Vitality Fund
The Employment Center Vitality and Local Jobs Creation Fund (Vitality Fund) is a multi-year, performance-based incentive program designed to support existing companies in target industries that are actively planning to relocate, expand, or retain their physical location in Washington, DC.
ELIGIBILITY
Company relocating to DC or existing DC-based company expanding or staying in DC.
Have 25 or more full-time employees that will be assigned to the DC location at the time of the application.
Lease or own a physical location of at least 7,000 square feet in the District of Columbia.
Commit to remaining in the space for a minimum of 5 years.
Be in one of the following industry sectors:
Big Data
Cloud and Computer Systems
Communications
Consulting Services
Education
Education Technology
Finance and Insurance
Food Technology
Impact Economy
Life Sciences
Manufacturing
Marketing
Professional Services
Research
Technology and Innovation
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
All recipients of a Vitality Fund grant must commit to the following requirements:
Require employees, in the aggregate, to be on-site at the location for at least 50% of their work hours.
Implement or participate in a workforce development program that offers DC residents opportunities for training or employment within the business or the industry in which it operates; OR commit to spending at least 5% of its total annual contracting with businesses eligible for certification as local business enterprises during the 5-year period.
If award is greater than $300,000, comply with First Source requirement that 51% of new hires be District of Columbia residents.
ELIGIBLE USE OF FUNDS
Rent
Operating costs
Down payment
Tenant improvements
Workforce training
Recruitment and hiring costs
AWARDS
If approved by the review committee, an award amount is determined based on fiscal impact, number of new jobs, wage levels, overall employment in the District, amount of capital investment, and alignment with the District’s economic strategy.
Awards will be disbursed on an annual basis during the performance period if the company meets annual performance targets.
HOW TO APPLY
Companies should apply during their location decision making process and before a final location decision has been made to be considered for a financial incentive from the Vitality Fund. If your company is actively considering relocating or expanding its office location, and meets all the eligibility criteria, please complete the Vitality Fund Intake Form to begin the process.
If your company meets standard eligibility criteria based on the information provided, a DMPED Project Manager will contact you regarding next steps in the application process.
RESOURCES
Please reference the Vitality Fund Program Guide or Vitality Fund Program One Pager for more details about the program including eligibility, program requirements, uses of funds, application submission guidelines, processes, and required documents.
Vitality Fund Target Area
Companies may be located anywhere in the District and qualify for Vitality Fund, however, companies located in the Vitality Fund Target Area will receive preference.
Questions?
Reach out to DMPED’s Business Development Unit at bizdev@dc.gov or call (202) 727-6365.
Questions?
Reach out to DMPED’s Business Development Unit at bizdev@dc.gov or call (202) 727-6365.