InnovateDMV
In 2022, the Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded US Ignite a grant to support underserved small businesses and startups in Washington, DC, and Arlington, Virginia. This two-year project serves to expand access for regional small business and startup support and aid in the development of a technology-focused workforce.
As a hub for digital community transformation, this project will allow more residents within the DMV region to engage in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, access resources, and tap into new opportunities so they can continue to impact their communities positively.
We need the participation of leaders within industry, academia, support organizations, municipal governments, and alliances to design and implement inclusive innovation. Collaboration within new groups will be critical to our success! Please use the two buttons below to learn how to get involved.
Featured InnovateDMV News
InnovateDMV: Empowering Entrepreneurship
InnovateDMV is diving into the local entrepreneur community to examine how business founders are bringing their ideas to life. To hear their stories and learn how InnovateDMV is taking startups to the next level, check out our new video series playlist here. Below is a teaser!
Convergence: An Event to Connect DC-Area Startups and Funders
Convergence was an exclusive, invitation-only event designed to foster relationships and knowledge sharing between DC-Metro Area startup founders and funders from across the globe. The hosts, US Ignite’s InnovateDMV Program and K Street Capital, organized the event with the simple goal of prioritizing human connections over business transactions.
Anacostia Community Internet Solutions Team wins Connect Anacostia Business Model Hackathon
After a 12-hour hackathon and pitch, judges crowned the Anacostia Community Internet Solutions team as the winners of the Connect Anacostia Business Model Hackathon. The judges also selected the Fresh Start Digital Financial Key team for second place. First place winners received 10,000 Amazon Web Services credits each and $2,000 and second place winners received 10,000 Amazon Web Services credits each and $1,000.
Startups and Small Businesses
InnovateDMV recognizes the power of diverse perspectives and experiences in driving transformative solutions. By fostering a program culture that honors inclusion and equity, we strive to create support services that cater to the unique needs of the community, ensuring our support services positively impact the lives of a wide range of individuals.
All local founders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and small business owners are invited to explore the InnovateDMV.com website for resources, events, and opportunities happening in the DMV region.
Take our survey
All startups and small businesses in Washington, DC, and Arlington, VA, are invited to complete our online survey to help improve the support systems and tools available to startups and small businesses in the region. Your responses will have an invaluable impact on new and improved resources available to fellow entrepreneurs.
Service organizations and governments
Organizations and other entities that serve small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs are invited to share their knowledge and observations of technological gaps that exist in the current ecosystem. The responses will help us design and implement inclusive innovation support for the region.
