Small Biz Focus

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

By Alex Held

Relocating a small business to a new space is a significant undertaking that presents many challenges. Moving to a different location can be a daunting task for small businesses, whether due to expansion, cost considerations or changes in the business landscape.

When Reena Bawa, Founder of Beauty Fair Hairstylists, learned she needed to find a new location after running her Columbia Pike business at the same location for more than 35 years, the process seemed daunting. Luckily, she had BizLaunch to help her find a new space for her business.

First and foremost, finding a suitable space that meets the needs of the business can be a significant hurdle. Generally, this process can take one to three years. In Arlington, particularly along Columbia Pike, vacant retail space can be hard to find, and with low supply, rents are rising. Currently, the retail vacancy rate along Columbia Pike is 2.8%. This challenge can be further amplified if a client is looking for industrial space, which according to CoStar has a 0.8% vacancy rate in Arlington.

In Beauty Fair Hairstylists’ case, Bawa was already about double the industry average (about 17% of sales) for rent and was facing yet another increase in the current space. However, Bawaknew she wanted to remain close to her customer base along Columbia Pike and for the space to be easily accessible.

Through ReLaunch, Beauty Fair was able to leverage Revby’s expertise in analyzing different options, such as purchasing a space, leasing another space or remaining at the existing location with a rent increase. However, with the cost of acquisition, build-out and rent rising, none of those options made financial sense nor aligned with Bawa’s goals. Thus, she decided to rent out space within an existing hair salon. Such an arrangement is commonly referred to in the industry as booth rent.

Once it was clear which direction Bawa wanted to go, the BizLaunch team identified several booth rent opportunities throughout Arlington. Finally, Bawa settled on her new location inside Samaris Hair Salon at 38 S. Glebe Road.

With the location selected, the logistical challenges of the move itself came into play. Small businesses must plan and coordinate the physical relocation of equipment, inventory, and furniture, which can be complex and disruptive to daily operations. In Bawa’s case, since she would rent space from an existing salon, much of her equipment was no longer needed, forcing her to liquidate or store equipment.

Additionally, BizLaunch supported Beauty Fair through the move, helping her update her address and apply for a partial Certificate of Occupancy for her new space while also being supportive in the transition. In this case, Bawa had been in her location for more than three decades and was understandably attached to the location. It was part of her business identity, and it was important not to lose that identity.

Another significant challenge is notifying customers, clients, and suppliers about the relocation. Small businesses rely heavily on their existing networks, and a move can disrupt established relationships. Communicating the new address and contact information is crucial to maintaining strong connections and minimizing any potential loss of business.

Thankfully Revby was able to help develop collateral material such as fliers and business cards with the new address and update the website and Google My Business page, letting customers know of the change. Additionally, the Revby team was able to assist in extracting customers’ information from the owner’s phone into a spreadsheet, easily accessible in one place.

“While the adjustment has been hard, I’m grateful for the resources Arlington has provided my business as well as the support from my customers and colleagues within Samaris Hair Salon,” says Bawa.

For businesses facing a relocation decision, reach out to BizLaunch as early as possible, as finding a suitable space for your business can take some time. Schedule some time with one of our experts today. For more information about BizLaunch, visit www.bizlaunch.org.

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

By Alex Held

National Small Business Week is a time to celebrate the contributions of small businesses to our economy and to our communities. From April 30 to May 6, we recognize the hard work and dedication of small business owners and entrepreneurs who are the backbone of our local economy.

This week is an opportunity to shine a light on the challenges faced by small businesses and to provide resources and support to help them thrive.

For Arlington small business owners, BizLaunch, Arlington’s small business and entrepreneur center, has been providing small businesses and entrepreneurs with tools and resources to thrive since 2001. Since its inception over 20 years ago, BizLaunch has helped more than 75,000 entrepreneurs and small businesses in Arlington and throughout the Washington metro area.

BizLaunch provides numerous tools and resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses such as:

• One-on-One Counseling
• Marketing and Promotional Support
• Free Business Intelligence
• Innovative Workshops and Webinars
• Robust Business Coaching and Technology Services through ReLaunch

“Small businesses are what make Arlington unique and a great place to live. If our small businesses are successful, then so is our community,” says Tara Palacios, Director BizLaunch.

Small businesses have three upcoming events taking place in May, allowing them to network with their peers and connect with new customers. Check out our events calendar for a list of upcoming programs.

National Small Business Week is also a time to discover new businesses in your community. Through our Open Rewards Program, shoppers can get 5% in cash back rewards for every purchase made at Arlington small businesses. More than 900 businesses are currently listed on the platform, and more are being added every day.

This National Small Business Week let’s celebrate and recognize the contributions small businesses make to Arlington’s economy. For more information about BizLaunch visit: www.bizlaunch.org, or schedule your one-on-one consultation today.

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

As spring begins, entrepreneurs work restlessly as ever. Juan Luis Salazar, the owner of La Coop Coffee, is no exception. He has recently opened a new small business in Arlington.

Salazar, originally from Guatemala, has decided to bring the taste of his native culture to Arlington through a delicious cup of coffee. La Coop Coffee is known for providing single-origin Microlot coffee, including the farmer’s name on each coffee bag. No blends. Just single-origin, specialty coffee from the Salazar’s hometown. “Our goal is to bring heart and home to customers through our coffee,” says Salazar.

The brews are roasted fresh on-site at the original coffee house and roastery located in D.C. Recently, Salazar opened a new venture in the Arlington Forest Community located at 4807 First Street North.

Even though La Coop Coffee is already a known entity in the District, Salazar knew opening a store in Arlington would be different. Therefore, he turned to BizLaunch for guidance, where he learned the county’s requirements for zoning, signage, taxes, etc.

With the help of BizLaunch en Español La Coop Coffee was able to polish the final details for its new home for single-origin coffee in Arlington and finally opened its doors on Saturday February 13, 2023.

To learn more about La Coop Coffee and its story, visit the company’s website, Facebook page, Instagram and Twitter.

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Many of us use coffee to perk ourselves up on a slow day, whether for the taste or the energy.

Regardless of how we use coffee, many drink it with friends, family, or on a date to lighten the mood. Despite knowing the benefits of our favorite coffee, do we know where it comes from and the provider’s history?

That was the question that sparked the curiosity of Maria Martinez and Maximilian Ilea, owners of Red Bean Harvest in Arlington; this small business imports authentic Colombian coffee from various regions of Colombia and focuses on offering its customers an exceptional customer experience. The business works in collaboration with coffee growers in Colombia to select high-quality beans and ensures that every coffee bean sold has the best possible flavor.

“We work directly with farmers to ensure that all our specialty coffee comes with a hundred percent traceability guarantee. In addition, we embrace certifications such as Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, UTZ, and Organic to help reduce food waste and make that cup of coffee more enjoyable,” Maria said.

Another important aspect of this business is its commitment to sustainability. Red Bean Harvest cares about the environment and works to minimize its impact on the planet. It uses recyclable and compostable materials for wrappers and other disposable products. Red Bean also ensures that it buys coffee beans from suppliers who use sustainable cultivation and production practices. Consequently, a unique and delicate marmalade is made from the coffee skin so that coffee farmers can reduce food waste and make the process more sustainable.

Before opening the business in Arlington, Red Bean Harvest sought help from BizLaunch en Espanol for guidance on fulfilling the county requirements and complying with all the regulations. Since Red Bean Harvest is a home-based business, it needed to have a website and e-commerce. Thus, BizLaunch helped Red Bean Harvest create those platforms through ReLaunch to expose its business to a new target market.

“BizLaunch has been an incredible help, for which we are very grateful for the exposure that Red Bean Harvest has received. This year we will start selling at events during spring, summer, and fall, and very soon at the Columbia Pike Farmers Market,” Maria said.

Red Bean Harvest products focus on offering their customers an exceptional coffee experience with high-quality beans, expert preparation, sustainability, and accessibility.

If you would like more information about Red Bean Harvest, visit www.redbeanharvestcoffee.com, or learn more about BizLaunch en Español resources.

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

By Alex Held

BizLaunch and the Arlington Public Library have joined forces to host a panel discussion celebrating Women’s History Month. The Panel will feature four Arlington-based women entrepreneurs who have successfully launched a business.

Whether you are a female business owner who wants to connect with other entrepreneurs or an entrepreneur who’s thought about starting your own business, the Inspiring Women in Business Panel Discussion is for you.

Meet Our Powerhouse Panelists

Paulina Enriquez, Director Wonder Kids Learning Center, founded Wonder Kids in 2022. Wonder Kids Learning Center is a high-quality childcare program for children 0 to 5 years old. It offers a Spanish immersion program in a loving and enriched environment.

Jennifer Jones, Creative Founder, Cosmopolitan Plated: Jones is a female entrepreneur of color and thought leader. She uses interactive cooking activities as metaphoric and experiential experiences to build and strengthen communities with diverse and inclusive perspectives. Through her company, Cosmopolitan Plated, she has provided and facilitated recreational and team-building classes for more than 10,000 participants.

Jennifer Mulchandani, Founder and CEO, Arlington Strategy: Mulchandani founded Arlington Strategy in 2012 with a mission to build thriving brands working to better the world. She leads a growing team of marketing, branding and advertising professionals who support nonprofit organizations, public agencies and businesses at every growth stage.

Alexandra Trakas, Founder and CEO, Bash Boxing: Trakas has spent ten years in the fitness and wellness industry. In 2017 Alex began her entrepreneurial journey. She conceptualized and founded Bash Boxing alongside her four partners. Trakas grew the brand to two locations in less than one year while grossing over $1.4 million in their first year in business. Trakas led her team and company through the COVID-19 pandemic, defining the brand’s path toward corporate and franchise growth. In September 2022, Bash opened its third location in the Mosaic District and recently opened its fourth location in Gainesville.

Join us on March 8 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Arlington Central Library in the Barbara M. Donnellan Auditorium for this inspiring discussion, networking and light refreshments.

By Alex Held

Are you a SWaM certified business? Then BizLaunch and the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity want to hear from you.

SWaM — Small Women and Minority Owned — businesses are the cornerstone of the Arlington and Virginia economy, and we want the chance to honor you this year at the 2023 SWaMmy Honors.

At last year’s SWaMmy Honors, we were thrilled to have Arlington’s Casual Adventure recognized as a SWaMmy Honoree, and this year it could be you. As we move forward out of the pandemic, tell us how the past three years of the pandemic have changed or transformed your business and the innovations you have made.

• Did you innovate your businesses’ goods/service offerings?
• Did you innovate in the delivery of goods/services?
• Did you innovate your business practices?

Nominations for the 2023 SWaMmy Honors are now open and due by April 1, 2023. Eligibility for the 2023 SWaMmy Honors are as follows:

• Businesses must be SWaM certified
• Businesses must be headquartered in Virginia
• Businesses cannot be debarred from doing business with the Commonwealth of Virginia

Nominate your SWaM certified business today.

The Commonwealth of Virginia has a goal to have 42% of procurement dollars go to SWaM certified businesses. While the amount varies each year, that equates to approximately $7 billion annually that is awarded to SWaM certified businesses.

Don’t miss out on your chance to reach new customers. To learn more about certifications, visit the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity’s website.

Don’t forget, the Commonwealth of Virginia issues solicitations through eVA. Learn how you can register for eVA today to find state and local procurement opportunities.

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

By Prakriti Deuja

Arlington loves to add sweetness to its nonprofit and small business community, and OpenGrants is the box of chocolates we’ve all been looking for.

And, thanks to BizLaunch, this sweet treat is free of charge to ALL users. With three dominant and dynamic databases already in stock, adding OpenGrants only further candy-coats the data Arlington offers.

OpenGrants, a grant finding database, is an all-in-one platform that helps you find grant opportunities across the nation. A tool that is free easy to use with a simple login you create, the dashboard is user-friendly and catered completely to you. The way it works? Fill out some information about yourself and your nonprofit or business, and grants will come find you!

Once your dashboard is configured and complete, you can easily access unique features of the resource. From finding a grant writer to assist in making the grant writing process easier to creating an organized panel with your projects consolidated into one page, this database is one that was created with you in mind.

Used (and loved!) by more than 12,000 grant-fingers and experts, OpenGrants has created an effective and personable hub for start-ups, small businesses, and nonprofits alike. Access to webinars and news pertaining to grants can also be found across the website, in addition to the many other tools available from the site alone. If you’re looking for access to capital, OpenGrants is free to use and ready to find grants just for you.

A free account with OpenGrants can be created at www.grants.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com. For any questions about the database listed, feel free to contact BizLaunch Administrative Specialist, Prakriti Deuja, at [email protected].

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

This is part of a series on how to sell to the Government. Upcoming pieces in this series will cover areas like contract vehicles, small business set-asides, unsolicited proposals and more. See more on Bidscale’s blog, BidBlogs.

By Bidscale Staff 

Did you know that the U.S. Federal Government is the world’s largest purchaser of goods and services?

Yearly new contract spending has hit $680 billion. From spaceships that orbit the moon to ballpoint pens, those funds ensure the U.S. Government (USG) has everything it needs to run smoothly. That money can also change lives and invigorate communities. Large contracts and a steady customer can alter the trajectory of a business and provide jobs in economically disadvantaged areas.

The Federal Government understands the impact of its purchasing power and its ability to achieve socioeconomic goals. Every year it sets aside billions of dollars for small businesses, minority-owned companies, and more, though rarely, if ever, depletes all the funds.

If the money is there, why doesn’t every business sell to the Government? The short answer, it’s hard; it takes time and background knowledge. On average, a Government contractor goes through 18 months of researching, planning, developing, and defining before winning its first contract with the Department of Defense (DoD), the largest provider of Federal contracts. Many companies have to hire contracting experts to guide them through the process, a role that can cost upwards of $85,000 annually.

On the bright side, slowly but surely, more tools and resources have emerged to help guide businesses through this process. It’s a win-win; the Government gains access to innovative solutions and products, while businesses gain access to Government funding. So what do you need to know to get started?

First, a contract is how the USG buys products and services. It’s a legally binding agreement that allows a Government entity to purchase something for “the direct benefit and use of a Government agency.” These contracts are regulated by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), an essential but complex set of guidelines.

According to the General Services Administration (GSA), there are three steps a company must take to potentially win a contract. “Find available opportunities with the Government relevant to their business capabilities, make necessary preparations for bidding on a GSA contract, submit an offer.” This is the overarching approach to this process, but administrative steps must be taken before you can even start searching for available opportunities.

Step 1: Obtain a CAGE Code

Issued by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code is a five-character ID number necessary when being awarded a contract by the Federal Government. It’s free to get and/or update this code and can be done online through the DLA. If you run into any roadblocks obtaining a CAGE Code, there’s an email contact ([email protected]) and or a number (877) 352-2255 that can be called for assistance.

It’s also possible to just register for SAM.gov and click “No” in the section regarding the CAGE Code, meaning your entity will be assigned a CAGE Code following the SAM.gov registration. There are some restrictions to this that the GSA has outlined.

Step 2: Register with SAM.gov

Now it’s time to register for SAM.gov or, The System for Award Management. It’s the official USA Federal contracting website and is free to use, and anyone can create a user account on SAM.gov. Except in rare circumstances, if you want to apply for federal awards as a prime awardee, you need a registration to bid on government contracts and apply for federal assistance.

It’s quite the process to sign up, but SAM.gov has an excellent FAQ page to assist with any roadblocks. The registration process with SAM.gov will also provide you with a Unique Entity ID (UEI) which has taken over for the DUNS Number. If you would like to read more about the transition, SAM.gov has posted extensively about it.

Step 3: Market Research

Market research is crucial before searching for opportunities. It’s a step you need to take upfront, but it’s also a step you will consistently need to come back to throughout your time selling to the Government. Competition for Government contracts can be tricky, so learning about the space and finding a niche is vital. Market research is an extensive topic. Check back with Bidscale’s blog, BidBlogs, as other parts of this series will be dedicated to market research.

Coming out of market research, you will want to start looking for opportunities. The Government signs millions of contracts each year, so finding a contract your company could fulfill can be daunting. Opportunity searches can be performed through SAM.gov, as it’s required that contracting officers post all opportunities on this website.

Another great tool that just hit the market is Bidscale Connect, which pulls all opportunities posted to SAM.gov and reposts them immediately. Unlike SAM.gov, Bidscale Connect uses an AI-powered search, which steadily hones in on users’ preferences as they use the platform, ensuring only relevant opportunities are pulled to the top of search results. It’s a streamlined way to search, ultimately saving users time, which can be used in the actual proposal writing process.

These basic steps will help your company start selling to the Federal Government, but there’s still plenty more you need to find success in this space.

To learn more about federal, state or local procurement opportunities, reach out to BizLaunch to schedule a BizLaunch consultation in the new year. Check back with Bidscale’s blog, BidBlogs, for upcoming posts covering market research, small business set-asides, small business tricks and tips, unsolicited proposals and more.

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

The largest indoor holiday market is coming to Arlington December 17-18 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City!

Brought to you by Forever Grateful Market, sponsored by BizLaunch and the Hyatt Regency.

This two-day indoor market will feature over 100 vendors from Arlington and across the DMV. Meet some of the vendors who are going to be there December 17-18:

• The Little Flower Field
• Not Your Average Candle
• SweetDream Berries LLC

 

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

This year, Small Business Saturday, the annual shopping event that encourages shoppers to support small businesses, will be held on November 26.

Since its founding in 2010 by American Express, Small Business Saturday has inspired thousands of shoppers to support local businesses.

With consumers and businesses facing rising costs due to inflation, starting today, BizLaunch is offering shoppers 5% rewards throughout the holiday shopping season for every purchase made at local businesses in Arlington through Open Rewards. The program, a partnership between Arlington Economic Development’s BizLaunch and a technology company Bludot, is a customer rewards program that incentivizes customers to shop locally.

“Small businesses are the fabric of Arlington and truly make our community unique,” says BizLaunch Director Tara Palacios. “The Open Rewards program is one of BizLaunch’s many innovative tools that small businesses can leverage to help them during these turbulent economic times.”

BizLaunch has invested $5,000 to pilot the Open Rewards program. The funds will provide shoppers with a 5% rewards incentive, which can then be redeemed to shop again at local businesses. To participate, consumers can download the Open Rewards app from the App Store or Google Play store, shop at eligible businesses and redeem rewards by uploading a receipt or linking a payment card.

Arlington small businesses with an Arlington Business License in the personal service, restaurant and retail sectors are automatically enrolled. There is no cost for businesses or consumers to participate. Arlington small businesses that want to participate in the program can visit BluDot online.

This holiday shopping season, get paid to shop local with Open Rewards. For more information about BizLaunch, visit www.bizlaunch.org.

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

By Guest Author, Jennifer Skow, Arlington Department of Community Planning, Housing, and Development

Before the COVID-19 pandemic we were already living in an increasingly digital world. Then the pandemic made accomplishing daily tasks, obtaining information, and interacting with the world more intertwined with the internet than ever before.

Business owners without adequate capital for digital platforms or the skills to navigate technology risk being unable to compete for clients, customers, and more.

To find out if local businesses have the connectivity and the skills they need, Arlington County is conducting an online assessment called the Business eCheckup. The Business eCheckup will help the County learn about common e-commerce practices among our businesses, barriers to adopting online practices, revenue impacts, and internet quality and price. The eCheckup includes a built-in speed test for your connection.

Whether you are a business or organization that does not have adequate access or good connectivity, or you are a business with a strong internet connection and technical skills needed to leverage online platforms (or you’re somewhere in between), Arlington needs to hear from you! We encourage everyone to complete the eCheckup so we can get a full picture of Arlington’s internet use.

An eCheckup is also available for Arlington households. Both are part of a larger countywide Broadband Study to better understand the internet landscape in the County.

Ensuring local competitiveness in the use of online practices is why Arlington Economic Development created ReLaunch — to give small businesses tools to evolve and expand, despite our new normal.

Since its inception, nearly 200 businesses have received free consulting services that range from website and ecommerce development to leveraging social media and marketing and branding strategies. Through this program:

• Arlington businesses are getting noticed — Through website development and better managing their online presence, program participants have expanded the number of customers in and outside of Arlington.
• Businesses are navigating away from predatory behaviors and security issues — Participants learned the importance of setting up secure email addresses, gained a better understanding of cyber security and digital tools, and redirected lost profits to third parties charging for free services elsewhere.
• Businesses are seeing their investments in broadband and more online exposure improve their bottom line — With access to capital, more digital tools, and a better understanding of online practices, many participants reduced costs and increased revenue for their business.

Share your story with us by taking the Business eCheckup or Household eCheckup — and encourage your friends and colleagues to take it as well. An investment of 20 minutes of your time will help the County plan for the future and provide needed resources for our community!