Rhode Island Avenue Corridor Retail Grant Program

Rhode Island Avenue Corridor Retail Grant Program is sponsored by City First Enterprises (Grant Administrator for District of Columbia). This program provides grants to support small businesses that have or sign long-term leases (at least five years) in the Rhode Island Avenue corridor in Washington, D. C.

DC Business Funding — #ObviouslyDC March 19 - DMPED's March Madness 2026 March 20 - DMPED's March Madness 2025 Various existing and new grant programs and procurement opportunities for DC businesses will be available through the DMPED cluster. See below for the calendar and program descriptions. Program details and updates will be added here as they become available.

FY26 Rhode Island Avenue support grant program The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) invites the submissions of applications from qualified organizations for a grant under the Rhode Island Avenue Support Grant Program.

The purpose of the Program is to provide grants to support small businesses that (1) have or sign a long-term leases of at least five years in the Rhode Island Avenue corridor in the District of Columbia, and (2) offer services or activities that strengthen community connections and attract foot traffic to the neighborhood.

The funding opportunity will provide up to $350,000 in total grant funding in FY26 to eligible businesses to (1) offset the costs of rents, or (2) complete tenant improvements. Opened: Friday, May 15, 2026 at 4PM EST Submission Deadline: Monday, July 6, 2026 at 4PM EST For more information and to apply click here.

FY26 Rhode Island Avenue Support Grant and Chinatown Lease Incentive Grant Program Information Session - May 19, 2026 Meeting recording restaurant & retail stabilization grant The Restaurant & Retail Stabilization Grant is a $3. 875 million fund to support the District’s restaurants and retailers and continue growing DC’s economy.

The grant is funded by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) and administered by Capital Impact Partners (CIP), a local, nonprofit community development financial institution. The Restaurant & Retail Stabilization Grant is a part of the District’s continued efforts to meet the existing and future needs of the small business community.

The fund will provide financial assistance to brick-and-mortar businesses that experienced revenue loss in 2025, with preference given to businesses that lost over 10% revenue. Grants are available for up to $50,000, helping businesses remain operational and nimble to support long-term sustainability. Submission Deadline: June 5, 2026 at 11:59pm EST For more information and to apply click here.

FY26 capitol hill construction impact grant program The purpose of the program is to provide short-term financial relief to support small businesses impacted by District Department of Transportation construction near Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, and Potomac Avenue, SE, and along 8th Street SE, between Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, and Virginia Avenue, SE, in the District of Columbia.

Opened: Friday, May 1, 2026 Submission Deadline: Friday, June 12th 2026, 4:00PM ET For more information and to apply click here.

Information Session - In Person Where: 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20003 Second Floor Conference Room One RSVP: Neighborhood Grants Information Session Registration Capitol Hill Construction Impact Grant Information Session - May 15, 2026 Presentation Capitol Hill Construction Impact Grant Information Session - May 15, 2026 Meeting Recording FY26 Chinatown lease incentive grant program The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (“DMPED”) invites the submission of applications from qualified organizations for a grant under the Chinatown Lease Incentive Grant Program (“CLIGP” or “Program”).

The purpose of the Program is to provide grants to support small businesses that (1) have or will sign long-term lease of at least five years in the Chinatown neighborhood in the District of Columbia (“District”) and (2) maintain or enhance the cultural heritage of the neighborhood. Opened: Friday, May 15, 2026 at 4PM ET Submission Deadline: Monday, June 22, 2026 at 4PM EST For more information and to apply click here.

FY26 Chinatown Lease Incentive Grant and Rhode Island Avenue Support Grant Program Information Session - May 19, 2026 Meeting recording FY26 washington, dc global soft landing The Washington, DC Global Soft Landing (GSL) Program connects international entrepreneurs, startups, and companies with the resources, networks, and expertise they need to establish and grow in Washington, DC.

DMPED is seeking a qualified Program Operator to manage, coordinate, and operate the day-to-day activities of the GSL initiative. The selected operator will provide technical assistance, facilitate connections with local partners and stakeholders, and support international companies in successfully navigating the DC market. Total funding available: $250,000.

DMPED anticipates making one award, with a period of performance through September 30, 2028. Opened: Friday, May 22, 2026 at 1:00 PM EST Submission Deadline: Monday, June 22, 2026 at 4:00 PM EST For more information and to apply click here. Mayor Bowser and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, in partnership with the Council of the District of Columbia, are strategically investing up to $1.

5 million in the Commercial Property Acquisition Fund (CPAF). Investment is subject to FY26 budget availability. The Commercial Property Acquisition Fund is devised to provide down payment assistance through grants of up to $300,000 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. City First Enterprises (CFE) is the grant administrator and main point of contact for this program. For questions or assistance regarding this grant program or application, please email cpaf@cfenterprises.

org . Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Commercial Property Acquisition Fund Application special event relief fund Mayor Bowser and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) launched the Special Event Relief Fund, a $1. 4 million investment to support events that celebrate the culture of the District of Columbia and support local communities, and generate economic impact.

The Special Event Relief Fund allows organizers of festivals and outdoor special events to apply for financial assistance to cover event expenses. Closing: September 1, 2026 For more information and to apply click here.

FY26 technology ecosystem fund (tef) The Technology Ecosystem Fund (TEF) provides grant funding to organizations that support the creation, incubation, acceleration, relocation, and growth of technology companies in the District of Columbia. The Program also aims to support organizations and projects that have a direct or indirect effect on the District’s technology ecosystem.

This includes, but is not limited to, increasing access to capital for technology companies, providing support services to companies and entrepreneurial ecosystem intermediaries, and hosting events that bring together technologists, founders, startups, and entrepreneurs. Opened: March 27, 2026 at 4PM EST Submission Deadline: May 29, 2026 at 4PM EST For more information and to apply click here.

The Vitality Fund is a multi-year, performance-based incentive that supports large, established companies relocating to or expanding in Washington, DC. The program encourages job creation, capital investment, and long-term occupancy of commercial office space, with a focus on diversifying DC’s economy and supporting Downtown revitalization.

Opened: February 6, 2026 at 4PM EST Submission Deadline: July 15, 2026 at 4PM EST For more information and to apply click here.