Testimonials

Voices of Trust

Robin Appia

Educology Solutions

Since 2015, Educology Solutions (ESI) has achieved an average annual growth rate of 40%, fueled by strategic hires, repeatable processes, smart teaming strategies, and a selective approach to pursuing opportunities. As President and CEO, I am proud to share how the DC Green Book and the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) have been instrumental in supporting this journey.

Read More
Read More

Early in our growth, the CBE program provided access to subcontracting opportunities with larger prime contractors supporting District agencies. These partnerships allowed us to refine our expertise, establish a strong foundation, and transition into larger procurements, including major federal and local opportunities.

The Green Book remains a critical resource in ESI’s strategic planning, guiding our identification of new opportunities and shaping account strategies for growth. By leveraging this resource, we have built strong partnerships and broadened our impact, delivering innovative IT solutions to the DC Department of Healthcare Finance, Department of Health, Child and Family Services, Department of Employment Services, Office of the Chief Financial Officer, and the Washington Convention and Sports Authority. Our work extends beyond the District to federal clients such as the Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as well as state and local clients in Maryland, Missouri, Montgomery County, and Baltimore County. This expansive portfolio, combined with our strong capabilities, recently led to ESI securing a $28 million cloud migration contract as a prime contractor—a key milestone in our journey.

ESI’s team of more than 70 professionals supports our clients and corporate operations, ensuring we deliver exceptional results and meaningful impact. We are especially thankful to Milton Goodman and Earl King for their leadership and guidance, which have been instrumental in helping us access key opportunities and build strategic relationships.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Mayor Bowser and DSLBD for cultivating an environment where CBEs can thrive. Their steadfast commitment to local businesses has empowered ESI to grow, create jobs, and contribute significantly to the District’s economy and community. To learn more about ESI and our services, please visit our website at www.esinc-dc.com.

Dr. Henok Tesfaye

USP Holdings

U Street Parking, Inc. (USP Holdings) is a locally owned and operated business dedicated to delivering high-quality services and solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. Our expertise spans a diverse range of services, including parking management, construction services, real estate management, security, and janitorial and consulting services. We take pride in providing innovative, reliable, and cost-effective solutions that exceed client expectations.

Read More
Read More

With a strong commitment to excellence and innovation, we aim to contribute meaningfully to the growth and success of our community. As a company rooted in Washington, D.C., we are passionate about fostering local partnerships and playing a pivotal role in the city's economic development.

We are incredibly grateful for the support and opportunities provided by DSLBD and the CBE program. Participating in this program has been a transformative experience for our business. The guidance and resources from DSLBD have opened doors to local procurement opportunities that were previously out of reach.

Through the CBE program, we have been able to connect with local agencies, businesses, and partners, allowing us to showcase our capabilities and secure significant contracts. These opportunities have played a tremendous role in driving our growth and positioning us as a trusted partner within the District's business ecosystem.

The commitment of DSLBD to fostering local business development is evident in the comprehensive support they provide. From workshops and training sessions to networking events and streamlined processes, their dedication to helping small and local businesses thrive is unmatched.

We are proud to be a part of the CBE program and look forward to continuing our partnership with DSLBD as we grow, innovate, and contribute to the vibrant economy of Washington, D.C.

Chrystal Stowe

SmootDC

As a mature company, it is important to have partners in the District government that understand that sustainability is just as important as new growth. DSLBD has been that partner to Smoot Construction Company (SmootDC) of Washington, DC for decades, and their staff has been instrumental in our success.

Read More
Read More

SmootDC is a minority-owned company headquartered in Washington, DC, specializing in preconstruction, construction management, and general contracting. We are proud to be a part of transforming the District of Columbia since 1968—building schools, libraries, museums and sports venues, employing DC residents in construction careers, and promoting subcontractor and workforce diversity.

Kristie & Stacie Lee

Lee’s Flowers

Lee’s Flowers has been a cherished part of our family and community since 1945, and we take immense pride in the legacy we’ve built. As the oldest Black-owned flower shop in Washington, DC—and in the country—we have spent nearly eight decades providing fresh flowers, thoughtful gifts, and a welcoming space for our neighbors.

Read More
Read More

Our grandparents, William and Winnifred Lee, founded this business with a vision to serve the community. Over the years, we have weathered economic changes while remaining steadfast in our commitment to our roots on historic U Street.

We owe our success to the unwavering support of our community and the city of Washington, DC. Under Mayor Bowser’s leadership, the city has been a strong advocate for small businesses, providing vital financial assistance, resources, and opportunities for growth. Her dedication to empowering local businesses has enabled us to continue serving our neighbors and preserving our family’s legacy.

This partnership between the city and its small businesses exemplifies the power of collaboration to create meaningful and lasting impacts strengthening neighborhoods and ensuring that businesses like ours can thrive for generations to come! 

Dr. Willie Jolley

Speakers Hall of Fame

As a member of The Speakers Hall of Fame and host of the #1 Sirius XM Show for small business people, I am a serious advocate for entrepreneurism. And I know how difficult it can be to grow a successful business. The Green Book is more than just a guide—it’s a tool of empowerment for small business owners and entrepreneurs in Washington, D.C. It connects businesses with opportunities, helping them grow, thrive, and contribute to the economy.

Read More
Read More

The Green Book enables small business owners to dream bigger and achieve greater success.

Our Offices

441 4th Street, NW, Suite 850 North, Washington, DC 20001

Phone: (202) 727-3900
Fax: (202) 654-6032
TTY: (202) 727-3900

COPYRIGHT © 2025 Green Book DC