Our Nation’s Capitol is also a city that functions in much the same way as a state. The District of Columbia’s unique form and structure mean that one small government is responsible for a lot of regulation. Accordingly, Washington DC requires all businesses have licenses – but in many cases doesn’t require too many specialized permits or complex application processes. Washington DC is even trying to streamline the licensing process by moving applications online. Because government is at the center of its economy, the District of Columbia's largest industries are different than many cities. The district is driven by services businesses such as law firms, independent contractors (both defense and civilian), non-profit organizations, lobbying firms, trade unions, industry trade groups, and professional associations.