ABOUT
Launched in 2020 as a rallying cry for DC’s independent business community, DC Shop Small turned a moment of uncertainty into a powerful platform for connection and collective growth. Founded by Mallory Shelter — owner of SHELTER — the initiative began as a grassroots effort to help local shops weather pandemic shutdowns. Its first virtual Small Business Saturday generated nearly $200,000 in a single day for 100 independent brands across the DMV.
Five years later, DC Shop Small has evolved into a trusted hub featuring nearly 400 small businesses across the region. The site connects shoppers to the vibrant makers, retailers, and creative entrepreneurs who define the heart of the DMV.
Across the U.S., small businesses drive about 43.5% of our total GDP and are responsible for more than half of all new jobs created in the past decade. Proof that supporting local isn’t just feel-good; it fuels the entire economy.
Whether you’re a neighborhood shop, emerging brand, or local maker, DC Shop Small is here to help your business be seen, supported, and celebrated year-round.