158 episodes

Each week, Rhode Island Avenue Radio hosts Michelle Yancey and Kyle Todd sit down to visit with area business owners, city leaders, small business training experts, and the visionaries that help our local commercial corridors grow and thrive. Tune in to learn about Rhode Island Avenue NE Main Street’s new businesses; learn about some of the not-so-secret business gems of the community; and get behind-the-scenes stories about innovative business ideas happening right here in our neighborhood.

RIA Radio BLIS.FM

    • Arts
    • 4.6 • 5 Ratings

Each week, Rhode Island Avenue Radio hosts Michelle Yancey and Kyle Todd sit down to visit with area business owners, city leaders, small business training experts, and the visionaries that help our local commercial corridors grow and thrive. Tune in to learn about Rhode Island Avenue NE Main Street’s new businesses; learn about some of the not-so-secret business gems of the community; and get behind-the-scenes stories about innovative business ideas happening right here in our neighborhood.

    159 - DC Brau

    159 - DC Brau

    When DC Brau opened its doors in 2009, it became the first brewery to operate in DC since 1956. Owners Brandon Skall, Jeff Hancock, and Mari Rodela join us to talk about the growth of DC Brau, the challenges they faced during the pandemic, and the next steps they are looking at with their bond offering through The SMBX. Listen now to hear their entire story, plus a virtual beer tasting or two. 

    • 46 min
    158 - The SMBX: Rebuild Bond Program

    158 - The SMBX: Rebuild Bond Program

    We've chatted with folks from The SMBX before, so by now you know about about investing in your local businesses via bonds. Today, Annie Eser of The SMBX joins us to talk about the partnership between the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development and The SMBX to broaden the scope of the bond program. Bottom line: small business owners interested in raising funds through this program will have access to more resources to prepare themselves for the bond offering process, and you'll be able to invest in a larger and more diverse selection of businesses in your community. Tune in now to listen to the whole story.

    • 37 min
    157 - Bandura Design

    157 - Bandura Design

    One of the newest businesses on the RIA Main Street corridor is Bandura Design. This all-woman design firm, founded by Jennifer Farris, opened in July of 2020. They specialize in commercial design for hotels, apartments, and other hospitality venues. Listen now to hear how this fantastic firm is already making an impact by helping their business neighbors.

    • 28 min
    156 - DC Bar Pro Bono Center - Darryl Maxwell

    156 - DC Bar Pro Bono Center - Darryl Maxwell

    Our good friend, Darryl Maxwell of the DC Bar Pro Bono Center joins us once again to talk all things related to small business legal guidance. As restrictions are lifted post-pandemic, many of the challenges that small businesses have faced, as well as many of the opportunities for assistance (PPP loans, eviction moratoriums) are coming to an end. What to small businesses need to know from a legal framework? Darryl and his Pro Bono team have the answers! 

    • 40 min
    154 - @eat_dc

    154 - @eat_dc

    Some of the best advocates for small businesses are the micro bloggers of social media. Their news and reviews reach audiences in a way that even the best advertising strategies can miss. And many times, the authors behind the handles have the opportunity for invaluable insights into the trends and news about DC-area dining, and our guest, @eat_dc, is no exception. Tune in to hear his thoughts on the challenges that the DC dining scene face, as well as some of the outstanding successes we have seen arise from the pandemic.

    • 40 min
    153 - Metrobar

    153 - Metrobar

    As DC reopens for business, we are not only welcoming the businesses that we have known and loved, but also new businesses that have been busily working to join the ever-growing list of great hangouts in neighborhoods all across the District. Today we're visiting with one of the newest on the block: Jesse Rauch from metrobar, located in the new Bryant Street development at 640 Rhode Island Ave NE. Jesse and his team have created an amazing metro-themed (yes, as in WMATA-esque) space, complete with beverages from local distilleries and breweries. Not only does the drink menu reflect the talented crafters of the region, but there will soon be a fully retrofitted metro train car serving as indoor seating and bar space! Listen now to learn more about metrobardc.com

    • 16 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
5 Ratings

5 Ratings

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