Photo by Mr.TinDC

In light of a bill introduced by Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen, local food artisans welcome the government’s efforts to support a sense of D.C. pride that District startups have cultivated for themselves.

Earlier this month, Councilmember Allen introduced the Made in DC Program Establishment Act of 2015, which is designed “to promote locally created, manufactured, and assembled products,” according to a release. Through the program, companies that are certified through the Department of Small and Local Business Development can receive a government-branded “Made in D.C.” logo for use in marketing. The department would also work to promote businesses from its end as well as create a “District-sponsored Innovation Space and Marketplace” to provide further resources.

Councilmember Allen told DCist the bill is inspired by local startups like Union Kitchen, Compass Coffee, Think First Local, and DC Brau Brewing Company, who he says have helped lay the foundation for a grassroots movement in celebrating local goods.

Recognizing Union Kitchen’s contribution, Jonas Singer considers his food incubator to be a “torch carrier” following the leadership of entrepreneurs like Andy Shallal of Busboys and Poets and Gina Schaeffer of Ace Hardware.

In terms of the bill, Singer says, “it’s always tricky determining the government’s role in growing businesses, but we think that this legislation is really a great and tactful effort.” It creates a clear mandate for the government, while also respecting the grassroots movement that already exists, he says.

Thus far, the only opposition Councilmember Allen expects is from business owners who are weary of the certification process, but “we worked hard to make it as easy and straightforward as possible,” he says.

Adam Kavalier of Undone Chocolate is among the many entrepreneurs with high hopes for the bill, which he considers “a reflection of the rapid growth of the local industry.” Since launching last December, Kavalier has sold more than 30,000 chocolate bars “and the majority of them were purchased by local D.C customers,” he says.

The excitement in buying local is a trend wherein “people want to know where their products are made [and] how they’re made,” says Mike Woitach of Confluence Coffee. Further, “knowing that something is supporting the local economy is becoming more important,” Woitach says.

Although Confluence’s beans are sourced from Richmond, Virginia, “there’s no doubt that D.C. has made our company what it is,” he continues, adding that the company began selling products at Glen’s Garden Market in Dupont Circle.

And the beans being sourced in Virginia doesn’t necessarily mean that Confluence can’t get a “Made in D.C.” stamp. “There is no detailed breakdown of what will and won’t qualify at this point,” Allen says. That determination would fall to the D.C. Department of Small and Local Business Development.

“The momentum and attention that this legislation creates is critical for businesses,” Singer says. “It engages consumers, it creates a healthier relationship between government and business, and—perhaps most importantly—it’s another step towards building D.C.’s vibrant, independent, and prosperous culture,”