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Growth Fund is a grant from the District of Columbia Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) that funds qualified curators to design, manage, and operate temporary retail pop-up spaces featuring Made in DC (MiDC)-certified businesses across the District.
The FY26 Made in DC Curator & Retail Innovation Grant Program provides $25,000 in total funding to one or more grantees who will create structured, shared retail platforms giving DC-based makers storefront access without long-term lease commitments. Eligible applicants are small businesses and organizations in Washington, DC with experience in retail curation and placemaking.
Applicants must design spaces that feature multiple MiDC-certified businesses across industries. The FY26 application deadline is May 13, 2026 at 2:00 PM ET.
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FY26 Made in DC Curator & Retail Innovation Grant Program The DC Department of Small and Local Business Development is excited to announce that it will begin accepting applications for the FY26 Made in DC Curator & Retail Innovation Grant Program (“ MiDC Grant Program ”).
Made in DC (“ MiDC ”) is a local certification program that supports and promotes businesses that design, make, produce, and/or assemble products in the District. The MiDC Grant Program is designed to support the growth and visibility of MiDC-certified businesses by creating structured retail opportunities that strengthen brand presence and drive revenue within the District.
The goal of the FY26 MiDC Grant Program is to advance retail placemaking for MiDC-certified businesses by establishing a shared curated retail platform that expands storefront access for brands without permanent brick-and-mortar locations.
This initiative gives District-based businesses and makers across industries a structured, short-term retail space to sell locally made products and connect directly with customers, without the long-term commitments of an independent lease.
To achieve this purpose, DSLBD will award funding to one or more qualified curators to design, manage, and operate temporary retail pop-up spaces located within the District that feature multiple MiDC-certified businesses across various industries. DSLBD intends to award one (1) or more grants, with $25,000 in total funding available for FY26. More information about the grant opportunity is listed below.
May 13, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET (No exception) To learn more, CLICK HERE FY26 MiDC Grant Program NOFA FY26 MiDC Grant Program RFA *DSLBD MiDC Budget Narrative Template FY26 Dream Accelerator Program The District of Columbia Department of Small and Local Business Development (“DSLBD”) is excited to announce that we will begin accepting applications for the 2026 Dream Accelerator Program (the “Program”), a cohort-based training for microbusinesses, starting March 23, 2026, at 2:00 pm Eastern Time (“ET”).
Eligible microbusinesses must have fewer than 5 employees, be located in Ward 7 or 8, and have an applicant business owner who is a Ward 7 or 8 resident owning 51% or more of the business. This Program is only for for-profit businesses. Applicants accepted into this 6-8-week competitive program will receive help growing their businesses and becoming sustainable.
Program participants will receive business development training on several topics from local service providers, including: Core Business Foundations, Marketing & Branding, Financial Management, Operations & Sustainable Growth, and Using Artificial Intelligence in Business. Participants who complete the Dream Accelerator Program will be eligible to compete in the Dream Pitch Competition.
The Dream Pitch Competition is an opportunity for participants to pitch their businesses to a panel of judges, showcasing the knowledge gained through the Program, resulting in a pitch award between $2,000 and $7,500. April 23, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET.
No Exception To learn more, CLICK HERE FY26 We Aspire Prep Program The DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (“DSLBD”) is excited to announce that we will begin accepting applications for the Aspire Prep Program 2026 (the “Program”), starting March 30, 2026. The Aspire Prep Program is for DC residents who are returning citizens and/or justice-involved, starting a DC-based microbusiness.
The Program is an opportunity for individuals who do not hold an active DC basic business license and are in the business concept or business ideation stage, brainstorming and researching ideas, and who need additional support and assistance to turn their dream into reality. Participants will complete various business planning and business development milestones for a stipend payout of up to $1,500. 00.
This will include completing a business plan, regulatory compliance and setup, basic financial management, advertising, branding and marketing materials, and public-speaking milestones.
Microbusinesses accepted into this competitive Program will receive business development training and support in the following areas: • Advertising, Branding, & Marketing • Business Planning & Business Development • Financial Management • Regulatory Compliance & Set-Up Class and Program schedules will be finalized around March 2026 when all Program service providers are finalized.
The Aspire Prep Program is for returning citizens and/or justice-involved DC residents who do not have an active DC basic business license. Justice-involved means an individual who has had contact with the criminal justice system, meaning they've been arrested, incarcerated (jail/prison), or sentenced to probation or parole. DSLBD will begin accepting applications on March 30, 2026, for the Aspire Prep 2026 cohort Program.
Eligible entrepreneurs must apply by April 30, 2026, 2:00 pm Eastern Time (“ET”) . To learn more about the Aspire Prep Program for 2026 and eligibility requirements, please visit: DSLBD Aspire Prep Program 2026 FY26 Dream Accelerator Program Application Instructions FY26 MiDC Curator Grant Program NOFA FY26 MIDC Curator Grant Program RFA MIDC Budget Narrative Template Dream Accelerator Program 2026 Aspire Incubator Program
Based on current listing details, eligibility includes: Small businesses and startups in Washington, DC. Applicants should confirm final requirements in the official notice before submission.
Current published award information indicates Varies Always verify allowable costs, matching requirements, and funding caps directly in the sponsor documentation.
The current target date is rolling deadlines or periodic funding windows. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, attachments, and final submission checks.
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Requirements vary by sponsor, but typically include a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capability statement, and key personnel CVs. Check the official notice for the complete list of required attachments.
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Emerging Retail Initiative is a grant from the District of Columbia Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) that funds temporary retail placements in underserved commercial corridors across Washington, DC. The FY26 program, administered by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED), uses a temporary-use model inspired by Vacant to Vibrant to bridge the gap between shared incubator spaces and permanent brick-and-mortar establishments. The initiative boosts economic activity and ensures access to essential goods and services in underserved commercial areas by supporting businesses in securing temporary storefront space. Eligible applicants are retail businesses located in Washington, DC. Funding amounts vary by project scope.
Locally Made Manufacturing Grant Program is a grant from the District of Columbia Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) that funds capital and tenant improvements for light manufacturing businesses located in Great Streets commercial corridors in Washington, DC. The program strengthens the District's local business economy, supports manufacturing jobs, and fortifies supply chains within the city. Eligible applicants are manufacturing businesses in Washington, DC, specifically those operating in commercially designated industrial-use properties along Great Streets corridors. The grant is intended for capital improvements or tenant buildouts that directly enable or expand light manufacturing operations. The FY26 RFA was released December 12, 2025, with an amended RFA issued January 13, 2026. Funding amounts vary depending on project scope and applicant needs.
The purpose of this FOA is to provide funding for up to four (4) Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) that will provide entrepreneurial development services to Native American communities, focusing on supplying services to socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs in locations that are outside of the geographical areas of existing SBA resources. Eligible applicants must be Tribal Colleges and Universities as defined in the Higher Education Act HEA 316 (U.S.C. 1059c). Funding Opportunity Number: SB-GC7J-23-002. Assistance Listing: 59.007. Funding Instrument: G. Category: BC,ED. Award Amount: Up to $250K per award.
The purpose of this FOA is to provide funding for up to two (2) private, non-profit organizations that will provide entrepreneurial development services to women, with an emphasis on socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs in locations that are outside of the geographical areas of existing WBCs for the District of Columbia (DC) and the State of Oregon. There will be one award for each location. Eligible applicants must be private, non-profit organizations with 501(c) tax exempt status from the U.S. Treasury’s Internal Revenue Service and must provide services to the District of Columbia (DC) and State of Oregon. Funding Opportunity Number: SB-OEDWB-23-002. Assistance Listing: 59.043. Funding Instrument: G. Category: BC,CD,RD. Award Amount: $75K – $150K per award.
Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs Phase I is sponsored by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). The USDA SBIR/STTR programs support small businesses in creating innovative, disruptive technologies with commercial potential or societal benefit, including projects dealing with agriculturally-related manufacturing and alternative and renewable energy technologies. Specialty tubing could be relevant for agricultural equipment or renewable energy systems.