Citizencentric Online District of Columbia Master Business License and Registration Application Launched

The District of Columbia eases the process of obtaining a business license by retooling its online Master Business License Registration tool. Filnet, Inc. custom builds application

Contact: Joel Ranck
202-213-1350 jranck@Lincolnparkcom.com

Citizencentric Online DC Master Business License and Registration Application Launched

Filnet, Inc Facilitates New Business Registration and Renewal Ease

January 27, 2003

Washington, DC -- A re-engineered online Master Business License and Registration (MBLR) application makes registering and renewing master business licenses in the District of Columbia faster, easier and more understandable.

The mayors team wanted the upgraded MBLR application to be extremely user friendly in order to reduce the administrative frustrations and long waits in line typically experienced by new and even well-established District businesses," stated Chris Baltazar, President/CEO of Filnet, Inc. Filnet turned a complex business process into a custom-built, best-in-class application that anyone doing business in the District of Columbia could easily complete."

The MBLR license program, required under the Omnibus Regulatory Reform Act passed by the DC City Council in 1998, requires that all businesses -- for-profit and non-profit -- obtain a Master Business License if the business generates $2,000 or more in gross receipts, regardless of the age of the entity or business activity type. The MBLR online application is a key component of the citys focus on establishing The District of Columbia as a leading e-City and a model for the rest of the country.

The revised MBLR online application guides customers through the entire process even helping them determine up front whether they need to get a Master Business license or not," stated DCRA Director, David A. Clark. Filnet took into account our customers needs and the Districts business regulations to create an online MBLR application that is painless and easy to use."

This most recent upgrade of the MBLR online application converts a series of complex business regulations, requiring robust backend applications, into a user-friendly application that customers can complete in 10 to 15 minutes -- including online payment. Filnet consulted extensively with the Office of the Chief Technology Officer and DCRA and incorporated feedback collected from MBLR applicants to design a new, more streamline and conversational application. The new site also provides the option to either apply online or download all necessary forms to be mailed in at the customers convenience.

While not all business categories may be processed online due to required inspections or approvals, the new site provides information on necessary requirements for all business categories. The online application even offers specialized paths for commercial establishments, home-based businesses, individuals with no fixed business location, and rental property owners, tailored to the specific requirements for those types of businesses.

The grace period for obtaining a Master Business License was recently extended by the City Council to May 31, 2003. In addition, new Master Business License fees went into effect on January 7, 2003. The new fees are $35 for the Master Business License and $10 for each endorsement. The renewal fee will remain the same at $15.

Filnet, Inc. has already begun work on MBLR version 1.2 with an expected launch in late spring or early summer 2003. MBLR version 1.2 will enable users to renew applications, search existing licenses, register trade names and save applications prior to submission for up to 30 days, among other features. Like MBLR version 1.1, the new version will be custom built specifically to the specifications set out by the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs and the needs of applicants in the District of Columbia.

Filnet, Inc. (www.filnetinc.com), headquartered in Washington, DC, provides Web development services, content management applications and distance learning applications for the public sector and corporate organizations. Filnet conducts thorough assessments of each customers unique needs and custom builds applications to their specific requirements. This needs-based approach earned Filnet a place in SNAP.coms Top Fifty Award" for its work on washingtondc.gov. In addition to the District of Columbia, Filnet's clients include Kodak Polychrome Graphics, Keane, Inc., Caterpillar, and Prince William County Schools, VA (www.pwnet.org). Filnet, Inc. is a privately held minority-owned company founded in 1996 by President/CEO Chris Baltazar. The company has seen profits every year since inception and currently employs 15 full-time web and software developers.

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