Grant Opportunities

Explore current grant opportunities offered by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) and partner agencies within the Deputy Mayor’s cluster. These grants support a wide range of initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive economic growth, community development, and innovation across the District.

GROWTH FUND
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.

STATUS: OPEN
Opened: February 6, 2026 at 4PM EST
Submission Deadline: March 23, 2026 at 4PM EST

VITALITY FUND
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.

STATUS: OPEN
Opened: February 6, 2026 at 4PM EST
Submission Deadline: July 15, 2026 at 4PM EST

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.

STATUS: CLOSED
Release Date: December 12, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET
Submission Deadline: January 23, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET

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.

STATUS: CLOSED
Release Date: December 12, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET
Submission Deadline: January 23, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET

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.

STATUS: CLOSED
Release Date: December 12, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET
Submission Deadline: January 23, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET

Business Grants Checklist