Washington, DC

These government agencies, quasi-government entities, and private organizations offer training that is useful to the business and nonprofit community. Some training is free, while other training requires payment. Training varies in length from a single session to a series of seminars over several weeks. Topics include business planning, computer skills, management, marketing, and bookkeeping.

Community Development Corporations
Many community development corporations (CDCs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) offer training courses for businesses in specified geographic areas or across the District of Columbia.

DC Public Library
The DC Public Library (DCPL) provides a variety of classes for the general public that are also helpful for small businesses and nonprofits. Visit the schedule for free computer training and read the library's calendar of events.

Department of Employment Services
Department of Employment Services' (DOES) provides a range of training opportunities for startup and small businesses, as well as business counseling services.

District of Columbia Small Business Development Center Network
This network provides free technical assistance and affordable training to small, minority-owned, and other disadvantaged enterprises in all phases of business development.

Enhanced Business Information Center
A product of the Department of Small and Local Business Development, DC Public Library, and the US Small Business Administration, the Enhanced Business Information Center (e-BIC) ensures that the most current resources for starting a small business in the District of Columbia are readily available at a convenient location. It also offers a plethora of free training and educational courses and materials.

George Washington University Law School Small Business Clinic
This clinic provides free start-up legal assistance to selected area businesses and nonprofit organizations.

Georgia Avenue Business Resource Center
Georgia Avenue Business Resource Center (GABRC) is a leading, District-wide provider of technical assistance to small businesses and nonprofit organizations. Visit the events calendar for training information.

SCORE
SCORE, "Counselors to America's Small Business," is a nonprofit association dedicated to providing entrepreneurs with free, confidential face-to-face and email business counseling. SCORE offers seminars that are posted on the SBA training calendar and online training through the SCORE Business Toolbox and Learning Center.

US Small Business Administration
The Washington Metropolitan Area District Office of the US Small Business Administration (SBA) offers workshops, seminars, and courses. Many of these training opportunities are free. Visit the local training calendar. The SBA also offers online training at the E-Business Institute, a virtual campus that hosts free training courses, workshops, and resources designed to assist entrepreneurs.

The Washington Area Community Investment Fund, Inc.
The Washington Area Community Investment Fund, Inc. (WACIF) provides technical assistance and access to capital in order to strengthen small businesses and build other assets in the community, such as housing, community-based facilities, and child care facilities.

Women's Business Center
The mission of the Women’s Business Center is to be the premier provider of training in the national capital area for women who want to start or expand their own business. For training opportunities, visit the current schedule.