Washington, DC - The DC Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) and the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) awarded 21 DC entrepreneurs today with new tools to better integrate technology into their business operations. The event marked the culmination of the 10-month Small Business Success Project with awards ranging from iPad tablets and Square cash registers to laptops and client relationship management (CRM) software.

The integration of low-cost technology tools can help small businesses with fewer resources work smarter and thrive in today’s digital economy. Since November 2012, the Small Business Success Project has connected more than 200 DC entrepreneurs with the skills and tools to advance their business goals and remain competitive in the digital economy. A majority own businesses in Wards 5, 7 and 8, where research based on the 2010 Census reveals that a significant digital divide exists as broadband adoption is below 40 percent.

"The Small Business Success Project is a fantastic example of how the public and nonprofit sectors can work together for the greater good of broadband inclusion to assist local businesses and further strengthen communities,” said Rob Mancini, District Chief Technology Officer.

By integrating technology, DC small business owners are now poised to boost their sales, efficiency, and market share given the significant number of potential customers online. According to the Pew Internet & American Life Project, approximately 78 percent of adult US internet users look for information online about a service or product they are thinking of buying, 71 percent buy a product, and 37 percent rate a product, service or person using online rating systems.

Through a host of trainings – a mix of classroom instruction and online webinars in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese – on topics including basic computing, website development, social media, and CRM software, LEDC helped entrepreneurs get comfortable with technology tools. Many businesses also received technical assistance in areas including business planning, loan assistance, and website development to strengthen their businesses.

“Technology is one of the most powerful game changers for small businesses today,” said LEDC Small Business Development Director Marla Bilonick. “By integrating social media and technology into their day-to-day operations, our Small Business Success Project clients are able to work smarter and faster and are reaching new markets in the District and beyond.”

Twenty-one DC-based businesses received hardware (including laptops, tablets, square registers) and software (including Quickbooks, Microsoft Office, CRM software, or Point of Sales Systems) to complement their new skills and education. Roughly 40 percent hail from Wards of 5, 7 and 8; 81 percent are women-owned businesses; 6 own day cares, 3 own food businesses, and 12 represent a wide array of professional services (life coaching, commercial refrigeration, transportation) and retail offerings (aquatic supplies, knitting supplies, beauty).

In August 2011, Ward 5 business owner James Jones started DMV Aquatics, an online fish store specializing in tropical crayfish. A fish hobbyist from an early age, he turned a personal passion into a professional opportunity. Through the Small Business Success Project, James registered for a Square cash register and an iPad tablet to accept credit card payments from his customers. By developing a social media platform to promote his expertise, fish and equipment, James has used technology to improve his customer service for his growing customer base. “The tablet is going to allow me to take care of a lot more business because I travel a lot,” James says. “I’m also going to be able to let my clients that pay for tank maintenance use credit cards instead of having to go to the bank because I don’t accept personal checks.”

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