Service Beyond the Uniform: Dr. Shukoor’s Commitment to the Van Ness Community
With a distinguished 21-year career in the military, Dr. Kambez Shukoor is a decorated Naval Officer and the owner of DC Implants and Cosmetic Dentistry serving the Van Ness community. Recently, City First Enterprises deployed a downpayment assistance grant through the District’s Commercial Property Acquisition Fund to support his purchase of the location he’s occupied for seven years.
Pictured: Dr. Kambez Shukoor, DC Implants and Cosmetic Dentistry
Dr. Shukoor’s story began in 1989 when he immigrated to America from Afghanistan. Propelled by a powerful resolve to serve and the urge to carve out an opportunity-filled future, his journey was not without adversity, yet his commitment to serve intensified.
In 1998, Dr. Shukoor joined the United States Navy, where his military career was marked by exceptional service and dedication. His 13 years of active duty included tours in Camp Pendleton, Bahrain, Japan, and aboard the USS Blue Ridge and USS Peleliu, as well as at the Washington Navy Yard. Amongst more than 20 awards of recognition, Dr. Shukoor received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal three times for exceptional achievement and commendable service.
He last served as the Commanding Officer of NRC Washington VTU, demonstrating leadership and a strong sense of allegiance before retiring in September of 2024.
Beyond his military accolades, Dr. Shukoor leads DC Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry, where he and his team offer a holistic approach to dental care and provide top-tier, high-quality services to the community.
In 2021, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development designed the Commercial Property Acquisition Fund (CPAF) to provide eligible businesses with down payment assistance of up to $750,000 or 25% of the sale price for the acquisition of commercial property in the District. After applying for the third round of CPAF, Dr. Shukoor was able to leverage this grant in his recent purchase. “Securing this property is about more than just business growth,” said Dr. Shukoor. “This acquisition will position us to create more employment opportunities for local residents and offer a greater scale of healthcare services in the District,” he explained. His military and life experiences have instilled in him a high level of dependability, trust, and enthusiasm—qualities that thread the fabric of his identity as a servant leader.
Dr Shukoor’s deep sense of duty and grit continues to leave an impression on anyone in his orbit. With the support of City First Enterprises through the District’s Commercial Property Acquisition Fund, Dr. Shukoor’s practice is set to make a substantial impact on the DC community.
To learn more about how to access the CPAF program, we invite you to Capital Connections on Thursday, November 21, 2024. Get your tickets today!
The Commercial Property Acquisition Fund is partially or fully funded through the District of Columbia Executive Office of the Mayor—Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development.
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About City First Enterprises:
City First Enterprises is a certified CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution) specializing in flexible lending for affordable housing, commercial real estate, small businesses, non-profits, and clean energy projects. With a mission to create equitable financial solutions to support people and communities in achieving their economic aspirations, we envision a future where all people and communities transform their futures through equitable access to capital.
