What does it take to open a business in a neighborhood that some residents feel has traditionally lacked shops, restaurants and entertainment? 

As development ramps up East of the River — a new sports and entertainment arena in Congress Heights, Busboys and Poets in Anacostia, along with smaller local businesses — are longtime business owners, new entrepreneurs, and job seekers able to take advantage of the new growth? What are the businesses that are setting up shop — and will they serve the community surrounding them? And what efforts are being made to help residents find and keep jobs that will allow them to navigate the rapidly changing employment market in the District? 

Kojo heard from elected officials, residents, business owners and community leaders about what it takes to succeed as a small business in one of the city’s most underserved neighborhoods — a community that is also facing the highest unemployment rate in the city.

This show was recorded at our “Kojo in Your Community” live town hall event at the Anacostia Playhouse on July 30, 2019. 

Produced by Margaret Barthel and Monna Kashfi

Guests

• Anika Hobbs Founder and Owner, Nubian Hueman; @NubianHueman

• Jess Randolph Community Coordinator, The Hive 2.0 and Founder, JessBe Creative; @JessBeCre

• Stan Voudrie Chairman of the Board, Anacostia Business Improvement District and Principal, Four Points of Development; @StanVoudrie

• Kristi Whitfield Director, D.C. Department of Small and Local Business Development; @SmallBizDC

• Connie Spinner Head of School, Community College Prep Academy; @ccprepacademy

• Duane Gautier CEO and President, ARCH Development; @archdevelopment

• Kim Ford President and CEO, Martha’s Table; @kimrford2

• Unique Morris-Hughes Director, D.C. Department of Employment Services; @DOES_DC