Growth Fund supports entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses relocating to or expanding in Washington, DC. The program encourages job creation and filling commercial office space, with a focus on supporting growth-stage startups ready to scale.
Program Requirements:
All recipients of a Growth Fund grant must commit to the following requirements:
Submission Deadline: March 23, 2026 at 4PM EST
Mayor Bowser and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, in partnership with the Council of the District of Columbia, are strategically investing up to $1.5 million in the Commercial Property Acquisition Fund (CPAF). Investment is subject to FY26 budget availability.
The Commercial Property Acquisition Fund is devised to provide down payment assistance through grants of up to $300,000 or 25% of the sale price, whichever is less, to eligible DC-based businesses looking to maintain and expand their operations to a physical presence by acquiring commercial property located in the District. The program is designed for business applicants to own and occupy the commercial property for at least 7 years.
City First Enterprises (CFE) is the grant administrator and main point of contact for this program. For questions or assistance regarding this grant program or application, please email cpaf@cfenterprises.org.
The Vitality Fund is a multi-year, performance-based incentive that supports large, established companies relocating to or expanding in Washington, DC. The program encourages job creation, capital investment, and long-term occupancy of commercial office space, with a focus on diversifying DC’s economy and supporting Downtown revitalization.
Program Requirements:
All recipients of a Vitality Fund grant must commit to the following requirements:
Submission Deadline: July 15, 2026 at 4PM EST
T‑Mobile Hometown Grants is a $25 million, five-year initiative to support the people and organizations who help small towns across America thrive and grow. Hometown Grants are given every quarter to up to 25 small towns. Apply for funding to support a community project of your choice, like revitalizing or repurposing a historic structure, creating a downtown asset or destination, or improving a space where friends and neighbors gather. Projects that add to a sense of place or could lead to further investment are of particular interest. We look forward to learning more about your town and your project.
Grant recipients will each receive an award of up to $50,000 to implement their ideas and will have 12 months (June 1, 2026 — May 31, 2027) to complete their projects.
The grant application period will close on Tuesday, March 31 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time.
Small Business Grants for FY 2026 provide funding to eligible businesses within the H Street Main Street corridor. Grant funds can be used for a variety of purposes, including interior and exterior renovations, storefront improvements, security enhancements, and certain hard and soft costs designed to support business growth
Obviously DC, through the DMPED cluster will offer a range of grant programs and procurement opportunities for businesses in DC, encompassing both existing and newly established initiatives.
Great Streets assists small businesses by offering grants for capital improvements, providing funding of up to $85,000 for both exterior and interior renovations, as well as partial operational enhancements.
The Washington Area Community Investment Fund offers low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs access to capital products and services, along with technical assistance for capacity building.
Small Retailer Property Tax Relief Credit is a refundable franchise tax credit designed for retail businesses with annual federal gross receipts of less than $3 million. The credit amount is determined as the lesser of $10,000 or the business’s real property taxes paid, or 10% of the rent paid by the business.
The Private Security Camera Incentive program offers rebates to businesses for the acquisition and installation of security camera systems on their premises, with the requirement to register them with the Metropolitan Police Department. Businesses are eligible for a rebate of up to $200 per exterior camera, with a maximum total rebate of $750.
DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking, as a regulatory agency overseeing the financial services industries in the District of Columbia, offers and engages in initiatives and resources aimed at aiding small business owners in fostering sustainable economic development.
Additional Funding Opportunities: