Status: OPEN

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

Introduction: 
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.

General Eligibility Requirements:
The general requirements to be considered eligible to apply for this program are below. Please see the RFA linked in the “Resource” section at the bottom of the page for further details regarding eligibility.

• Occupy or intend to occupy commercial space, including coworking space, in Washington, DC. Anticipate that applicants will lease or own less than 15,000 square feet. Preference will be given to applicants occupying space in the central business district (the “Growth Fund Target Area”) for at least two (2) years.
• Have at least 5 employees who are currently assigned to or will work at the occupied space.
• Create at least 5 new jobs over a two-year period at the occupied space.
• 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 Growth 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. 

How to Apply:
If your company is actively considering relocation or expansion, and meets the general eligibility requirements, please complete the Growth Fund Application. Before you begin the application, please review the FY26 Growth Fund RFA for full details regarding eligibility, the application process, and program requirements.

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY. Hand delivered or mailed applications, incomplete applications, or applications submitted after the Submission Deadline will not be accepted. 

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

Resources:
FY26 Growth Fund Request for Applications (RFA) 
FY26 Growth Fund Application Link
FY26 Growth Fund Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA)
Growth Fund One-pager