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Program opened February 6, 2026 at 4PM EST and closed March 23, 2026 at 4PM EST. Deadline has now passed (today is 2026-04-15).
The DC Growth Fund, administered by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED), supports entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses relocating to or expanding in Washington, DC. The program encourages job creation and commercial office space occupancy, with a focus on growth-stage startups ready to scale.
Eligible applicants must occupy or plan to occupy commercial space in DC, have at least 5 employees at the site, and commit to creating at least 5 new jobs over two years. Preference is given to businesses in the central business district and in high-growth sectors including consulting, business services, and communications and design.
Recipients must maintain at least 50% on-site work hours and participate in workforce development programs benefiting DC residents. Both for-profit and non-profit entities may apply.
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Opened: February 6, 2026 at 4PM EST Submission Deadline: March 23, 2026 at 4PM EST 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 Communications and Design 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.
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.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Growth Fund, join us for an informational webinar on March 12, from 12pm-1pm ET. Register here . ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY.
Hand delivered or mailed applications, incomplete applications, or applications submitted after the Submission Deadline will not be accepted. DMPED Business Development Email: [email protected] FY26 Growth Fund Request for Applications (RFA) FY26 Growth Fund Application Link FY26 Growth Fund Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA)
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Must occupy commercial space in Washington, DC (preferably under 15,000 sq ft), maintain at least 5 current employees at the location, and create a minimum of 5 new jobs over two years. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The current listing shows $250,000 - $1,200,000. Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.
The most recent published deadline was March 23, 2026, which has passed. This is an annual program, so a new cycle should follow. Check the funder's website for the next application window.
Growth Fund is funded by DC Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED). Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
This opportunity targets applicants in Washington. If your organization operates elsewhere, check the official notice for location requirements.
Applications go through the funder's official portal — the Apply Now link on this page goes there directly.
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Vitality Fund is a grant from the DC Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) that funds established companies relocating to or significantly expanding their presence in Washington, DC through a multi-year, performance-based incentive program. Recipients must commit to at least 15,000 square feet of commercial space for five or more years, create a minimum of 30 new jobs over three years, and make capital improvements of at least $2 million. Awards range from $500,000 to over $3,000,000. The submission deadline for 2026 is July 15, 2026. Eligible applicants are established for-profit companies making substantial DC commitments.
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