Earlier this month, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser kicked off the second annual innoMAYtion, a month-long initiative that showcases DC’s innovation ecosystem. The initiative concentrates on innovative and inclusive ways the city and local entrepreneurs are helping to meet the needs of District residents to reshape the city. Mayor Bowser announced a new program as part of this year’s innoMaytion. Project 500 is a partnership between American University’s Center for Innovation in the Capital and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Greater Economic Opportunity. The goal is to provide resources to 500 disadvantaged small businesses, on the east side of the Anacostia River, mostly in Wards 7 and 8. The businesses will include home-based companies and start-up ventures. Many of the innoMaytion events are focused on technology. For example, The Center for Innovation in the Capital will help identify existing programs, as well as develop new products and services that can be used to help home-based businesses obtain retail space and start-up ventures access critical social and financial capital. Additionally, during the month theDeputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) will work with Howard University to gather quantitative data on the current state of diversity and inclusion in DC’s tech sector and set goals for participation in the tech economy. At the end of the month, the District will release a Tech Inclusion Action Plan.
