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.