FY26 Emerging Retail Initiative

The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (“DMPED”) invites the submission of applications from qualified organizations for the FY26 DC Emerging Retail Initiative (“ERI” or “Emerging Retail”). The purpose of ERI is to boost economic activity and provide essential goods and services in underserved commercial areas. Inspired by Vacant to Vibrant, ERI adopts a temporary-use model that bridges the gap between shared/incubator spaces and permanent brick-and-mortar establishments.

STATUS: OPEN

Release Date: December 12, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET
Date of Amended RFA: January 13, 2026
Submission Deadline: January 23, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET

FY26 Emerging Retail Initiative REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS (RFA) - Amended January 13, 2026
RFA ID No: DMPED-FY26-BD-LO-ERI

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY. Hand delivered or mailed applications will not be accepted. Completed applications (including attachments) must be submitted through the Submittable portal. Incomplete applications or applications submitted after the Submission Deadline will not be accepted.

Start your application using the DMPED Grants Management Platform.
Application support here.