Ria Radio

Leticia Long, MSA, the creator of the Wired Cycling™ and Senior Fitizens™ Programs has been a leader in the fitness industry for almost two decades. The approach she brings to her Wired Cycling studio provides the community with the latest technology in fitness, including spin, TRX, and yoga classes. Ready to burn off some holiday calories and keep fit during the winter months? Listen now! 

Jennie Lightfoot and Janet Walkoe, both of Bluebird Sky Yoga, stops by the studio to talk about some of the new programming available at their studio. As they embark on their 3rd year in the neighborhood, it is clear that Bluebird Sky Yoga is here to stay! Their class offerings as well as their special events and workshops have made their studio a centerpiece of the community. New to the idea of Yoga? They've got you covered with Mysore style Ashtanga (http://www.bluebirdskyyoga.com/mysore-ashtanga). Want an inspiring art experience to go with your yoga practice? Check out their rotating gallery show. Listen now for all of the yoga opportunities waiting for you at Bluebird Sky.

The Inner Loop (www.theinnerlooplit.org) is a literary reading series and network for creative writers in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Founders Rachel Coonce and Courtney Saxton talk about their goal to create a space for both emerging and established writers to connect with their community, through events and workshops featuring readings from writers of all genres here in the DC area. 

In this Bonus Episode, we are joined by Lauren Adkins, Interim Program Manager of the DMPED Great Streets Program (www.greatstreets.dc.gov). Interested in applying for a Great Streets grant for your business? Be sure to listen to this episode for all the info you need to to know to successfully apply for up to $50,000 in small business assistance!

There are so many fantastic economic development organizations in DC, and two of our favorites are the Latino Economic Development Corporation (www.ledcmetro.org), and the DC Bar Pro Bono (www.dcbar.org) program. We're joined in the studio by Marla Bilonick, Executive Director of LEDC, and Darryl Maxwell, of DC Bar Pro Bono for Nonprofit and Small Business. They each have great resources for the small businesses in the DC Metro area, and they are each continually growing their programming. Tune in now to learn about some of their upcoming events.

There are so many food delivery and subscription systems available out there! But how about one that delivers individual meals, made that day, from chefs from all over the world? Foodhini is based here on RIA Main Street, and is an amazing new concept from Founder and CEO Noobtsaa Philip Vang. He joins us to talk about how Foodhini came to be (hint: Noobtsaa was hungry for some home-cooked food like his mom used to make), and he was keenly interested in helping to support opportunities for immigrant/refugee chefs. The result? Amazing international food delivered to your doorstep. 

DC is fast becoming the destination of choice for entrepreneurs, and with programs like #ObviouslyDC and Great Streets to attract and support businesses, it's no wonder. Karima Woods, Director of Business Development and Strategy at the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, joins us to talk about all things economic development in DC. Between in-depth business recruitment resources and a host of grants available to new and existing businesses, Karima and her team are in place to keep the DC economy growing. Listen now!

DC-area gardeners were devastated when they heard that venerable Behnke's Nursery was closing. After 89 years in business, Behnke's leadership knew it was time for a change. During the months between the announcement and the actual closing, the leadership of Behnke's put on a Master Class about how to take care of your staff as you close your business. Stephanie Fleming, Vice President of Behnke's, chats with us about their decision-making process, and how to do right by your staff - the people that are an invaluable part of a business success story.

We aren't the only Main Street in town! In fact, we're one of 18 Main Street programs in DC, as of this broadcast. Today, we visit with Edwin Washington, the director of one of the newest programs, The Parks Main Street. Their program is just down the road from ours, and the geographic similarities don't stop there. Tune in to learn more about The Parks Main Street and the fantastic DC businesses that call it home. 

Neighbor Kelly Bell is one of the go-to photographers for portraits and more here DC. She's just launched "The Neighborhood Project" to capture portraits and stories from residents of the Greater BrooklandWoodridge area, We talk with her goals for The Neighborhood Project, and how neighbors like you can participate. Next, we chat with Devin Zitelman of the Washington DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP) about WeDC and their upcoming Futures Forum. The goal? To create educational opportunities for the DC business community, as well as opportunities to work collaboratively across sectors. Listen now!

As an organization that specializes in Economic Development, we spend a lot of time assisting small businesss entrepreneurs that are just starting out, or that are ready to expand their business to the next level. But what happens when an entrepreneur is ready to retire or move on to the next big thing? Hint: If you just close down and move on, you might be leaving money on the table! This week, we visit with Melissa Patel of Transworld Business Advisors of DC Metro. Melissa talks about how to go about selling your business, no matter where you are in your business life cycle. Listen now and plan your next steps!

Our friend Brian Becker wears many hats. Not only is he the wizard behind the successful NE Eats event, but he's also the Director of Small Business Outreach at the Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship at Catholic University. This exciting program is part of the Busch School of Business, providing exclusive DC access to the Inner City Capital Connections program. Tune in now to find out how Brian and his colleagues are making a difference for small business owners throughout the DC area. 

There are many aspects of business ownership that are directly informed and impacted by laws and regulations. Kevin Hilgers and Tom Martin of Goldblatt Martin Pozen LLP visit with us about several new laws impacting businesses in DC, including the implementation and implications of Universal Paid Leave. Listen to learn more, and be sure to send us legal topic requests for future episodes featuring Tom and Kevin.

Brian Becker started NE Eats four years again, and it is almost here again! This year it will be at DC Brau on June 1, from 4 - 8 p.m. We visit with Brian about how the tasty event got its start, what this year is featuring, the future of the event, and most importantly, why NE Eats is such an important event for DC food and beverage producers. Tickets are still available - listen now to find out how you can get involved!

We all know that community libraries are an invaluable resource and are true anchors in the community. But did you know that the DC Public Library has resources for small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs? In this episode, Diamond Newman, David Quick, and Eric White from the DC Public Library stop by to talk about "GoDigital" and other spectacular opportunities for small businesses.

It's that time again! Porch Fest 2019 is on April 13th, from 2 - 6 p.m. Our own team member, Jessica, stops by to talk about the food, the sponsors, and of course, the music! Listen now, and you can get all the info about Porch Fest on our website (www.riamainstreet.org).

Get ready for the most local of local 5Ks! The MBT 5K is back, and local "Health Architect" Chickaro Martin stops by to give us an update on registration information. They are also planning several workshops to help you get ready for the race! 

A wide-ranging discussion with Paul Ruppert, long-time DC entrepreneur, on the small business climate here in DC.

Zachy's is a fantastic new wine business, with a really interesting range of services! Tim Finch stops by to tell us all about it.

A recap of the year's activities on RIA Main Street