technical assistance as a result of COVID-19

Access Point complements and expands small business support efforts within our Main Street corridors. Access Point will provide content on a wide range of topics, including:

In addition, Access Point offers accompanying materials and tests learning with quizzes. The platform provides District Bridges and Rhode Island Avenue Main Street, and our sponsors and partners, with real-time analytics and downloadable data reports, so we can understand and improve content and resources based on interest and usage.

Access Point makes technical assistance more accessible for the small businesses currently served by Main Street programming and new businesses being formed across the city. Through Access Point, we are helping small businesses thrive and working to create a more vibrant DC.

Learn more at accesspointdc.com

Help Us Build A Stronger Small Business Support Ecosystem

Access Point is only as strong as the support we provide. With the platform live and available to businesses, we are actively seeking sponsors and partners who are ready to help us take Access Point to the next level and continue to strengthen the small business ecosystem in DC. The COVID-19 pandemic has irrevocably changed our small business ecosystem, and our work as Main Streets to provide direct technical assistance to small business owners is more important now more than ever. We all have a role to play in recovery – will you join us?

Let your businesses and network know
Access Point DC can complement and expand your technical assistance efforts. We want to make sure every DC small business owner knows about the on-demand resources available to them, complimenting your organization’s direct support. Use the provided promotion images to tell businesses in your newsletter or on social media.
Partner to amplify your content
Does your organization create content or materials to support small businesses? Talk to us about partnering to amplify your work through Access Point and make sure more businesses gain access to your content.
Invest to improve the platform

Access Point DC is currently supported by the DC Department of Housing and Community Development and the Department of Small and Local Business Development. These modest funds allow us to manage the platform and create 2-3 new courses each year. Interested in partnering with us to create content you know is valuable to your businesses? Want to meet your TA requirements while letting us do the work? Your financial investment supports:

  • Continued platform hosting and improvement
  • Creation of one (1) new multi-episode video course on a topic relevant to small business owners
  • Creation of content associated with the course including workbooks, resources, and other materials
  • Promotion of content to small business owners through email, social media, and direct outreach

Benefits to your investment could include:

  • Opportunity to be listed as a “Signature Sponsor” of Access Point DC
  • Opportunity to choose special sponsor recognition of one (1) course, including logo recognition on the course page
  • Logo recognition on Access Point newsletters