Business Funding Opportunities
Various existing and new grant programs and procurement opportunities for DC businesses will be available through the DMPED cluster. See below for the calendar and program descriptions. Program details and updates will be added here as they become available.
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.
NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY (NOFA)
Release Date: November 14, 2025
RFA Release Date: December 12, 2025
Upcoming Information Sessions - FY26 Small Biz Information Sessions Registration
FY26 Emerging Retail Initiative 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 Emerging Retail Initiative grant program (“Program”). The purpose of the Program is to create a low-risk environment for businesses to test their concepts, build brand awareness, and scale toward permanent brick-and-mortar operations, ultimately fostering economic vibrancy, sustainability, and community engagement in underserved commercial corridors.
NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY (NOFA)
Release Date: November 14, 2025
RFA Release Date: December 12, 2025
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.
NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY (NOFA)
Release Date: November 14, 2025
RFA Release Date: December 12, 2025
Upcoming Information Sessions - FY26 Small Biz Information Sessions Registration
Great Streets Retail and Emerging Retail Initiative: Mt Vernon
Date: November 20th, 2025
Time: 10-11:00 AM
Location: Bar Chinois; 455 I Street NW
Locally Made Manufacturing: Eckington
Date: December 3rd, 2025
Time: 12-1 PM
Where: Lost Generation Brewing; 327 S St NE
Great Streets Retail and Emerging Retail Initiative: Cleveland Park
Date: December 9th, 2025
Time: 1:30-2:30 PM
Location: Taco Cantina; 3321 Connecticut Avenue NW
Great Streets Retail and Emerging Retail Initiative: H Street Corridor
Date: December 10th, 2025
Time: 2-3 PM
Location: 1207 H St NE
Great Streets Retail and Emerging Retail Initiative: Anacostia
Date: December 15th, 2025
Time: 3:30-4:30 PM
Location: Sweet Tooth Cafe; 2323 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE
Great Streets Retail and Emerging Retail Initiative: Barracks Row/ Eastern Market
Date: December 16th, 2025
Time: 10-11 AM
Location: Civic Restaurant; 501 8th ST NE
Locally Made Manufacturing: Minnesota Ave/Benning
Date: December 17th
Time: 12-1 PM
Where: Yeleen Beauty; 3443 Benning Road Northeast
Great Streets Retail and Emerging Retail Initiative: Columbia Heights
Date: December 18th, 2025
Time: 12-1 PM
Location: Salvi Mex Bar & Grill; 1424 Park Road NW
Spanish translation may be available
Great Streets Retail and Emerging Retail Initiative: Shaw
Date: December 19th, 2025
Time: 1:30-2:30 PM
Location: Dacha Beer Garden Second Floor; 1602 7th Street, NW, second floor
All Grants
Date: January 7th, 2025
Time: 12-1pm
Location: Virtual
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/23584275552243?p=2fdNIoXguDnRCINLcr
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: Open
Opened: December 1, 2025
Closing: January 20, 2026, by 5 PM
For more information and to apply, click here.