Business Funding in Washington D.C.

Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington D.C.; or the district, is the capital of the United States. Founded after the American Revolution as the seat of government of the newly independent country, Washington was named after George Washington, the first president of the United States and a Founding Father. As the seat of the United States federal government and several international organizations, Washington is an important world political capital. The city, located on the Potomac River bordering Maryland and Virginia, is one of the most visited cities in the world, with more than 20 million tourists annually.

In the early and mid 19th century Washington DC continued to grow and develop. In 1829 an Englishman named James Smithson left books and minerals and the Smithsonian Institution was founded. In 1835 Washington was connected to Baltimore by railroad. However there was racial tension in the growing city. There were many slaves in Washington as well as free blacks. The tension erupted in the Snow Riot of 1835 when whites attacked blacks. Slavery was abolished in the District of Columbia in 1862.

Washington DC boomed during the American Civil War (1861-1965) and its population doubled to 130,000 by 1870. However Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in Washington in 1865.

Life in Washington DC improved in the late 19th century. Howard University was founded in 1867. In 1871 President Grant appointed a Board of Public Works to improve the infrastructure in Washington. Washington Monument was completed in 1884.

In 1901 the McMillan Plan was drawn up for Washington DC and it revised the original plan by Pierre l'Enfant.

Union Station was built in 1908 and in 1910 a height restriction was placed on new buildings to preserve the existing cityscape. Also in 1910 the National Museum of Natural History opened. However in the early 20th century Washington remained deeply divided along racial lines. Race riots broke out again in 1919.

Washington is an extraordinary city, one with multiple personalities: a working federal city, an international metropolis, a picturesque tourist destination, an unmatched treasury of the country’s history and artifacts, and a cosmopolitan centre that retains a neighbourly small-town ambience. The role Washington plays as the capital of the United States often overshadows its lively local history and its complex political, economic, and social issues. About half the land in Washington is owned by the U.S. government, which pays no taxes on it. Several hundred thousand people in the D.C. metropolitan area work for the federal government.

Washington, D.C. is a world-class city that boasts tremendous assets and opportunities for businesses. Washington, D.C. has small business resource centers in several locations throughout the city that can help provide information and services to help navigate the Districts' business environment. The D.C. Chamber is a major organization that proudly serves more than 1600 members. This organization is always ready to help businesses thrive and is a voice for all businesses in the city. The Chamber provides businesses with understanding and encouragement, as well as priceless networking opportunities. Another key organization in Washington, D.C. is the Business Council, which provides resources and support for civilian agencies.

Washington, D.C. offers numerous financial incentives to retain and attract business. At First Down Funding, we provide a quick and easy way to obtain funds for your Washington D.C. business needs, whether it is a long term funding package or a short term cash financing, our professional and experienced staff are here to help you promptly and accurately.  Contact us if you have any questions or conveniently apply online for expedite processing. Need small business funding in Washington D.C.?  call First Down Funding.

Starting a Business in Washington D.C.

A complete step-by-step guide to start your business and get on the fast track to financial success.

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Cities in Washington D.C.