Previous/Closed Business Funding Programs

FY26 GREAT STREETS RETAIL GRANT PROGRAM

The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (“DMPED”) invites the submission of applications from qualified organizations for a grant under the Great Streets Retail grant program (“Program”) The purpose of the Program is to emphasize retention and innovation within commercially underserved corridors, supporting projects that foster the long-term sustainability of essential goods and services in vital retail areas. The program aims to strengthen and revitalize commercially underserved corridors by supporting new and existing businesses through investments that go beyond traditional capital improvements. Funding will prioritize innovative projects and collaborations that foster long-term business retention, attract new opportunities, and drive corridor wide transformation. The goal is to create vibrant, resilient commercial corridors where businesses and community stakeholders work together to generate lasting economic impact.

STATUS: CLOSED

Release Date: December 12, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET
Submission Deadline: January 23, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET
For more information and to apply click here.

FY26 Great Streets Retail Grant - One-Pager
FY26 Great Streets Retail Grant - One-Pager - Amharic translation
FY26 Great Streets Retail Grant - One-Pager - French translation
FY26 Great Streets Retail Grant - One-Pager - Korean translation
FY26 Great Streets Retail Grant - One-Pager - Chinese translation
FY26 Great Streets Retail Grant - One-Pager - Vietnamese translation
Great Streets FAQs
Great Streets, Locally Made, and Emerging Retail - Virtual Information Session - January 7, 2026 - Meeting recording

FY26 EMERGING RETAIL INITIATIVE GRANT PROGRAM

STATUS: CLOSED

Release Date: December 12, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET
Submission Deadline: January 23, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET
For more information and to apply click here.

FY26 LOCALLY MADE MANUFACTURING GRANT PROGRAM

The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (“DMPED”) invites the submission of applications from qualified organizations for a grant pursuant to the Great Streets Initiative under the DC Locally Made Manufacturing grant program (“Program”) The purpose of the Program is to encourage the production of consumer goods in the District of Columbia and add vibrancy and economic stability to the Great Streets corridors. Funding to DC manufacturers will allow them to enhance production capacity, increase employment for local residents, and strengthen DC’s manufacturing sector. The funding opportunity is for businesses that are proposing manufacturing core operations.

STATUS: CLOSED

Release Date: December 12, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET
Submission Deadline: January 23, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET
For more information and to apply click here.

FY26 ROBUST RETAIL CITYWIDE GRANTS (DSLBD)

The Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) is excited to announce they will accept applications for the FY 2026 Robust Retail Citywide Grants. The FY 2026 Robust Retail Citywide grant(s) support existing DC-based retail businesses in maintaining operations and viability. DSLBD intends to award up to $10,000 per business to approximately 48 businesses from the $480,000 in available Fiscal Year 2026 funding.

This grant will be operated as a reimbursement grant, awarded via lottery to DC retail businesses that meet all eligibility requirements by the final deadline. Businesses that received a Robust Retail Citywide award in FY2025 are not eligible to apply.

STATUS: CLOSED

Opened: December 1, 2025
Closing: January 20, 2026, by 5 PM

For more information and to apply, click here.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY ACQUISITION FUND

The Commercial Property Acquisition Fund provides eligible businesses with down payment assistance of up to $500,000 or 25% of the sale price, whichever is less, for the acquisition of commercial property in the District. Businesses must be eligible to be an equity impact enterprise. An equity impact enterprise is a resident-owned, small business that it is at least 51% owned by an individual who is, or a majority number of individuals who are economically disadvantaged or have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias. Businesses must also complete a mandatory training program in order to apply for the Fund. DMPED is partnering with City First Enterprises to administer the Commercial Property Acquisition Fund. For all inquiries related to the Fund, contact: CPAF@cfenterprises.org

STATUS: CLOSED

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)