DMV Resources

Chambers of Commerce

1. Northern Virginia Chamber – The Northern Virginia Chamber is the largest Chamber of Commerce in Northern Virginia representing nearly 700 companies and 500,000 jobs throughout the region.
2. Alexandria Chamber – monthly breakfasts, after-hours network mixers, and (free) brown bag/roundtable luncheons sponsored by the Alexandria Small Development Center
3. Arlington Chamber – monthly breakfasts, evening network mixers, and (free) brown bag/roundtable luncheons& small business roundtable
4. Central Fairfax Chamber – monthly evening network mixers; some breakfast and luncheon sessions
5. DC Chamber – monthly evening network mixers, periodic educational presentations, plus bi-weekly “Leadshare” sessions for exchanging referrals, with a focus on economic development, tourism, and advocacy
6. Dulles Regional Chamber – monthly networking breakfasts, evening network mixers, and (free) brown bag/roundtable luncheon workshops
7. Greater McLean Chamber – monthly luncheon and evening network mixers
8. Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce – Two legacy Chambers of Commerce, Mount Vernon Lee Chamber and Greater Springfield Chamber have joined forces to create the Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce.  This regional chamber will serve businesses in the eastern part of Fairfax County including the areas of Burke, Franconia, Kingstowne, Lorton, Mount Vernon, Springfield, and South Alexandria. Joining forces expands our reach, offers a stronger support network for businesses, a greater voice to our members and more opportunity for all. The future is bright for the Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber working to strengthen our community.
9. Prince William Chamber – monthly networking breakfasts, luncheon roundtables, and after-hours networking mixers
10. Reston Chamber – monthly luncheon and evening network mixers, lead shares.
11. Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce – They exist to fill the needs of small-medium sized businesses in the Tysons region who are looking to make a difference within their community and develop their reputations through self-promotion and networking.
12. South Fairfax Chamber – meetings 3-4 times a year
13. Prince William Chamber of Commerce – after-hours mixer, networking events
14. Greater Washington Board of Trade – a Chamber-like regional organization holding non-routinely scheduled events, including the resources of its Small Business Network division
15. Maryland Chamber of Commerce–events, start-up in Maryland, after-hours networking mixers
16. Anne Arundel County Chamber – networking breakfasts
17. Loudoun Chamber–leadshare, after-hours mixers, workshops, networking events
18. Chamber Frederick – leadership program, young professionals events, networking events
19. Rockville Chamber – networking, roundtable, mastermind
20. Calvert Chamber – after-hours mixers, young professionals, after-hour mixers, workshops
21. Howard County Chamber – training, workshops, networking, after-hour mixers, lunches, breakfasts
22. Greater Bowie Chamber – breakfast mixer, special events
23. Prince George’s Chamber–committee meetings, forum
24. Charles County Chamber of Commerce – mixer, breakfast mixer
25. Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce – special events, monthly networking, lunch & learns
26. Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce – The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber is the diverse business hub for the fastest growing region in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Our members include small and large businesses, nonprofits, governments, and educational institutions. We build relationships and create competitive advantages for a healthy business environment. We do this through leadership, access, innovation, advocacy, and connections.
27. Virginia Chamber – Our MISSION is to be the leading non-partisan business advocacy organization that works in the legislative, regulatory, civic and judicial arenas at the state and federal level to be a force for long-term economic growth in the Commonwealth.
28. Greater Springfield Chamber – monthly networking breakfasts, evening network mixers, and (free) brown bag/roundtable luncheon workshops (NOW: Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce – see above)
29. Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber – monthly networking breakfasts and luncheon seminars (NOW: Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce – see above)

Chamber & Chamber-like Affinity Groups

1. Northern Virginia Black Chamber – events, mixers, expo (Check out their DMV CEO Post)
2. Asian American Chamber – mixers, referral groups, networking events
3. Virginia Hispanic Chamber– conference, gala, clinics (Check out their DMV CEO Post)
4. Maryland Black Chamber – lunch and dinner networking, workshops, fairs.
5. National LGBT Chamber of Commerce – NGLCC – the business voice of the LGBT community.
6. The Greater Washington Urban League – Greater Washington Urban League removes barriers to entrepreneurship and provides expert guidance to inspire execution. We believe group instruction educates but one-on-one personalized coaching empowers action.
7. The Greater Fredericksburg Black Chamber of Commerce – The Greater Fredericksburg Black Chamber of Commerce (formerly the Stafford Regional Black Chamber of Commerce) is an organization dedicated to empowering Black and minority-owned businesses in the Greater Fredericksburg Area.
8. Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) – A nonprofit professional trade organization dedicated to promoting sustainable homeownership opportunities in Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities by creating a powerful national voice for housing and real estate professionals that serve this dynamic market.
9. Northern Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce – NOVAHCC is a privately funded organization of trailblazers, partner sponsors, luminaries entrepreneurs, investors, community and philanthropic leaders who provide advise and support to enhance B2B and B2G opportunities, thru procurement, business matchmaking and networking for our members and partners alike.
10. The Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce – Founded in 1976, the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (formerly the Ibero American Chamber) is a membership driven organization that supports the economic development of the Washington, DC metropolitan region by facilitating the success of Latino and other minority-owned businesses and the communities they serve through networking, advocacy, education, and access to capital.

Local Business Groups & Organizations

1. Alexandria Region – each group serves as a hyper-local chamber of commerce and is comprised of businesses located in the same general geographic area, often represented by a number of retailers, which meets periodically for presentations, networking, and to address issues affecting their members. Among them are the West End Business Association, Eisenhower Partnership, Del Ray Business Association, and the Old Town Business & Professional Association.
2. Rosslyn BID – The Rosslyn Business Improvement District (BID) is a designated 17-block mixed-use, an urban center in the heart of Rosslyn. Funded by a special tax paid by property owners within the BID boundaries, the Rosslyn BID provides services to enhance, grow and maintain the neighborhood through a public/private partnership with Arlington County.
3. National Landing BID – The National Landing BID (former Crystal City Business Improvement District BID) is a public-private partnership established in April 2006 to promote the vibrant Crystal City business, retail, restaurant and residential community. The BID is committed to showcasing the area as a world-class destination for visitors, employees and residents. (Check out their DMV CEO Post for The Crystal City BID)
4. Ballston BID – The Ballston Business Improvement District, or BID, is a 25-block area within the Ballston neighborhood comprised of both commercial and residential properties. The BID is funded by a special tax paid by commercial property owners within our set boundaries.
5. BizLaunch of Arlington Economic Development is Arlington’s small business and entrepreneurial assistance network, and your one-stop-shop for everything you’ll need to know about starting or growing a business in Arlington. BizLaunch partners with a wide variety of small business organizations to provide you with information on writing a business plan, taxes, permits, licensing, marketing, financing and just about anything else you’ll need to know to start or grow your business in Arlington. Additionally, the BizLaunch center offers information, counseling and research opportunities, all free of charge.
6. Fairfax County Economic Development Authority – The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority is here to help businesses start, expand or relocate in Fairfax County. Chartered by the Commonwealth of Virginia, the FCEDA is led by a board of county business leaders and funded by the Fairfax County government to promote the county as one of the world’s best business locations and build the county’s commercial tax base.
7. Entrepreneurs' Organization – The Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) is a global business network of 9,500+ business owners in 131 chapters and 40 countries. Founded in 1987 by a group of young entrepreneurs, EO enables small and large business owners to learn from each other, leading to greater business success and an enriched personal life.
8. The International Entrepreneurs (TiE)- DC CHAPTER – The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE), was founded in 1992 in Silicon Valley by a group of successful entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and senior professionals with roots in the Indus region.
9. MIT Enterprise Forum: The local chapter is one of a network of over 28 worldwide chapters of the Enterprise Forum, which was created as an outreach educational program of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.).  Its many programs are targeted to local start-ups, high technology businesses and investors.   The programs are designed to enable tech entrepreneurs to be successful by providing practical programming designed to educate and help them connect to mentors and experts.

Non-profit and Government Resources

1. Department of Employment Services (DOES): Empowering and sustaining a diverse workforce, which enables all sectors of the community to achieve economic and social stability.
2. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs: Supports a thriving community of residents, businesses, & visitors through diligent protection of health & safety & equitable admin of regulation & compliance
3. Office of Contracting and Procurement: Our mission is to partner with District vendors & agencies to purchase quality goods & services in a timely manner and at a reasonable cost.
4. Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) (Washington DC): Through a unique combination of high-impact student programs and exceptional teacher training and support, NFTE’s Baltimore / Washington Metro office provides schools and partners in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC the opportunity to change young lives through entrepreneurship.
5. Washington, DC Economic Partnership: The Washington DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP) is a non-profit, public-private organization that drives inclusive economic growth and job creation, supports business and promotes Washington, DC as a leading global city.
6. Historically Underutilized Business Zone – The HUBZone Empowerment Contracting program provides federal contracting opportunities for qualified small businesses located in distressed areas.
7. OPEN Washington DC is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of entrepreneurship, professional development, and advancement of leadership skills.
8. DCRA – The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) supports a thriving community of residents, businesses, and visitors through diligent protection of health and safety and equitable administration of regulation and compliance in our District. (Check out the interview HERE)

Quasi-Government Sponsored Organizations

• Small Business Development Centers
  1. Alexandria Small Business Development Center– 2-3 monthly educational sessions per month on topics relevant to small businesses, focusing on those in Alexandria
  2. George Mason University – Small Business Development Center– located at 4031 University Drive Suite 200 Fairfax, VA 22030-3409. Phone: 703-277-7727
  3. DC SBDC – The District of Columbia SBDC network is the only Districtwide, nationally accredited program that provides high-quality one-on-one consulting, training and information resources to empower new and existing businesses.
  4. Virginia SBDC – The Virginia SBDC is an organization of 27 local Small Business Development Center offices across Virginia providing professional business counseling, training, and business resources to help grow and strengthen Virginia businesses.
  5. Maryland SBDC – The Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network is dedicated to helping you start and grow your business. We provide training, confidential consulting and market and industry research to help aspire and existing small businesses make sound decisions for successful operations.
  6. Small Business Administration – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation.
• SCORE – SCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, with more than 10,000 volunteers in 300 chapters.

Economic Development Organizations

1. Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation – 9 monthly panel presentations on business growth topics on the 1st Thursday.
2. Fairfax County Economic Development Authority – business growth workshops every 1-2 months
3. Washington DC Economic Development Partnership – business management and growth panel presentations on the 2nd Wednesday

Independent Networking Groups

1. Old Town Alexandria Connections – upper echelon small businesses and organizations as eager to grow their business as they are to share tips, leads, and referrals with other OTAC Members Meetings are held between 12:00 and 1:30 on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month
2. Washington Network Group – an organization of business, finance, technology, foreign and government affairs professionals holding special networking events, innovative educational forums, and professional development opportunities
3. Northern Virginia Business Referrals – weekly breakfast meetings of Northern Virginia small businesses
   For Technology Organizations
4. Northern Virginia Technology Council – the region’s premier networking and educational organization, holding a variety of breakfast, luncheon, and evening events for a wide range of technology firms
5. Technology Council of Maryland – non-routinely scheduled educational events for District of Columbia and Maryland technology firms
6. TIE-DC – The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE), was founded in 1992 in Silicon Valley by a group of successful entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and senior professionals with roots in the Indus region. For entrepreneurs of all types, with a lot of IT, having 53 chapters in 12 countries, including this C.C. chapter
7. Entrepreneur’s Organization – Washington DC – Founded in 1991, EO is the premier, peer-to-peer, global community, network and resource for entrepreneurs.
8. C12 Group (DC Area Chapters) – The C12 Group has become the trusted authority on incorporating business best practices with the foundation of Biblical principles and core values. Business leaders from multiple industries meet monthly for a time of mutual sharpening, high-impact learning, and growth as stewards and Ambassadors for Christ in the marketplace. The C12 experience is accompanied by world-class curriculum and resources curated by top business and ministry leaders.
9. Team Network  – Created in 1992 for successful business people like you! We can help accelerate your growth and expand your business relationships like no other networking group in the Washington, DC and Baltimore Metro Areas.
10. Select Business Network – They are a networking group that was formed to promote a more successful method of networking for entrepreneurs. They meet weekly in Gainesville, Virginia, to discuss business, highlight our members’ services and talents, educate one another, share leads and lend support. By fostering relationships, they help build each others’ businesses.
11. District Bliss is a community of ambitious creatives and business owners who want to expand our networks quickly, build our businesses with ease, and just find our people! We host light-hearted networking socials with the best ROI in town and workshops — online and in-person — with invaluable resources to get you on the road to success.
12. Two Twelve Referral Networking – Two Twelve Referral Network is not just different.  That sounds cliche and over-used.  We want the referral process to evolve and meet the needs of a constantly changing business environment.
13. Success Champion Networking – Success Champion Networking is an online community that gives you back your time while connecting you with other business owners looking to scale and grow your business. There are chapters in Maryland & Virginia.
14. Social Register Network – Social Register Network is the premier business networking organization in the Las Vegas area for the past 25 years and in the past year we’ve expanded Nationally! Our organization consists of 2500+ members and is now sharing this unique business networking experience with business owners + entrepreneurs in the DMV area (launching in July of 2021).
15. Happy Neighborhood Project DMV Meeting – Happy Business Networking is the happiest virtual business networking events in the world! At our events, you will be able to network with positive and happy business people, while making 10+ quality connections at each event.
16. Pacesetters – Pacesetters is a business development group that aims to connect companies and organizations in the Washington, DC, region and support them in expanding their businesses together. Chapters are located in Annapolis, Baltimore & Washington DC.
17. ProVisors DC Metro Area – DC/Metro region has just launched, and we are excited to have Trusted Advisors in the D.C., Virginia and Maryland area become involved in our growing community. Our groups are all curated to maximize cross-referral opportunities. ProVisors is the largest national organization exclusively for professional service provisors – Trusted Advisors. Our system developed over 30 years accelerates business results for our members.

Women’s Networking Groups

NOTE: Although created for women professionals, many women’s networking groups accept men

1. eWomen Network (Tysons Corner Chapter / Northern Virginia Chapter / Leesburg Loudon County / Washington DC / Annapolis / Montgomery County) – monthly breakfasts, periodic educational activities, and an annual convention for women entrepreneurs
2. Women Building & Investing in Success – The WBIS NetGIVING Foundation is a Donor Advised Fund of United Charitable Programs, a 501(c)(3), 509(a)(1) public charity (Tax ID# 20-4286082).  The mission of the NetGIVING fund is to support entrepreneurs who want to combine their business building acumen with their drive to support the community.
3. Women in Technology – monthly lunch forums, evening network mixers, and ongoing educational events for women technology professionals
4. Women’s Business Center (under the umbrella of the Community Business Partnership) – monthly breakfast educational presentations (First Friday of the month), plus a variety of structured training classes and resources for business startups
5. Awesome Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) – Awesome Women (AWE), the professional networking group founded in Arlington in 2014 that had six chapters throughout the DC area, has become a program of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. The Arlington Chamber will offer women-only networking events beginning in the fall, and will call the new program the Arlington Chamber Chapter of AWE.
6. Black Girl Ventures – Founded in 2016 by Serial Entrepreneur and Computer Scientist Shelly Bell, The Black Girl Ventures Foundation (BGV) addresses the unique challenges Black/Brown women face in accessing social and financial capital to grow their businesses.
7. DCFempreneur – The mission of DCfempreneur is to offer community to connect local DC area, female entrepreneurs, by providing support through networking opportunities, collaboration, and professional events. Collectively members seek to combine and share skills, knowledge and expertise to help impact and grow their businesses to make them more purposeful, profitable and sustainable
8. Smart Women Professionals– The mission of Smart Women Professionals is to create a collaborative community of women who can, through their energy, connections, and experiences, elevate and empower us all to a higher level of professionalism and success
9. Enterprising Women of Color DMV Business Center – We provide women of color entrepreneurs with access to capital + resources. Powered by Wacif, made possible through a partnership with U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA).

For Nonprofits/Associations

1. The Alexandria Brown Bag – associated with A.S.A.E., this group arranges for speakers on topics of interest to associations/nonprofits during its free “bring-your-own” monthly luncheon meetings, on the third Thursday, between 12:00 and 1:30 in Old Town Alexandria. Receiving invitations and making reservations can be done through its LinkedIn Group, or by contacting its coordinator, Talisa Thomas-Hall at talisathomashall@theCEOnet.com or 703-981-1143. The meetings also are posted for registration on S.A.E.’s Website.
2. The International Council for Small Business (ICSB) – A non-profit organization devoted to continuing management education for entrepreneurs and small business. Founded in 1955, the International Council for Small Business (ICSB) was the first international membership organization to promote the growth and development of small businesses worldwide.
3. Street Entrepreneurs – Street Entrepreneurs envisions a grit-based economy where people with talent, drive, and hustle have access to the resources needed to sustainably solve the problems impacting their lives, their communities, and our world. (Listen to the interview)

Franchised (Franchise-like) Networking Groups

NOTE: These groups operate under a franchise or franchise-like arrangement, with a central headquarters and separate chapters with their members

1. BNI (Business Networking International) – thousands of chapters world-wide and numerous in Northern Virginia (North & South), Washington D.C. & Maryland (Central Maryland, 4 Shore) holding weekly meetings
2. Network Referral Group (NRG) – about 50 chapters in the region meeting at least monthly
3. GovCon Club – When federal agencies and their contractors need to host important discussions related to national security, they go to a SCIF, a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility. When Government and Industry needs trusted insights and intelligence to win in government contracting, they come to SCIIF, the Skunkworks for Competitive Intelligence Innovation in Federal Contracting.
4. SECAF (Small and Emerging Contractors’ Advisory Forum)– SECAF provides an environment for small/emerging governmental contractors to learn, network, and be an integral part of the contracting landscape, through (usually monthly) educational programs that incorporate successful business practices, business growth, contract partnering, recruitment and retention, and program development.
5. Quantico-Belvoir Regional Business Alliance – the mission of the Quantico/Belvoir Regional Business Alliance mission is to position the region as a welcoming and supportive community to the military and their business partners, in order to facilitate positive outcomes from growth, both within and outside the MCB Quantico and Fort Belvoir and to convey information on BRAC and other DOD-related growth opportunities. In doing so, Alliance identifies and communicates DOD-related business opportunities, through partnerships, advocacy, training, networking, and community outreach.
6. NeXco – neXco is a multi-faceted networking organization that provides multiple platforms to help you grow your business. At our core are our lead share groups, which meet twice monthly and include one seat per profession.
7. Northern VA Business Roundtable – To give true value to each member via weekly networking luncheon, strategy sessions, on going training,  create  thought provoking brainstorming, idea sharing, problem solving, business development with the Masterminds of other business professionals who help with accountability and Team building.
8. Freedom Networking Group–networking centered around passing referrals. (Check out their DMV CEO Post)
9. NOVA Networking – A professional group focused on growing business by passing referrals and networking.
10. Golden Geese Business Referral Network: Since 2003, Golden Geese has been a dynamic, successful and friendly Northern Virginia Networking Group with over $3 million in referrals passed for its members.

For Veteran-Owned Businesses

1. Bunker Labs DC – Bunker Labs connects the military community to the resources that help grow their businesses.
2. DCORP (Objective Rally Point) – monthly workshops designed to support Veteran-Owned Small Businesses and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses
3. StreetShares Foundation – The StreetShares Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that exists to inspire, educate and support the military entrepreneurial community. Launched on Veterans Day 2016, the StreetShares Foundation’s programs provide access to capital opportunities, educational content, mentors, coaching and networking events built to serve military community entrepreneurs nationwide.
4. Veteran Institute of Procurement – National Center for Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP) is a veteran entrepreneurship program that specifically addresses federal procurement.
5. Office of Veterans Business Development Resources – Useful resources from the Office of Veterans Business Development

For Youth & Students

1. Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) is a groundbreaking and exciting program that transforms local middle and high school students into real, confident entrepreneurs. Locations (Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce & Hartford County Chamber of Commerce)
2. Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) – NFTE activates the entrepreneurial mindset and builds startup skills in youth from under-resourced communities to ensure their success and to create a more vibrant society. (Baltimore/DC Metro Area)
3. Ashoka's Youth Venture – Youth Venture is an international community of young people who are powerful now, changemakers now. Youth Venture inspires and invests in teams of young people to create and launch their own sustainable, community-benefiting ventures.
4. Youth Entrepreneur Institute – Our mission is to break the cycle of local poverty by training the next generation of ethical, entrepreneurial and environmental leaders. Our programs help youth identify their own natural gifts and talents and then teaching them how to monetize these skills and use them to start a small business.
5. George Washington University Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship – The George Washington University (GW) Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship is housed under the Office of the Vice President for Research. The office provides programming around innovation, education, venture creation, and making connections to support GW entrepreneurs and the Mid-Atlantic startup community.
6. Georgetown Entrepreneurship – Our mission is to create a culture of entrepreneurship throughout the Georgetown University community and to ensure that every graduate and undergraduate student has the opportunity to explore and experience what it means to be an entrepreneur.
7. American University Entrepreneurship – The AU Entrepreneurship Incubator assists graduate students, undergraduate students and recent alumni in building successful profit or nonprofit/social entrepreneurial ventures that are sustainable and can scale over time.

Meetup Groups

1. DC Tech Meetup  – The DC Tech meetup brings together, technologists, entrepreneurs, investors and other innovators to “learn and share.” Each month over 800 innovators gather to see demos, product launches and meet potential co-founders, partners and funders.
2. DC Lean Startup Circle  – Based on the Lean Startup methodology coined by Eric Ries, the DC Lean Startup Circle description explains the group is “not a general entrepreneurship, networking or professional meetup group.”
3. DC Nightowls – An after hours community of “self-starters” that are looking to take ideas and make them happen.
4. Tech Breakfast – This monthly breakfast in Baltimore, Columbia, DC and NoVA where entrepreneurs, techies, developers, designers, business people and others congregate to see new technology and interact. Each TechBreakfast starts at 8:00 AM and goes until 10:00AM. It’s also free.
5. DC-MD Small Business Owner Networking** – DC-MD Small Business Owner Networking offers business related networking meetings and workshops for Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners throughout the DC & Baltimore Metropolitan areas (DC, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Anne Arundel County & Baltimore).
6. DC Young Entrepreneurs – DCYE is a networking and educational organization for young entrepreneurs located in DC. The Meetup has events such as Fireside Chats, happy hours, Business Book Clubs and co-working sessions.
7. Productcamp** – ProductCamp DC is a series of community organized gatherings focused on product related topics. Professionals interested in designing, building, launching and marketing great products gather to learn from one another and share their experiences.
8. Tech in Motion** – Tech in Motion is broad by design, the goal of this group is to be interactive and allow technology enthusiasts to learn from other professionals, have questions answered in real-time, discover new tech, and hear stories that inspire. This group is a place for technology professionals who wouldn’t usually cross paths to meet, collaborate, and learn about what their peers are doing across the city.
9. Social Entrepreneurs & Changemakers, D.C., Networking** – Please come and team up with other changemakers and social entrepreneurs looking for partners! It will be fun and stimulating!
10. Startup Grind – Startup Grind is an event series and website designed to help educate, inspire, and connect local entrepreneurs. Each month we welcome a fantastic speaker who shares their story with our community and tells us what worked, what didn’t, and what they’ll do differently next time. It’s an amazing opportunity to learn from the best, network with other members of the startup community, and improve your chances of entrepreneurial success.
11. Loudoun Tech Startups is the local group for the emerging and growing Loudoun Tech community to relax, network and learn together. Come out monthly to meet your tech-minded peers, discuss what you’re working on, learn from a trending speaker and maybe even find your next opportunity.
12. 1 Million Cups (Prince William County / Loudoun County / Fairfax County / Washington DC** – not a Meetup) – Based on the notion that entrepreneurs discover solutions and network over a million cups of coffee, the Kauffman Foundation developed 1 Million Cups – a free program designed to educate, engage, and connect entrepreneurs with their communities.
13. Silver Line Social – The Silver Line Social is a free and open networking platform. We help people in our community connect. Connect with entrepreneurs, business owners, job seekers, software developers, government contractors, local residents, after work traffic-dodgers and more!
14. LinkedIn Local NOVA – This group is designed to bring LinkedIn connections together within the same space to network. The movement LinkedIn Locally was originally founded by a group of three LinkedIn Influencers and has officially made its way to the DC area. All are welcomed to attend. We look forward to meeting you! The NOVA is just a hashtag (#LinkedInNOVA ) on LinkedIn.

**These groups have had events in 2022

Incubators

1. 1776 in Washington DC: 1776 is the largest network of incubators that cultivates and empowers startup ecosystems in the Northeast Corridor. We exist to strengthen the cities and economies by building a thriving community of entrepreneurs.
2. Community Business Partnership: Community Business Partnership (CBP) provides education, technical assistance, business incubation services, access to capital and networking opportunities.
3. George Mason University – Small Business Development Center– Mason SBDC provides counseling services at no cost to small business owners in the Northern Virginia area. Located at 4031 University Drive Suite 200 Fairfax, VA 22030-3409. Phone: 703-277-7727
4. Startups Ignite – Fostering, enabling, and growing a community focused on helping startups grow.
5. Inclusion Innovation Incubator – In3 is the District of Columbia’s first space focused on inclusion, innovation and incubation. The incubator is committed to creating a collaborative environment where under-resourced members have access to the space and services needed to build or grow a successful business.

Co-working Spaces

1. AdvantEdge – AdvantEdge offers a number of different options for workplaces in their locations downtown and near Maryland just inside the D.C. border
2. Carr Workspaces – Carr has locations all across the country, with several in D.C. and the surrounding states
3. Cove – has multiple locations spread out around Washington, D.C.
4. The Hive 2.0 – Located in South East, DC, The Hive membership levels and hosts workshops and networking events that are open to the public
5. Make Offices – Make Office’s many nationwide locations are in or around the nation’s capital
6. Metro Office – Metro Office has several locations and offers various memberships
7. Spaces – Spaces has various networking spaces in and around Washington D.C.
8. WeWork – WeWork is home to various distinct co-working offices in and around Washington, D.C.
9. Intelligent Office – Intelligent Office helps businesses solve issues they face every day. Find our professional service and flexible work space solutions at a virtual office near you (Maryland, Virginia & Washington DC)! (Check out the interviews with Intelligent Office – Alexandria)

Ideas, Partnerships, and Funding

1. Amplifier Ventures: Established in 2004, Amplifier Ventures is the trademark for a group of related technology innovation consulting and investment management businesses that collectively operate at the cross section of entrepreneurship, technology, innovation and policy in the Greater Washington Region. Amplifier Ventures has helped establish 16 technology businesses in a broad range of industries, and has provided innovation consulting services to federal and state government agencies, universities, not for profit companies and for profit businesses. Amplifier Ventures is led by Jonathan Aberman, a highly connected and nationally-recognized authority on innovation and venture capital.
2. TEDCO is an independent organization that strives to be Maryland’s lead source for entrepreneurial business assistance and seed funding for the development of startup companies in Maryland’s innovation economy.
3. Y Combinator: Y Combinator provides seed funding for startups. Seed funding is the earliest stage of venture funding. It pays your expenses while you’re getting started.

Facebook & Facebook-Like Groups

1. I AM CEO – Our Facebook Group! Powered by CBNation & Blue 16 Media, workshops, networking mixers and more for entrepreneurs, startups and business owners.
2. DMV Deal Makers – Where real estate dealmakers in the DC metro area come together
3. Northern Virginia Events & Vendor Directory – A listing of all upcoming events & vendor opportunities. Feel free to list any future events or vendor opportunities that are in the Northern Virginia area.
4. NoVA Business Referral Roundtable – This is a group for northern Virginia and DC metro area professionals to network, share referrals and does business with some of the Best of the Best entrepreneurs, business owners, and sales reps.
5. DC Social Media – A space for connecting, communicating, and collaborating with social media enthusiasts and professionals in Washington DC and local surrounding areas.
6. DC Tech – This is from DC Tech. Meaning that the content and conversations should be related to the greater DC Metro region and have a focus on technology or technology-enabled businesses.
7. Gainesville Encouraging Networkers  (Winchester Chapter)– Welcome to Gainesville Encouraging Networkers, a business networking group built on covenant relationships in the Virginia/ Washington DC Area. We focus on helping each other network and grow our business through monthly luncheons and business spotlight. (Check out their DMV CEO Post)
8. Freelance DC – Freelance DC is a great place to connect with other independent types — freelancers and consultants.
9. Networking Professionals of Virginia (NPV) – NPV a “Formula for Increasing Your Business Cash flow”. We are a group of business professionals looking to help one another succeed. We have two chapters that meet bi-weekly via meetup, Ashburn(Eastern Loudoun) and Springfield/Alexandria.
10. Small Business Owners – DMV (DC, Maryland & Virginia) – The objective of this group of business owners is to learn and share from each other. Please feel free to utilize this media to ask for advice, share a success story and share useful resources.
11. DC Hispanic Business Network | by DelfinoCo – The DC Hispanic Business Network was created to support a sustainable business environment in the Greater Washington Area, for Hispanic business owners and entrepreneurs.
12. DMV Black Owned Businesses – This group is a place where black-owned business owners can promote their products and services. And a place where consumers can support and buy from a black business owner.
13. DMV Black Entrepreneurs Network – A place where Black business owners, and those seeking black businesses within their communities. Providing a platform to network and unite the black dollar.
14. “The Social Collective”– These local groups are focused on helping each other further our career goals, strengthen our personal relationships and achieve success in our lives through sharing our thoughts, skills and recommendations with each other. The groups are located in different areas: The Loudon County Social Collective, Fairfax County Social Collective, The Arlington County Social Collective, The Prince William County Social Collective, The Frederick County Social Collective, The Fauquier County Social Collective & The Tysons/Falls Church/Vienna Social Collective.
15. MEG Community – Our MEG Community brings together solo and micropreneurs like you to master starting your first business OR growing your existing business through our member meetings, webinars, educational videos, inspirational programs, and networking. Here you learn how to put solid, foundational small business practices into place and use them (ACTION!) to grow your business.

Online Resources

1. DMV CEO – DMV CEO is a niche blog that captures the essence of entrepreneurship in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. DMV CEO is a member of CEO Blog Nation.
2. Business One Stop is a step-by-step guide from Virginia.gov that provides a step-by-step guide including considering starting a business, starting a business, running a business and expanding a business.
3. Doing Business in Fairfax County
4. Connect Speed Networking – Experience our Networking Events. People just like you working together, helping each other grow their businesses and improve their business skills.

Technology Startup Resources

1. Center for Innovative Technology: CIT seeks to close innovation gaps in the Commonwealth and the nation by focusing on new technologies, entrepreneurs and technology companies that make innovation happen.
2. Maryland Industrial Partnerships: Maryland Industrial Partnerships (MIPS) promotes the development and commercialization of products and processes through industry/university research partnerships.  MIPS provides matching funds to help Maryland companies pay for the university research.  Projects are initiated by the companies to meet their own research and development goals.
3. Maryland Technology Development Corporation (MDTEDCO): TEDCO is an independent organization that strives to be Maryland’s lead source for entrepreneurial business assistance and seed funding for the development of startup companies in Maryland’s innovation economy.
4. The Entrepreneur Center (NVTC): Northern Virginia Technology Council offers resources for technology-focused startups and entrepreneurs at every stage of their lifecycle.
5. Potomac Tech Wire: Potomac Tech Wire is an independent news organization that covers technology stories in the greater Washington D.C. region in an objective and independent manner.
6. Tech Bisnow: Bisnow is a digital media company that publishes daily e-newsletters and produces events focused on local business trends, personalities, and happenings.
7. Entrepreneurial Development & Assistance Center @ Morgan State University (EDAC) exists to connect budding & existing entrepreneurs to resources for venture management & growth.

Annual Events

1. DC PodFest brings podcasters and digital influencers together for two days of learning, networking, workshops, live performances and fun. You can call it a conference if you want to. We think of it as an independent podcast intensive for podcasters and podcast fanatics.
2. DC Startup Week: DC Startup Week (DCSW) features thought-provoking, informative, and entertaining events put on by more than 50 collaborating organizations.
3. GW October Conference – As a response of that situation, the International Council for Small Business (ICSB) proposed the GW October Conference in 2009, as an ecosystem where academia and government leaders can have serious discussions on what should be considered to promote constructive policies for supporting small businesses. Also, the month of October is the official start of the fiscal year for the American Federal Government.
4. Washington DC Small Business Expo – Small Business Expo is Washington, D.C.'s BIGGEST virtual business networking & educational event for Small Business Owners & Entrepreneurs. Join other passionate Washington, D.C. Business Owners virtually and learn how to increase revenue & grow your business.
5. State of the District & Region Conference – As the District of Columbia and the region move past the pandemic, our business community is seeking support and answers to rebuild our economy. Our conference features panelists and speakers including prominent business representatives and leaders, health directors, higher education administrators, workforce development leaders, regional and local elected officials.
6. More Events in the DMV for CEOs, entrepreneurs and business owners.