Entrepreneurs all face the same challenges and questions about growth, success, and how to overcome hardships. Whether they’re well established in their fields or just starting out, those who own or run their own businesses are always looking for ways to hone their crafts and boost their organizations’ productivity. Entrepreneur workshops can be a huge help, especially in a company’s early stages, and the great news is that Washington, D.C. is home to many providers that offer networking and learning opportunities throughout the year.
If you’re a business owner looking for the perfect entrepreneur workshop to further your operations, then this guide is for you. The following providers offer different types of workshops for entrepreneurs throughout the greater D.C. area, all of which are within a short drive or public transportation ride from DARO Apartments communities.
5 Reasons to Participate in Entrepreneur Workshops
The interesting thing about business development training is that it’s not just for entrepreneurs. Nearly anyone who attends an entrepreneur workshop can learn information that will help them in their own career paths, even if they are not creating a business from scratch. The perks of attendance include:
- Networking with other like-minded business people
- Learning about emerging industries and their impacts on traditional business spaces
- Developing new skills to implement in your own daily life and workplace
- Understanding workflow principles and how to optimize them
- Creating a startup-style mindset to encourage innovation
Entrepreneur workshops can help people of all walks of life better their careers and meet their work-life goals. The first step is finding the right ones for you so you can get started on the path of your development dreams.
Entrepreneur Workshops and Trainings in D.C.
If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, check out one of these entrepreneurship mentors and workshop providers for assistance:
Department of Small and Local Business Development
Small business owners and local entrepreneurs looking for funding to grow their businesses have the opportunity to work with the Business Development Division at DSLBD to “better position themselves to participate in contracting opportunities offered by the District and Federal Governments, as well as by the private sector.” The division prides itself on providing local entrepreneurs with advice on how to access capital for business growth, manage their finances, and build credit. It also provides a DC Business Toolkit as well as regular trainings and workshops to help small entities reach their potential. It is located just north of the National Mall, and just a short commute or drive from Upper 16th NW, Mount Pleasant, and Columbia Heights, among other D.C. neighborhoods.
Washington Workshops Foundation
Founded in 1967, the Workshops Foundation prides itself on providing “experience-based educational travel programs to highly motivated, academically prepared, and inquisitive people.” Its focus is on giving its participants a “more comprehensive understanding of leadership, civic education, the federal government, U.S. politics, American history, and global affairs,” through programs such as internships, academic seminars, and professional development courses. Its events are designed to empower leadership. The Workshops Foundation is located in Georgetown, and just a short drive or public transportation commute from Foggy Bottom and Dupont Circle.
SCORE Washington D.C.
Mentorship opportunities are wonderful resources for small business owners and new entrepreneurs, and SCORE Washington D.C. exists to provide just that. The company offers “highly successful and experienced business professionals and entrepreneurs” who “deliver valuable, timely, and practical advice” to participants for free. Small business owners simply fill out a form to request a mentor, and can receive their no-cost mentoring session by phone, email, or through video conferencing. The remote environment means the tips and tricks can be accessed from anywhere, from Cathedral Heights and Van Ness to Cleveland Park, Thomas Circle, Woodley Park, and beyond.
For GW Students: GW I+E Lab
Located on George Washington University’s campus in Washington, D.C. — just a short drive or metro ride from Dupont Circle, Georgetown, and other great D.C. neighborhoods — the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s GW I+E Lab aims to “serve as a hub for innovation, imagination, and collaboration at GW.” It is open to current George Washington students with innovative, entrepreneurial mindsets, who will then have the opportunity to speak with mentors, and attend entrepreneur workshops and events.
For Students: the GW Innovation Center (GWIC)
If you’re a student looking for an organization that focuses on creating discussions around disruptive ideas, the GWIC may be the perfect place for you. It is geared toward facilitating “knowledge transfer of hands-on skills, new domain exploration, interaction with peers from from other disciplines, alumni, and like-minded people” to help budding entrepreneurs obtain seed funding, get expert advice, learn skills, network, and get involved with social impact projects. The GWIC is located in Foggy Bottom.
For Youth
Entrepreneurship can start at any age, so if you’ve got a child with a business-focused mindset, you might be interested in helping them achieve their dreams. The Youth Entrepreneur Institute in Anacostia, just across the river from Navy Yard, helps teach youth “the value of hard work with business, art and STEM experiences,” setting them up for success in the business world down the road. Its mission is to “break the cycle of local poverty by training the next generation of ethical, entrepreneurial and environmental leaders” through in-house businesses called POPSHOPS.
Washington, D.C.: A Great Place to Work, Learn and Live
There is no shortage of work, learning, cuisine, activities, or entertainment opportunities in the Nation’s Capital, and that means it’s a wonderful place to live. Finding the right apartment community that is convenient to everything you love or need to do is key to making it feel like your permanent home. If you’re looking for a new apartment home in the D.C. area, contact DARO Apartments today! We offer 20 rental communities across the Capital, each with flexible leasing options and unique amenities, and our leasing experts would be happy to help you find the perfect apartment for your needs. Give DARO Apartments a call to inquire about available units or to schedule a tour.
