Columbia Heights | Mount Pleasant Main Streets
The heart beat of the city
In 2016, District Bridges, at the time known as The Columbia Heights Initiative, was awarded our first DC Main Street grant to serve the commercial corridors of Columbia Heights & Mount Pleasant by the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD). At that time, this Main Street designation was unique, as it was designated to serve two distinct neighborhoods which each faced separate and unique challenges. In the first year, we rebranded to become District Bridges and strived to build trusted and strong relationships in both communities.
Today, the District Bridges Columbia Heights | Mount Pleasant Main Street programs serve the businesses, organizations, and individuals who live, work and play in these two unique communities. Our Main Street programs provide direct technical assistance to local businesses to help them thrive. We also plan local events and promotions that draw people to the neighborhoods, create volunteer opportunities, and connect stakeholders.
Our team
Paco Ramos-Meyer
Email:
paco@districtbridges.orgSmall Business Technical Assistance
We’re passionate about helping small local businesses succeed. Each business is unique and needs a unique solution. We take a holistic approach to help you achieve your dreams.
The Columbia Heights & Mount Pleasant Main Street program will provide a grant of up to $5,000 for small businesses in the Main Street corridor. Only businesses located within the Columbia Heights & Mount Pleasant Main Street boundaries are eligible to apply. Funds can be used for technical assistance, exterior and storefront improvements, interior renovations, security improvements, and/or equipment. Applications are due Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023, by 5:00 pm. No extensions will be considered. Grant awards will be made by Friday, June 2nd, 2023. All project activities must be completed by September 15th, 2023. Please read the
guidance below for information on how to apply.
If you have any questions or need assistance preparing your application, please contact Paco Ramos, Main Street Manager, Columbia Heights | Mount Pleasant, at paco@districtbridges.org
Whether you have been in business for decades or are just getting started you need to have a plan to achieve your business goals. The District Bridges approach to business technical assistance focuses on helping you map out your pathway to success. Our Business Health Check helps us identify your business’s most critical needs. After you have completed your Business Health Check, we work with you directly to develop a Business Development Plan that aligns your business needs with the resources and assistance that will enable you to accomplish your goals.
There are a lot of resources and opportunities out there to help you grow your business, but it can be a lot to keep up with. Our business newsletter curates the most relevant opportunities and business news and puts it straight into your inbox. Stay in the know and sign up today!
We offer free or low-cost training and workshops on a variety of subjects where business owners get direct access to subject matter experts to them gain new skills to build a thriving business.
Need support but you’re not exactly sure what kind? Just need to bounce some ideas off of a trusted person? Our Main Street program staff are here for you. You can set up an in-person or online consultation with one of our professionals. We may not have all the answers, but we’ll work with you to help you navigate your questions and find the answer with you!
Whether you’re looking to get your business in front of a new audience or you want to connect with other businesses and people in your community, we host annual events and use social media and newsletters to help give your business the exposure you need to grow and help build long term connections in your community. Use the link below to submit holidays/observances promotions.
Join our Business Newsletter!
Economic Development
In 2021, District Bridges launched a pilot program called the “Civic Plaza For All” to address the unique challenges facing the Columbia Heights Civic Plaza. In the last three years, the pilot has worked to address maintenance of the public space, public programming, and providing connective services to some of our most vulnerable residents who frequent the plaza. This report covers our lessons learned, key findings & recommendations that have and will shape the future expansion of this program.
District Bridges’ Civic Plaza initiative takes a place-based and human-centric approach to hyperlocal public space management at the Columbia Heights Civic Plaza. Our holistic strategy aims to create a vibrant and healthy public space through consistent activation with free and accessible community events, resident engagement in our neighborhood Placekeepers Program, coalition building with city agencies and neighborhood stakeholders, and through street outreach and connective social services work with Columbia Heights residents experiencing substance use disorder and housing insecurity.
Upcoming Events
Get Involved / Volunteer
Volunteering with District Bridges is a great way to support our work to build stronger more connected communities and invest in local businesses. Are you looking to volunteer your time to support one of our upcoming events? Check out the ways you can get involved and let’s have some fun!
Volunteer Sign Up
Sign up for our volunteer corps to be informed of upcoming volunteer opportunities. You can specify specific neighborhoods you’d like to serve or find out about all our opportunities.
Become Neighborhood Strategy Council Member
Help us set programmatic priorities for each of our Main Street programs. Apply today you’re interested in serving!
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