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.
FY25 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. For more information and to apply click here!
STATUS: OPEN
Opened: March 28, 2025
Submission Deadline: May 30, 2025 at 4:00pm EDT
Vitality Fund
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. Additional program information and preferences can be found by visiting here.
STATUS: Open
RFA Release Date: December 13, 2024
Submission Deadline: August 1, 2025
DC Venture Capital Fund Program
DC Venture Capital Program, a new $26 million fund designed to make equity investments in pre-seed, seed, and early-stage tech companies based in Washington, DC. The program prioritizes funding for businesses led by Black, women, immigrant, and socio-economically disadvantaged founders, addressing long-standing disparities in access to capital. For more information and to apply click here.
STATUS: OPEN
Commercial Property Acquisition Fund
The Commercial Property Acquisition Fund is devised to provide down payment assistance through grants of up to $500,000 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.
STATUS: OPEN
FY25 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.
STATUS: CLOSED
Opened: March 14, 2025
Closed: April 14, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET
FY25 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.
STATUS: CLOSED
Opened: March 14, 2025
Closed: April 14, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET
FY25 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.
STATUS: CLOSED
Opened: March 14, 2025
Closed: April 14, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET