Small Biz Focus

This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

You heard me right: BizLaunch has a new trick up its sleeves for 2024 to help small businesses access capital. This year, BizLaunch has brought back the widely successful BizLaunch Bootcamp with an exciting new twist.

The BizLaunch Bootcamp is an intense entrepreneurship training — think of it as an MBA in two days. On January 25-26, attendees will learn everything about business — how to grow, scale, make a pitch, finance, communicate your why and so much more! The curated curriculum designed by Revby provides practical knowledge for any business owner to thrive in 2024.

That’s great. Now, what’s this about a cash prize? We’re glad you asked! After the Bootcamp on March 15, attendees will be eligible to participate in a business pitch competition to win a grand cash prize. Since launching registration in December, we’ve raised over $2,000 for the grand cash prize, with much more room to grow.

After the Bootcamp, get your business pitch presentation signed off by a SCORE mentor or BizLaunch counselor, and you will be eligible to participate in the March 15 Pitch Event at Amazon’s HQ2.

BizLaunch is excited to partner with Revby, an expert at providing business coaching and consulting services, on this fantastic program to make it even better. In addition to SCORE’s support in mentoring clients, BizLaunch is also working with two local friends of small businesses, such as the Arlington Community Federal Credit Union and the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif.) Both organizations have great financing programs for companies looking for capital to start or expand. Check them out — you’ll thank us later.

What are you waiting for? Secure your limited spot today!

Visit BizLaunch for more information.

Previous Image 1/2 Next Image

This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

With the holiday season here and the new year right around the corner, we know many of our small businesses are thinking about their goals for 2024 and how to achieve them. BizLaunch has several programs, resources and events to help you #slay in the new year.

Programs and Events

BizLaunch has two new programs to help entrepreneurs and diverse business owners access capital beginning in 2024. Kicking off in January is the Ascend.Her Capital Accelerator program developed by our partner, the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif). The Ascend.Her Capital Accelerator Program: Lead Cohort is designed to help entrepreneurs of color navigate a complex marketplace and build resilient businesses. The cohort will include up to 15 small businesses owned by women of color throughout the National Capital Region.

Focus areas include:

• Strengthening your resilient mindset
• Marketing and customer relationship building
• Financial and management training
• Accessing affordable loan capital
• Risk mitigation
• Business performance

Learn more about this exciting new program; applications are open until January 12, 2024.

But wait, more opportunities are going on in January. To help entrepreneurs access low-cost, small amounts of capital, BizLaunch has brought back the BizLaunch Bootcamp with an exciting new twist for 2024.

The BizLaunch Bootcamp is a two-day intense business training for startups and small businesses that will provide attendees with everything they need to succeed in business. Think of it as a mini-MBA condensed into two days, and topics include:

• Business model blueprint
• Actionable marketing plan
• Actionable operations plan
• A business pitch deck template

Now, are you ready for the twist? This year, Bootcamp participants will be able to participate in a pitch contest in the spring of 2024 for a grand cash prize. While BizLaunch programs are usually free, registration fees for the Bootcamp will be used to fund the grand cash prize awarded to the winners of the spring pitch event.

Want to participate in the pitch? All you must do is sign up for the BizLaunch Bootcamp on January 25-26, 2024 and attend the two days.

Space is limited, and early bird pricing ends in the New Year, so sign up today to secure your spot.

Startup Resources

BizLaunch has been helping small businesses start since 2002, and since that time, we’ve developed the secret sauce to help companies launch. If your goal is to start a business in 2024, then BizLaunch has you covered with one-on-one counseling, a startup checklist, business plan templates, mentoring and so much more.

In addition, BizLaunch has taken away all the guesswork from starting a business with our upcoming Guide to Launching a Business workshop on January 16 at the Arlington Central Library. Here, entrepreneurs and companies will learn how to start their businesses as well as connect with the numerous resource providers that support small businesses in the region, such as:

• Washington Area Community Investment Fund’s (Wacif)
• Arlington Commissioner of Revenue
• Latino Economic Development Center
• Virginia Department of Small Business & Supplier Diversity
• Arlington Public Library 
• Enterprise Development Group (EDG).

With all these tools, BizLaunch is dedicated to helping small businesses slay in 2024; for more information about BizLaunch, visit www.bizlaunch.org.

Previous Image 1/3 Next Image

This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

With the holiday season upon us, many of you will be gathering with friends and family this year, and if you’re looking for a unique venue for your holiday festivities, look no further than WHINO.

Launched in 2021, WHINO is a 6,200-square-foot combination restaurant and art gallery, located on the second floor of Ballston Quarter. Not only is WHINO known for its delicious small plate menu and delightful craft cocktails, but they are also an art gallery and nightlife venue featuring artists from all over the world.

Sounds cool, right? This year, BizLaunch is hosting BizArt at WHINO, on December 11, and YOU’RE invited!

BizArt is our annual networking event in partnership with Arlington Arts, connecting entrepreneurs and creatives alike — resulting in relationships and projects that make a lasting impact. With WHINO’s beautiful gallery of art and murals, we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect backdrop for the event.

Join us at this amazing local Arlington venue on December 11, from 5-7 p.m. for some tasty bites on us and networking connections that will last a lifetime.

But wait, there’s more!

Looking for unique gifts for loved ones on your list? Check out our list of upcoming Holiday Markets featuring many Made in Arlington vendors

When you shop at 1,000+ small businesses on Open Rewards, you can earn 5% rewards when you upload your receipts to the app. Get 5% cash back rewards at WHINO and many other local restaurants on Open Rewards this holiday season.

Plus, thanks to the National Landing BID, shoppers can get an additional 5% if they shop at small businesses in National Landing.

All of us here at BizLaunch, wish you a wonderful holiday season and a prosperous New Year.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by WHINO (@whinoinc)

Previous Image 1/3 Next Image

This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

The Friday after Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season. This year, we hope you #shopsmall all season long, especially on November 25, Small Business Saturday.

BizLaunch is making it easy for shoppers to find local businesses and get rewarded for shopping locally. With our recently released Business Directory and Open Rewards, BizLaunch simplifies finding local businesses and incentivizes you to #shopsmall. Through Open Rewards, we give shoppers 5% in cash back rewards when they upload their receipts in the app. There are over 1,000 local businesses currently on Open Rewards, with more added every day; you’re sure to find something for everyone on your list.

Let’s meet one of the businesses on Open Rewards today!

The Golden Fox Boutique, a woman-owned lifestyle boutique, is set to launch this month in Arlington, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 15 at 4 p.m.

As the brainchild of a local Arlington resident, Paula Frishman, the Golden Fox Boutique offers a curated collection of elevated apparel, home decor, gifts and accessories for the entire family.

What sets The Golden Fox Boutique apart is its unwavering commitment to featuring woman-owned companies and products made in the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia), aiming to support and promote local businesses.

To help her in her entrepreneurial journey, Frishman worked closely with BizLaunch for guidance and support in starting.

“BizLaunch helped me navigate the small business landscape, offered useful resources and is currently helping coordinate the boutique’s grand opening celebration, held November 15,” said Frishman.

Arlington was the obvious choice for The Golden Fox Boutique because Frishman and her husband reside in Arlington and saw an opportunity to fill a retail gap. “Especially when it comes to offering a high level of customer service and engagement,” says Frishman.

Frishman draws inspiration from friends who have successfully launched their boutiques, particularly Niki Kahle at Lemoncello Boutique. With a deep-rooted passion for offering quality products and exceptional service, The Golden Fox Boutique is committed to creating an elevated lifestyle and fashion destination that Arlington residents will cherish.

Come check out The Golden Fox Boutique at 2700 Clarendon Blvd., Suite 430, or at www.shopgoldenfox.com.

Don’t forget to #ShopSmall this holiday season, and on November 25, come out and support your favorite Arlington small businesses for Small Business Saturday.

This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

Are you a small business owner looking to reach your customers? Looking for help with marketing? Or maybe you just want to show people that your business #slays?BizLaunch has just what you’ve been searching for.

BizLaunch created the brand-new Arlington Small Business Directory with your busy business and customers in mind. How? With a built-in SEO, opportunities for business owners to customize their profile, and a user-friendly layout for customers to search for local shops.

Businesses can use the app to upload pictures, list promos and discounts, and mark services like “takeout” or “outdoor dining.” Are you a minority-owned business in Clarendon? Or maybe you offer your services in other languages? You can list all that info (and more) too.

Once you’ve updated your profile, BizLaunch will advertise the platform year-round to Arlingtonians. There are no price tags, no hidden terms and conditions — just free marketing to promote consumers across Arlington (and the DMV) to shop small and local.

Eager to get started? All we need from you is to make your edits, which you can learn how to do by clicking this link. After that, BizLaunch will do the rest.

It is that simple (and free). So, log in, make your edits, and let Arlingtonians see how #slay it is to shop from you.

For questions on how to use the platform, contact Prakriti Deuja at [email protected].

This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

Listen to Attorney Kristen Wilson talk about estate planning topics on a recent episode of Legacy Leaders Podcast.

K. J. Wilson Law, PLLC, led by its founder and estate planning attorney, Kristen J. Wilson, has been a beacon of trust and vision for the Arlington community since its inception on June 21, 2022.

The firm’s core mission revolves around helping individuals and families navigate the intricate landscape of estate planning. From drafting essential documents like wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and operating agreements to providing expert guidance on tax minimization and probate avoidance, K. J. Wilson Law, PLLC, stands as a pillar of support in estate planning.

The journey began with a proactive connection to BizLaunch. This pivotal moment significantly impacted the trajectory of this budding law firm. Through BizLaunch’s personalized counseling and insightful events like Brunch and Business, the founder received invaluable advice on refining marketing strategies, enhancing client retention, and expanding their professional network. “BizLaunch has been a game-changer for me,” says Wilson.

Its legal expertise and estate planning approach set K. J. Wilson Law, PLLC apart. “I make the estate planning experience positive, forward-thinking and design-centered. Clients are encouraged to engage their imagination, envisioning life’s infinite possibilities while crafting their estate plans,” says Wilson.

The firm is rooted in Arlington and benefits from the vibrant community of small businesses and startups that foster collaboration and support. However, it has its challenges. The competitive landscape can be demanding, requiring resilience and adaptability. Yet, the founder is determined to thrive, bringing her unique approach and innovative strategies to stand out amidst the bustling small businesses.

As the firm looks ahead, the vision encompasses expansion and diversification. Over the next five years, K. J. Wilson Law, PLLC aims to broaden its scope, addressing the complexities of strategic tax planning, philanthropic giving, and cross-border wealth transfer. The firm aspires to serve a more diverse clientele, including entrepreneurs, athletes, and entertainers, establishing themselves as trusted advisors in estate planning and wealth transfer within the Arlington community.

In the heart of Arlington, where entrepreneurial spirits flourish, K. J. Wilson Law, PLLC, stands ready to sculpt legacies and empower families. With a commitment to compassion, creativity, and a forward-thinking approach, this firm leaves an indelible mark on the landscape of estate planning in Arlington and beyond.

For more information about K. J. Wilson Law, PLLC, visit www.kjwilsonlaw.com.

Previous Image 1/4 Next Image

This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

This fall season brings a plethora of opportunities for Arlingtonians to discover local art in the community. Returning for the second year, one such event is the “Arlington Art Walk” on Thursday, October 5, from 3-7 p.m.

Visitors can visit multiple exhibits and sites in one day along the Clarendon-Ballston corridor. Are you looking for an after-hours unique activity? Discover galleries, a Made in Arlington Market, live music, demonstrations and stop-worthy public art installations along this vibrant creative corridor.

This year’s event brings back 2022 favorites Arlington Art Truck, Cody Gallery, MoCA Arlington, ARC 3409 studios, Fred Schnider Gallery, Mason Exhibitions and WHINO. Adding to the fun, the Art Walk welcomes Arlington Independent Media (AIM), The Shop at Arlington Public Library, Made in Arlington Market at MoCA, Northside Social Arlington, Public Art installations and GMU Mason Square activities.

The “Arlington Art Walk” is a self-guided art experience that connects local galleries, artist studios and cultural events. During the walk, gallery hours for participating organizations will be extended so that our friends, neighbors and artists can see what we’re up to.

Don’t miss special guest “Reclining Liberty” by Zaq Landsberg, installed on the front lawn of MoCA through June 2024.

Once you’ve enjoyed Art Walk’s live music at Northside Social, a pop-up market at MoCA, the Arlington Art Truck at Welburn Square Mega Market Thursday, wine offerings, public art installations, a broadcast from AIM and more, be sure to keep these gems on your cultural go-to list throughout the year.

Care to network with creatives? Don’t miss the finale reception at WHINO in Ballston Quarter at 7 p.m.

Learn about Arlington’s celebrated art and vibrant network of stunning gallery spaces on this walkable, self-guided cultural tour.

This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

While small business owners communicate with their customers and stakeholders in numerous ways, e-mail continues to be a popular communication method. Thus, it’s essential that your e-mail is secure and represents your business well.

Since its inception in 2002, BizLaunch has helped over 80,000 clients start, grow or scale their businesses. Often, communicating with clients via e-mail using an address such as [email protected]. While there is nothing wrong to use a free e-mail service for personal use, you should think of your e-mail as your business card, and it should match your website domain, for example [email protected].

Let’s face it, anyone can use Gmail, AOL or Yahoo, and that’s the problem. By using a more generic e-mail, you’re missing the opportunity to add credibility and to personalize to your business. Additionally, these free e-mail providers aren’t necessarily free; remember those terms and conditions you agreed to but didn’t read?

For companies to provide free e-mail service, many sell these e-mails causing many small business owners to receive an enormous amount of spam, possibly missing essential messages from prospective clients, updates on grant applications and other important communication sent via e-mail. Additionally, since anyone can purchase these e-mails, small businesses are targets for phishing attacks putting vital information at risk.

The good news is that creating a customized e-mail is very affordable and straightforward. At BizLaunch, we like the easy button, and there are two simple ways businesses can easily customize their e-mail domain.

Arlington small business owners can apply for our ReLaunch program, and our tech experts at Nub8 can create a customized e-mail domain for your business. Many clients have already received this as part of their project scope with Nub8.

Businesses can quickly and affordably get a customized e-mail through Google Workspaces or Microsoft 365 if you prefer to do this yourself. Both services make it easy for clients to set up a customized e-mail, and data is stored securely in the cloud — able to be accessed on any internet-connected device.

The first step in securing your customized e-mail is purchasing a domain name. There are numerous places businesses can buy domains; however, since your business domain is essentially your digital billboard, here are some tips for selecting a domain name from our partner, Score.

While e-mail continues to be widely used, it’s essential that your e-mail address represents your business well and is secure. For support getting a customized e-mail contact your BizLaunch advisor today.

This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

For anyone who runs or is looking to open a business in Arlington, the answer is yes.

With only a few exceptions, Arlington business owners need to get a business license and maintain that year over year. This includes businesses of all types of sizes. If you’re a freelance artist/maker, own a retail establishment or restaurant, operate as a consultant or even have a home-based business or nonprofit, an Arlington Business License is required to operate.

Obtaining that business license is pretty simple through the Arlington Commissioner of Revenue, which issues business licenses every year and assesses the amount of tax businesses are required to pay. The entire process can be done online via the CAPP — Customer Assessment and Payment Portal. Simply go to the website and click on “Register a new business/location.”

Be sure to have your EIN (Employer Identification Number) or SSN (Social Security Number) and your home occupation permit or your Certificate of Occupancy (CO) number handy as you’ll need those to complete the application. Once you’ve completed your business license application, click submit and you officially applied for your business license. A business tax inspector will review your application, once approved, you will receive an e-mail confirmation, and you’re done.

But why is having a license so important? A business license serves as the taxing mechanism for both the Business License Tax, which is based on the gross receipts of a business, and the Business Tangible Personal Property Tax, which is based on the individual tangibles, or personal assets, of a business — things like furniture, machinery, tools or programmable computer equipment.

We all know that no one is overly excited about the prospect of additional taxes, but it’s important to remember that not only does that tax revenue help to fund Arlington’s many amenities, like public transportation, social services, public art, parks, community centers and bike trails. But even more importantly, if a business is found to be operating without required licenses, it can be fined and/or sent to court for each day of operation without required licenses. Making sure all of our businesses are operating in full compliance of the law is key, and the BizLaunch team is here to help ensure Arlington businesses are up to date.

We know the various licenses, taxes and fees can be a little overwhelming, especially at the beginning, and BizLaunch and the Arlington Commissioner of Revenue are here to help.

For new businesses wanting to start, the BizLaunch team has put together a thorough Small Business Checklist outlining each step a business needs to take to launch, including licensing and regulation. Additionally, the Arlington Commissioner of Revenue’s Office has put together a helpful guide for businesses opening in Arlington.

For more information about BizLaunch visit www.bizlaunch.org.

Previous Image 1/4 Next Image

This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

By Alex Held

Emmanuela Cosmetics, an Arlington-based skincare brand, is on a mission to empower women to embrace their natural beauty with confidence.

Founded in July 2020 by Yvonne Tazem, this luxury, inclusive skincare brand has been making waves in the industry by providing effective skincare solutions and celebrating beauty in all its forms.

At Emmanuela Cosmetics, the focus goes beyond achieving a flawless complexion. “We understand that skin issues, such as hyperpigmentation, can significantly impact self-esteem,” says Tazem. With this understanding, they have created a range of high-quality, gentle, and effective products that help women feel beautiful and radiant in their own skin.

One of the proudest moments for Emmanuela Cosmetics came in December 2021 when its Glow serum was featured as the #1 product in Vogue Magazine. “Being recognized in Vogue not only showcased the brand’s commitment to excellence but also opened doors to new opportunities,” says Tazem.

As part of those companies, Tazam was looking to expand, and to do so, she partnered with BizLaunch. “BizLaunch played a crucial role in refining Emmanuela Cosmetics’ rebranding efforts. This partnership helped the brand solidify its identity and reach a wider audience,” says Tazem.

Choosing Arlington as the location for her business was a strategic decision for Emmanuela Cosmetics. The vibrant and supportive community, along with the ample resources available for business owners, made it an ideal place to establish their brand. “I particularly appreciate the tight-knit small business community and the unwavering support from local residents,” says Tazem.

However, like any other business, Emmanuela Cosmetics faces challenges. The high cost of commercial rent in Arlington can be a hurdle, but Tazem’s dedication and commitment has allowed her company to overcome such obstacles.

What sets Emmanuela Cosmetics apart from other skincare brands is its commitment to using only the finest ingredients. All products are 100% vegan, cruelty-free and made with non-toxic ingredients. “We take pride in creating a community of women who support and uplift each other, celebrating beauty in all its forms,” says Tazem.

“When not revolutionizing the skincare industry, I enjoy exploring Arlington’s diverse culinary scene. It’s my way to relax and draw inspiration from the vibrant local culture,” says Tazem.

Emmanuela Cosmetics continues to thrive as a small business in Arlington, empowering women to embrace their natural beauty. With effective skincare solutions and a commitment to inclusivity, it is leaving a lasting impact on the industry and helping women feel confident in their own skin.

For more information about Emmanuela Cosmetics visit www.emmanuelacosmetics.com or follow them on Instagram.

Previous Image 1/5 Next Image

This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

Arlington Pride is back for a second year. This year’s event, which will be held June 23-25, is again being organized by Polished Kreative and offers an entire weekend of celebration after an overwhelming public response from last year’s festival.

BizLaunch and the Arlington Convention & Visitors Service are proud to support this year’s pride festival as sponsors once again.

“We’re so thankful for the community for their overwhelming support! The Polished Kreative team is honored to bring inclusion and diversity to Arlington through pride,” says co-founder Lindsey Hinton.

This year, there are three main events taking place on Arlington Pride Weekend with countless activities taking place all weekend long:

• Friday, June 23 — The Inaugural Miss Arlington Pride Pageant, hosted by Shi-Queeta Lee at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, is a local community event that will shine a light on the talents of our local drag entertainers.
• Saturday, June 24 — The Arlington Pride Festival at Rosslyn Gateway Park has a message of Moving Forward Together, highlighting the importance of working together to make the LGBTQ+ community stronger. The Pride Festival is a free event for all ages and will include:
  • Live Entertainment
  • Local vendors
  • Live DJ
  • Pet Entertainment
  • Games & Prizes
  • Free Fitness in the Park lead by personal trainer @livelaman.
  • Plus, so much more.
• Sunday, June 25 — Concluding Arlington Pride Weekend is the Arlington Pride Drag Brunch at the Departures Bar inside Alamo Drafthouse at National Landing, where host Evita Peroxide and her cast of performers entertain guests while they enjoy a fabulous brunch.

Arlington Pride is a community event developed by and for the Arlington community and wouldn’t happen without the generous support from volunteers and sponsors. Additional volunteer and sponsorship opportunities are also available.

For more information about Arlington Pride, visit www.arlvapride.com.