About WDCEP
What is WDCEP?
The Washington DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP) is a nonprofit, public-private partnership at the core of economic development in Washington, DC. We connect national and international corporations to the public and private sector to advance sustainable and inclusive economic development, and we support business attraction, retention, and expansion across all eight wards.
Who leads WDCEP?
WDCEP is led by President & CEO Derek Ford, with an executive team across corporate attraction, retail and market intelligence, economic development strategy, tech-sector attraction, operations, and marketing and communications. You can see the full team and the Board of Directors on our team and board pages.
Is WDCEP a government agency?
No. WDCEP is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit and a public-private partnership. We work closely with the District government, including the Deputy Mayor’s Office for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED), alongside private-sector investors, BIDs, universities, and community partners.
When was WDCEP founded?
WDCEP launched on July 24, 2000 as the Washington, DC Marketing Center. It took its own 501(c)(3) status on November 19, 2001, and adopted the Washington DC Economic Partnership name in about 2005.
Where is WDCEP located?
WDCEP is at 1495 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004, in downtown DC. You can reach us at (202) 661-8670 or through the contact form at wdcep.com/contact.
Working with WDCEP
What does WDCEP do for businesses?
WDCEP helps companies relocate to and grow in Washington, DC. We can:
- Assist with your real estate and site selection needs
- Connect you directly to local government, community organizations, and private sector leaders
- Provide key insights from local C-suite executives
- Customize community tours
- Develop key market intelligence and custom research
- Unlock access to financial incentives, like the Vitality Fund
How do I get help relocating or expanding my business in DC?
Start with the contact form at wdcep.com/contact or call (202) 661-8670. Tell us what you’re considering, whether it’s a headquarters move, a first US office, a new storefront or an expansion, and we’ll route you to the right person on our team.
Does WDCEP charge for its services?
No. WDCEP’s business attraction, retention, and expansion support is completely free for companies considering Washington, DC.
Who does WDCEP work with?
We work with companies relocating or expanding in the District, international companies entering the US market, retailers and restaurateurs opening in DC, developers and property owners, site selectors and commercial brokers, and the investors and partners who fund and shape the District’s economy.
Business incentives
What incentives does DC offer businesses?
The District offers tax credits, grants, rebates, certifications, and access to special capital improvement financing. WDCEP’s most-asked-about programs are the Vitality Fund, the Growth Fund, the DC Venture Capital Program, and the Office-to-Anything Program. The full list is at incentives.dc.gov.
What is the Vitality Fund?
The Vitality Fund is a performance-based grant that helps attract and retain high-growth companies in Washington, DC. It supports firms that create jobs, invest in office space, and commit to a strong in-person presence.
What is the Growth Fund?
The Growth Fund is for businesses that don’t meet the Vitality Fund’s thresholds. Where the Vitality Fund is the attraction tool for larger established companies, the Growth Fund targets smaller companies and start-ups looking to relocate to or expand in DC.
What is the DC Venture Capital Program?
The DC Venture Capital Program invests up to $26 million in early-stage tech companies in Washington, DC and unlocks at least $52 million in total capital through public-private partnerships. It’s managed by K Street Capital.
How do I find out which incentives I qualify for?
Contact WDCEP for an incentive estimate. We’ll look at your headcount, space, timeline, and sector, and tell you which District programs are realistically in play.
International companies
Can WDCEP help an international company enter the US market?
Yes. Washington, DC Global Soft Landing is built for exactly that. It offers discounted, flexible coworking space in the Golden Triangle, DC’s central business district, plus tailored immigration solutions, business development assistance, custom research and market intelligence, community tours, networking, help navigating regulations, and connections to local service providers.
Who do I talk to about Global Soft Landing?
Contact Kathrine VanLiew, Vice President of International Business Attraction, at kvanliew@wdcep.com or +1 (315) 730-0033. You can also apply through the program page at wdcep.com/dc-global-soft-landing.
Research, data, and publications
What research and data does WDCEP publish?
WDCEP publishes the DC Development Report, Neighborhood Profiles, industry cluster overviews, and a library of maps and reports. They’re all free at wdcep.com/publications-reports and wdcep.com/maps. We also produce custom research for companies evaluating the District.
Where can I find information about a specific DC neighborhood?
Every DC neighborhood profile is at wdcep.com/neighborhoods, with demographics, development activity, retail mix, and transit for each one.
News and events
What events does WDCEP host?
WDCEP hosts the Annual Meeting, industry convenings and panels, and briefings for site selectors and corporate real estate audiences. Everything current is at wdcep.com/events.
How do I keep up with DC economic development news?
Capital Insights is WDCEP’s weekly roundup of DC economic development news, published every Monday at wdcep.com/news. You can also subscribe to our newsletter from the footer of any page for events, business information, and news.
Supporting WDCEP
How can my organization support WDCEP?
Three ways: join our investor network, sponsor a specific program or event, or join the WDCEP Board of Directors. The investor packet is on wdcep.com/investors; for the Board, contact President & CEO Derek Ford at dford@wdcep.com.
Is WDCEP hiring?
Open positions are posted at wdcep.com/about-wdcep/careers.