U Street Main Street

The District Bridges U Street Main Street program serves the businesses, organizations, and individuals who live, work and play in this unique community. 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.

We are proud to be a nationally accredited Main Street program by the National Main Street Center as well as a designated DC Main Street by the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development.

Explore U Street

Small 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. Check out some of the ways our Main Street programs can help your business.

Small Business Grants

We annually conduct small business grant competitions for grants up to $3,000 for businesses located within our Main Street program boundaries. These grants are made possible by the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development.

Download the current grant application here. Deadline to apply is Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at 5pm.

Business Health Checks & Development Plans

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.

Business Newsletter

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!

Training & Workshops

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.

One on One Consultations

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!

Business Promotional Events

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.

U Street Main Street

Program Manager, Gigi Aklilu

Email: Gigi@districtbridges.org

Email: USMS@districtbridges.org

Phone: 202-929-8121

U Street Main Street Newsletter

Our business and community newsletters are a great way to stay connected to our work and learn about all the cool ways for you to get involved. Sign up today!

Newsletter Archive

Get Involved!

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? Or do you have a skill set that you believe would be of value to our work? Or maybe you have an awesome idea you want to bring to fruition but need a partner to help pull it off… We want to connect with you! 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.

Neighborhood Strategy Council Application

Our Neighborhood Strategy Councils (NSCs) are community advisory boards that help us set programmatic priorities for each of our Main Street programs. Complete an application if you’re interested in serving and we’ll be in touch!

Volunteer Skills Set Assessment

Do you have skills that you think would be valuable to our work at District Bridges? Take our Volunteer Skills Set Assessment so we can understand how we might work together.

Support U Street Main Street

Your financial investment in the U Street Main Street is a direct investment back into your community. Whether it’s through our support of small local businesses or the community events we host your donation makes our work possible.

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today to support our work and U Street.