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.
