It’s time to honor the small businesses that make up the heart and spirit of the Washington, DC community. Think Local First for the Local First Awards 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17 at the Eagle Bank Club at Audi Field (100 Potomac Ave. SW) to enjoy complimentary food, beer, wine and cocktail sampling, live music and the ceremony honoring those who are helping to keep our District vibrant.
At a time when small businesses are more profitable than ever, the outlook for their success in Washington, D.C. is strong. Government resources coupled with non-profit and private sector efforts for small business funding and resources have made the metropolitan area one of the fastest-growing regions for companies.
This has allowed many owners more freedom to innovate industries and create business models which communities in more tangible ways. Washington D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson along with Council Charles Allen and Elissa Silverman Think Local First DC in recognizing a group of these dynamic business leaders at the annual Local First Awards in October 2019.
The Local First Awards celebrate the heart and spirit of small businesses in Washington, D.C. The Pioneer award category honors those who’ve moved off the beaten path to pave the way for new opportunities and experiences for Washingtonians.
Movements like #DontMuteDC have touched millions across the country and inspired civic action beyond music. While historic organizations like Mi Casa Inc. are recognized for continuing in their long-held tradition of providing sustenance and hope for thousands of Washingtonians in need.
The Local First Awards 2019 is a show of gratitude to the business leaders and teams who make initiatives like these possible. A few of this year’s finalists include Mi Casa Inc, Black Girl Ventures, Bread for the City, Congress Heights Arts and Culture Center, the Washington Informer, Femme Fatale, Ice Cream Jubilee, Casey Trees, Good Food Markets, DC Central Kitchen, the 11th Street Bridge Project, Capital Fringe, #DontMuteDC, A Few Cool Hardware Stores (the owners of Frager’s), and Songbyrd Record Store and Cafe in Adams Morgan.
Audi Field will be abuzz with 600 of D.C.’s best and brightest for this night of celebration with live performances by Freddie Dunn Jr. Quartet and endless food and beverage tastings from local restaurants. Award-winning Journalist and Anchor, Lesli Foster, of WUSA 9 will host the evening’s festivities. Shuttle services will be provided from Navy Yard Metro Station by Battle Transportation.
Participating Media Partners include We Act Radio, WPFW 89.3FM, Washington Informer, Capital Community News [HillRag, MidCity and East of the River], Washington Blade, and Brightest Young Things. Event sponsors include DCHFA, JBG Smith, Department of Small and Local Business Development, Destination DC, OCTFME, Roadside Development, Patrick’s Petcare, City First Bank, Listen Local First, Chuck Levin’s Music Center, United Bank and LEDC.
Tickets are $79 and include ceremony, samplings, music and DJ. For more information, or to get tickets visit thinklocalfirstdc.org or visit the ThinkLocalDC Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
