#madeindc recap, notes and gratitude
I've said this a million times, but I moved to DC from San Francisco for the creative community.
It's not that it doesn't exist anywhere else. It's that it doesn't exist anywhere else like this, right now. DC is bursting at the seems with this GET SHIT DONE energy by creatives from all over with all kinds of backgrounds. It's a town that can seem transient, full of policy-nerds and lawyers, but really, it's not. And what do those policy nerds and lawyers do after they get burnt out, decide to commit to the city and focus on their other passion? They make really amazing things happen.
I love this city. And I am so thankful for every single person I have reached out to over my few short years that took time to get coffee, meet at an art show, or explore some new space with me. You make this community what it is and and I am so grateful that you have allowed me, and all other transplants (many of you are transplants yourselves) to be a part of it. You have inspired me, taught me, and shown me what a true creative community is all about. And many of you are badass business(wo)men making your dreams come true - in AWE.
Today's Made in DC Summit was amazing. It was the perfect reunion of friends, dose of inspiration from creators and influencers that believe in the movement to create, buy local and make the community you want to be a part of.
The Made in DC Program is a partnership between the Department of Small and Local Business Development and Think Local First DC. Today's summit included over 200 creators either running creative businesses or hobbies, plus about 20 panelists running successful creative businesses or part of bigger companies (Google, Etsy, Huge, Presence Marketing).
As Amina of Handmade Habitat so perfectly put it:
Alright. And now for my rando notes from today:
Do's and Don'ts for approaching retailer (via Amanda McClements, owner, Salt & Sundry)
-line sheet, photos, contact info, pricing
-have strong social media presence where you actually show off product
-don't show up announced on a busy day, calling is tricky, email is the best way
-do send samples
-offer as much flexibility as possible, like offer consignment
Regulatory process of starting a business (via Joy Douglas of DCRA)
5 step business license
If you are generating revenue in DC, you are required to get a license
1-register your business with DCRA corporation department. Seek legal counsel and speak to an accountant
2-register with office of tax and revenue
3-if business is located in DC, must have brick and mortar or have a home-based business. Must check in lease agreement if you can't operate a business
4-clean hands. Self certified that you don't owe government over 100 dollars
5-business license. Maybe other agency that license goes through - call DCRA to find out what type of license do you need. Maintain and keep licenses current.
-can get free 1-1 counseling with DCRA at their Small business resource center at DCRA
FULL SCHEDULE AND SPEAKERS (reposted from thisismadeindc.com)
1:00PM
Attendee Arrival + Networking
W E L C O M E from Think Local First's Raj Aggarwal
and DSLBD Chief of Staff Eric Rogers
1:45PM
Branding Your Business in the District (and Beyond)
A panel discussion moderated by Joel Daly, Artemis Ward & Creative Mornings DC
featuring Virginia Arrisueño, founder, DeNada Design
Heidi Guerard, Creative Director + Brand Manager, &pizza
Sarah Gordon, co-founder, Gordy’s Pickle Jar
Kaleen Ogden, Brand Planning Lead, Huge Inc
and Gary Williams, Master Williams & Creative Theory
2:35PM
Licensing + Registration: The Need to Know for Starting + Maintaining Your Business
A presentation + q&a with Joy Douglas, DCRA
3:05PM
Julie Stitzel, US Federal Policy Manager for Etsy.com
~break~
Visit with Union Kitchen DC, Capital City Specialties, recharge with District Workshop, and more.
3:40PM
Products/Shelves: Strategies for Working with Brands + Retailers
A panel discussion moderated by Morgan H. West, Made in DC + A Creative DC
featuring Aerica Banks, Google Diversity Markets Liason, DC
Sarah Mags Bayot, founder, Kicheko Goods
Robbie Kaplan, Buyer, Ace Hardware DC
Amanda McClements, owner, Salt & Sundry
Suann Song, founder, Appointed Co
Desirée Venn Frederic, founder + curator, Nomad Yard Collectiv
4:25PM
CBE Certification: A Primer
A presentation + q&a with Corey Beasley, DSLBD
4:50PM
Yuri Beckelman
Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of Congressman Mark Takano
Established the bipartisan Congressional Maker Caucus,
Founder: the Capitol Hill Maker Faire
5:00PM
Rebecca Reinhardt Roy and Dan Cohan
Presence Marketing PMI/PDI
5:20PM
DSLBD Director Ana Harvey and Councilmember Charles Allen, Ward 6
Reception to follow.
Thank you to our reception sponsors + partners:
Union Market DC, DC Brau, Mess Hall, and Neighborhood Restaurant Group.