Washington DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP)

What it is

The Washington DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP) is a nonprofit, public-private partnership whose goal is to foster economic growth and business prospects in the District of Columbia. It supports business retention, expansion and attraction, connecting national and international companies with public and private sector resources.

What it offers founders

WDCEP's core services include real estate and site selection assistance, introductions to local government, community organizations and private sector leaders, insights from local executives, customized community tours, market intelligence and custom research, and guidance on financial incentives.

Its resources library explains District programs that matter to startups. The DC Growth Fund, administered by the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED), offers grants to startups and small businesses that occupy DC office or coworking space, have at least 5 employees and create 5 or more new DC jobs over two years. The Vitality Fund targets larger relocations and expansions. The DC Venture Capital Fund, a $26 million program funded through the federal SSBCI and led by K Street Capital, invests in pre-seed and early stage tech companies through selected fund managers. WDCEP also publishes sector and neighborhood reports, maps and a guide to incorporating in DC.

The DC Global Soft Landing program helps international companies set up in DC with discounted coworking space in the Golden Triangle, immigration guidance, business development help, research and introductions to local service providers.

Who it is for

Companies relocating to or expanding in Washington, DC, including growth stage startups weighing office space and hiring, and foreign companies entering the US market. Very early founders will mostly use its free research and incentive guides.

How to engage

Businesses can reach WDCEP through its contact page, by phone at (202) 661-8670, or at 1495 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004. International companies apply to the soft landing program through an online intake form. Private sector organizations can support WDCEP as investors, sponsors or board members; details are on the Investors page.

Why it matters in the DMV ecosystem

WDCEP sits between District government and the private sector, so it is a practical first stop for understanding DC incentives, neighborhoods and sector data before choosing where to locate or grow a company in the District.