FY25 Business Funding Opportunities
Various existing and new grant programs and procurement opportunities for DC businesses will be available through the DMPED cluster in fiscal year 2025. See below for the calendar and program descriptions. Program details and updates will be added here as they become available.
Chinatown lease incentive grant program
The purpose of the Program is to provide grants to support small businesses that (i) sign long-term leases of at least five years in the Chinatown neighborhood in the District of Columbia (“District”) and (ii) maintain or enhance the cultural heritage of the neighborhood. The Program will provide up to $125,000 in total grant funding in FY25 to eligible businesses to offset the costs of rent. Successful applicants may receive the awarded amount annually for a total of up to five years, subject to the availability of funds and annual certification that the awardee remains in the lease agreement outlined in the RFA.
STATUS: OPEN
Opened: March 28, 2025
Closing: May 30, 2025 at 4:00pm EDT
FY25 Chinatown Lease Incentive Grant Program RFA
APPLY HERE
DMPED Contact:
DMPED Grants Team Phone: (202) 727-8111
E-mail: dmped.grants@dc.gov
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: OPEN
APPLY HERE
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Commercial Property Acquisition Fund Info Session
April 3, 2025
1:00pm 2:00pm
Register Here
DC Venture Capital fund program (DMPED)
The DC Venture Capital Fund represents a transformative commitment to DC-based businesses by leveraging public dollars to attract private investment. For every dollar the District invests, private investors are required to contribute at least an equal amount, effectively doubling the total funding available to DC startups to a minimum of $52 million.
The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Development (DMPED) selected K Street Capital as the Program Administrator for the DC Venture Capital Fund. Leveraging their extensive investment experience and deep ties to the local community, K Street Capital will oversee the deployment of SSBCI dollars to by contracting with local and regional venture capital firms. These firms will work directly with DC-based startups to establish funding deals, ranging from $250,000 to $5,00,000. DMPED will provide oversight and management of KSC’s administration of the program.
The fund utilizes State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) funding, provided to the District by the U.S. Treasury Department. SSBCI, created in 2010 and renewed as a part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in 2021, is a federal program designed to drive business growth in states and jurisdictions across the country.
Interested investors, fund managers, and venture capital firms, are encouraged to reach out to K Street Capital and DMPED to learn more about the program. The DC Venture Capital Program is now accepting applications for fund managers
STATUS: OPEN
Washington DC SSBCI Venture Capital Program Application
DC Locally Made Manufacturing Grant
The DC Locally Made Manufacturing Grant is for qualified small business and real estate developers whose core business aligns with light manufacturing. The grant will support capital or tenant improvements of commercial property with designated industrial use located in a Great Streets corridor.
View more information and apply here.
STATUS: OPEN
Opened: March 14, 2025
Closing: April 14, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET
Information Sessions Registration
EMERGING Retail Initiative
DMPED announces the Emerging Retail Initiative (ERI), an innovative program designed to transform vacant spaces into vibrant retail hubs by supporting emerging businesses. The Program draws inspiration from concepts used in the successful Vacant to Vibrant initiative by applies them through a retail-focused lens.
View more information and apply here.
STATUS: OPEN
Opened: March 14, 2025
Closing: April 14, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET
Information Sessions Registration
Great Streets Retail Grant
The Great Streets Retail Grant program is the hallmark grant opportunity for the Great Streets program. The grant is meant for retail small business owners in eligible corridors throughout DC to renovate their storefront to attract new customers and drive profitability. This grant is competitive, and we encourage businesses that have thought out renovating plans to apply for the grant.
View more information and apply here.
STATUS: OPEN
Opened: March 14, 2025
Closing: April 14, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET
Information Sessions Registration
Vitality Fund (DMPED)
The Vitality Fund is a multi-year. performance-based grant program designed to 1) incentivize the relocation to, or expansion of companies who plan to occupy commercial office space in the District, with a preference for attraction to, or retention and expansion in the central business district (the “Vitality Fund Target Area”), and to 2) encourage job creation and investment in DC.
View more information and apply here.
STATUS: OPEN
RFA Release Date: December 13, 2024
Submission Deadline: August 1, 2025