RIA Radio

Danita Doleman of SEAS Community Partners has helped small businesses in DC through a variety of services, including over 20 successful Great Streets grant applications! Danita talks about the keys to a winning Great Streets grant application and how to prepare for the next round of grants. Philip catches us up on what's happening at Good Food Markets. Next, June Mines of These Eyes of Mines talks about her boutique eye wear business, featuring one of a kind frames, coming soon to RIA Main Street!

Some important resources available to business owners is the topic for the 1st half of the show. Rebates for security cameras, bicycle rack installation, and more, are all programs designed to support small business growth. Philip calls in with a Good Food Market update (hint: get to the Trickling Springs Lemon Chiffon ice cream before Kyle discovers it). Then we're joined by Velvet and Treona Kelty-Jacobs. Chef Velvet is bringing an exciting new restaurant to RIA Main Street... and yes, it's vegan! And it is so much more. Listen now!

A sign for your business is more than simply a bigger version of your logo. The right sign can define and grow your business. Interested in getting a new sign, or refreshing the look of your existing signage? Gelberg has been creating and manufacturing signs in the DC area for over 75 years. Diane Gerber from Gelberg Signs joins us to talk about what makes a good sign, and what mistakes to avoid when designing your brick & mortar signage. Then Philip calls in with the Good Food Markets fresh update - lots of local produce is starting to show up, and even more good market news is on the horizon! Then we're joined by Kushaan Shah, the founder and Volunteer-in-chief of Social Rise. Social Rise is a nonprofit organization that aims to bridge the digital divide through social media inclusion for underserved communities, including small businesses that may be struggling to adapt to social media as a means of reaching customers. Kushaan shares some great tips for choosing the best social media platform for your business.

We are so pleased to announce that LISC-DC continues their investment on the growth of the RIA Main Street community. Adam Kent joins us to discuss the results of the MetroEdge economic analysis report that LISC recently conducted for us, and to announce a significant update in the KIVA-Zip/LISC partnership for maximizing crowd lending options for RIA Main Street businesses. Next, Philip from Good Food Market joins us for a market update. In the second half of the show, we visit with Charlie Whitaker, the CEO of CareerPath DC, the team that provides RIA Main Street with "Clean Team" services. While they do an amazing job in keeping RIA Main Street clean and safe with always-friendly faces, the programs that CareerPathDC offers to its team members goes much deeper. Job skills, career planning, and youth programming, and paying their team members a living wage are some of the hallmarks of CareerPathDC. Listen now for more details about both of these great programs!

Looking for commercial property on RIA Main Street? Long-time resident and commercial real estate broker Cyril Crocker joins us to talk about some of the best strategies for finding the perfect space for your next business. But all work and no play... well, you know how the saying goes. Danny Snyder joins us to talk about his business, TrickBox, which features adult fetish gear and clothing for anyone "from the reluctant explorer to the connoisseur". Listen now - we know you want to!

There's a new business on RIA Main Street! Hands on Drums has opened at 602 Rhode Island Ave NE, and Kristen Arent talks about the classes, the drums, and their mission: celebrating and supporting the work of Ghana craft makers while delivering hands-on drumming and arts experiences to uplift communities. Then we're joined by Mindy Mailman, an expert and consultant for small business Human Resources management. From small startups to next stage growth plans for businesses, informed HR policies are critical for a healthy business model. Listen now!

Philip from Good Food Markets calls in with our weekly market update - what's new, fresh, delicious, and available at Good Food Markets. Our first guest, Cathy E. Smith hosts The P.R.I.M.E. Show (aka PR and Internet Marketing for Entrepreneurs) on BLIS.fm. Her popular show is designed with media professionals and business owners in mind. Cathy brings her own vast knowledge, plus that of her guests, to share the latest trends, tips, and tools in offline & online marketing. Next - we're getting a new Farmers Market in the neighborhood! Starting in May, Rhode Island Row will host a weekly Farmers Market, produced by Community Foodworks. Hugo Mogollon, Dalila Boclin, and Nick Stavely stop by to talk about the market plans and community benefits they offer. Listen now for all the updates and news!

Ward 5 neighbor Vivica Brooks is the founder and CEO of The Brooks Group, LLC. Vivica is a leading expert in the field of customer service, job readiness, and soft skills training, and she stops by to talk to us about small business customer service - and making sure your employees are on the same page with you. Emily Eakland of Recreative Spaces is working with us at RIA Main Street to put on some really exciting event programming this year. She visits with Michelle about the upcoming event calendar, and about how vendors, performers, and the community can get involved. And of course we have a market update from Philip at Good Food Markets - tune in for the latest!

We have an extended visit from Philip at Good Food Markets, discussing their Good Neighbor Rewards program, as well as discount programs for seniors and SNAP households. Plus, they have great news! They will be partnering with a local grower here in the District for seriously local produce! Then we're joined by Rudolph Brooks and LaTisha McDuffie from DC Dragons/Dancarate. Classes are back in session after a major interior renovation, AND they are looking for qualified and talented instructors!

Jo from Highway to Hill Flowers joins us - their floral arrangements are spectacular, and they are in the neighborhood! Alma Alfaro-Laska of the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce joins us in the second half of show to talk about the upcoming Business Expo. Heads up, Ward 5 business owners - you get a free seat at the Business Matchmaking event at the Expo! Philip from Good Food Markets checks in to talk about the latest news - lots of good citrus is still coming in, so stop by soon.