BCI License Fund Supports Street Vendors in Path to Licensing

The BCI Vendor Team is excited to share these midyear updates on the BCI License Fund, which supports leaders in the Decrim Vending campaign with the costs of accessing licenses — from equipment purchases and repairs to class and certificate fees.

Kahssay Ghebrebrhan, a leader in the campaign to decriminalize street vending, returned to vending on July 1st for the first time since the pandemic began in 2020! With the support of the BCI License Fund, which provides financial support for vendors who are in the process of applying for licenses, Khassay was able to get necessary repairs made to his cart, enabling him to set up his hot dog stand for thefirst time in four years on the corner of 5th St NW and Indiana Avenue NW.

The BCI License Fund has now supported more than 27 vendors with the cost and classes required to receive their food manager certifications, an important step in ensuring that vendors can sell legally in DC. Interested in getting emails about BCI’s work with street vendors in DC? Sign up for vendor specific emails here!