Donate: Business Relief Fund
For D.C.’s
Future
Think Local First DC works to live in a thriving Washington, D.C. where local and diverse businesses are valued, invested in, and successful.
Support
Local
Business!
More Search Options$5M
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
During 2020 COVID-19, TLFDC worked with 70+ small local businesses and sole proprietors with direct technical assistance and questions on the PPP application with Congressional Bank. 50% of the applications were people of color with an average loan amount, $84k.
$100M
Invested Locally
If anchor institutions shift 5% of their spending to local firms, it would create $100 million in new revenue.
200
COVID-19 IMPACT
First impact survey distributed to DC local businesses with 200 respondents. Survey results provided preliminary, high-level takeaways to the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning & Economic Development for their memo to Mayor Bowser on what local businesses needed for COVID-19 recovery.
Meet the People that give
our work Purpose

Lee's Flower Shop
Made In DC, Lee's Flower and Card Shop was established in 1945 and is still family owned and operated. A staple of the U Street corridor since 1969, we only use the freshest, highest quality flowers to fulfill each order. Our shop has a professional, caring staff to serve all of your floral and gift needs. Your arrangement will arrive beautifully presented and personalized with your message. Owners, Stacie and Kristi Lee, LOVE what they do and we are committed to maintaining long term relationships with our clients.

Busboys and Poets
Busboys and Poets is a community gathering place. First established in 2005, Busboys and Poets was founded by owner Andy Shallal, an artist, activist and restaurateur. After opening the flagship location at 14th and V Streets, NW, the neighboring residents and progressive community embraced Busboys, particularly activists opposed to the Iraq War. Busboys and Poets is now located in seven distinctive neighborhoods in the Washington Metropolitan area and is a cultural hub for artists, activists, writers, thinkers and dreamers.

DC Brau
Starting in 2009, the duo, Brandon and Jeff, went about filling the glaring void in the local beer market. Two years later, on Tax Day 2011, DC Brau Brewing Company officially tapped its first keg of beer entirely brewed, packaged and sold within the District of Columbia. Since then, owners, Brandon, Jeff and Mari, the brewery has crafted award-winning beer — utilizing a delicious and uniquely American blend of North American and European techniques and ingredients — with distribution throughout the greater National Capital Region, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and beyond.
Event Spotlight

October 2018
Local First Awards 2018
The Local First Awards celebrates local independent businesses and recognizes their positive impact in the community.
Venue Name
The Showroom DC