What it is

The Washington Metropolitan Area District Office is the local office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for the core of the DMV. It helps business owners with SBA funding programs, counseling, federal contracting certifications and disaster recovery, and it connects them with partner organizations, lenders and community groups. The office is located at 13221 Woodland Park Rd, Herndon, VA 20171, and is led by District Director Larry G. Webb.

Who it is for

The office serves small businesses and aspiring owners in the District of Columbia; Montgomery and Prince George's counties in Maryland; and Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun counties plus the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax and Falls Church in Virginia. Founders based outside these jurisdictions should check which SBA district office covers their area.

What it offers founders

  • Free business counseling: SBA describes its counseling as free and points founders to local counselors through its local assistance finder.
  • Access to capital: guidance on SBA loan programs, including 7(a) loans, 504 loans and microloans, plus the Lender Match service that connects borrowers with participating lenders.
  • Federal contracting: help with SBA contracting certifications for businesses that want to sell to the government.
  • Startup basics: a local guide covering name registration, licensing and zoning, taxes, and health and safety requirements.
  • Events: regular online and in person sessions, often co-hosted with resource partners such as women's business centers and county procurement offices.

How to engage

Start with the office's doing business in our area guide, then browse upcoming district events. You can reach staff by phone at 202-205-8800, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed on federal holidays), or send the office a message online. The district office page also lists news, success stories and award nominations.

Why it matters in the DMV ecosystem

For many founders, the SBA district office is the front door to federal small business resources: guaranteed loans, government contracting certifications and a network of free counseling partners. It is most useful for businesses that need debt financing, plan to pursue federal contracts, or want structured, no cost advising. Venture backed startups may find it less central, but its partner events and referrals can still help with registration, compliance and early operations.