DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has officially made a striking move in the tech world by celebrating 'Digital Empowerment Day,' where she gifted a suite of 160 Chromebooks to local business owners. This act acknowledges the importance of technology in business growth and development, positioning DC as a prime hub for tech innovation.
In a drive to affirm DC's commitment to bridging the digital divide, the Chromebooks were handed out as a tangible resource to registered business owners actively participating in the Department of Small and Local Business Development's Dream Pitch and Aspire to Entrepreneurship programs. Alongside this tech infusion, the recipients are set to gain access to in-person courses and certifications aimed at boosting their digital prowess. This comes at a time when having an online business presence is more crucial than ever—a fact not lost on Mayor Bowser who, according to dc.gov, asserted, "We know how important an online presence is for business these days, so distributing these computers is one more way we can help local entrepreneurs get their fair shot and make it easier to do business in DC."
The donation, facilitated by the tech-for-good organization Human IT, echoes a wider initiative by DC's government and its agencies to foster a thriving tech ecosystem, directly contributing to the city's rising profile amidst tech-centric localities. This initiative marks yet another stride towards sustaining DC's recognition as a leader in the tech world, backed by recent accolades such as the number one spot for tech careers by Forbes and being named the most innovative state by Wallet Hub in 2024. The CBRE in 2023 ranked DC fourth in the U.S. and Canada for top tech talent markets and SmartAsset in 2022 hailed it as the second-best U.S. City for Women in Tech.
Rosemary Suggs Evans, DSLBD Acting Director, mentioned the intrinsic value of technology for local businesses, saying, "Access to technology is fundamental for businesses to compete in today's economy." She added, during the Digital Empowerment Day, "We are taking a proactive approach to ensuring that our small businesses and entrepreneurs have the resources they need to thrive." Her statement echoes an indisputable movement towards technological integration deemed essential in the current business climate, as per dc.gov.
Moreover, the city's Fiscal Year 2025 budget as outlined by Mayor Bowser includes substantial investments earmarked for the direct benefit of small and local businesses, encompassing millions in funding across programs designed to simplify business licensing, support retail business growth, incentivize revitalization, and streamline licensing processes. Of note is the $1.5 million commitment towards the new DC Business Portal, and an additional $5 million for the Vitality Fund, catered to high-growth sector businesses, showcasing the city's vested interest in a robust commercial environment.
