Status: Opening June 2025

Introduction:
The Growth Fund focuses on providing grants to entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses that commit to establish or expand their presence in the District of Columbia by occupying commercial office space, including coworking space, and creating jobs in the District.
This program is intended to attract, grow and retain growth-stage startups in Washington, DC.

General Eligibility Requirements:
The general eligibility requirements to be considered eligible to apply for this program are below. Please see the RFA for further details regarding eligibility.

• Have at least 5 employees who are currently assigned to or will work at the Eligible Program Location
• Create at least 5 new jobs over a two-year period at the Eligible Program Location
• Relocate to, or expand in commercial office space, including coworking space, in Washington, DC. Anticipate that potential target applicants will lease or own less than 15,000 square feet. Preference will be given to applicants that commit to the space for at least two (2) years.
• Preference will be given to applicants relocating or expanding in the central business district (the “Vitality Fund Target Area”).
• Preference will be given to applicants in the following high-growth industry sectors, specifically the industry subsectors, though companies otherwise meeting the eligibility criteria for the Vitality Fund may be eligible. Applicants may be for-profit or non-profit entities.
  • Consulting and Business Services
    • HQs
  • Communications and Design
    • Marketing
    • Electronic Media
  • Education and Research
    • Research Organizations
  • Life Sciences
    • Health Technology
  • Technology
    • Cybersecurity
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Financial Technology

Program Requirements:
All recipients of a Growth Fund grant must commit to the following requirements:

• Require employees, in the aggregate, to be on-site at the location for at least 50% of their work hours.
• Implement or participate in a workforce development program that offers DC residents opportunities for training or employment within the business or the industry in which it operates; OR commit to spending at least 5% of its total annual contracting with businesses eligible for certification as local business enterprises during the 5-year period.

Additional information will be made available to the public starting May 2025 and will be updated regularly as the program changes.

Point of Contact
DMPED Business Development
Phone: (202) 727-6365
Email: [email protected]