Anacostia BID “Village” Program

A Proactive, Smart-Growth Model for Business Attraction, Retention & Sustainability

Overview

The Anacostia BID “Village” Program is a place-based initiative that supports entrepreneurs from concept through long-term sustainability within the Anacostia BID. The program addresses the complexity of opening and growing a business by assembling a coordinated “village” of resources—technical assistance providers, District agencies, DC Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) Operational Assistance Partners (OAPs), lenders, developers, and community partners.

The Anacostia BID serves as the convener and central coordinator, operating in a proactive, smart-growth mindset to ensure local businesses grow with Anacostia rather than being left behind by change.

Why the Village Matters

  • Reduces barriers for entrepreneurs navigating multiple systems

  • Supports locally owned and CBE-certified businesses

  • Activates storefronts and reduces vacancy

  • Aligns business growth with neighborhood development and culture

  • Ensures long-term sustainability, not just openings

How the Village Works

Central Navigation Platform: Business Communication Access Portal (BCAP)
BCAP is the operational backbone of the Village and serves as a single point of entry for businesses.

BCAP provides:

  • Centralized communication and case management

  • Individual business readiness assessments and roadmaps

  • Coordinated navigation of leasing, permitting, financing, and build-out

  • Ongoing post-opening engagement and support

This platform reduces administrative burden and allows the BID to proactively manage growth and respond to challenges early.

Core Village Resources

  • DC CBE Operational Assistance Partners (OAPs):
    Certification support, financial management, operations, compliance, and growth planning

  • Technical Assistance Providers:
    Business planning, marketing, workforce, and operational support

  • District Agencies:
    Permitting, licensing, and regulatory coordination

  • Lenders & CDFIs:
    Capital access and financial readiness

  • Developers & Property Owners:
    Site identification, leasing, and build-out coordination

  • Community & Cultural Partners:
    Neighborhood alignment and activation

From Concept to Sustainability

The Village supports businesses through:

  1. Idea development and readiness

  2. Site selection and leasing

  3. Permitting and regulatory approvals

  4. Build-out and opening

  5. Post-opening retention and growth

Unlike traditional models, the Village remains engaged after opening to support long-term success.

Impact & Outcomes

  • Increased locally owned and CBE business openings

  • Improved business retention and sustainability

  • Reduced commercial vacancy

  • Stronger integration of arts, culture, and commerce

  • Businesses remaining rooted in the community as Anacostia grows

Why This Model Works

The Anacostia BID Village Program leverages the BID’s role as a trusted convener to proactively guide growth. By coordinating partners through BCAP and aligning support early, the Village helps businesses thrive while preserving Anacostia’s cultural and economic identity.