DC has 75,579 small businesses, which account for 98.1% of all DC businesses, and most need funding to start and grow. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that in 2022, 69% of small businesses had to use personal savings for financing. Showing a drastic need for alternative funding opportunities.
That’s where DC leads the way. DC received over 10 million dollars in local government funding and a further $15 million in federal grants. Most of this will help finance its business sector to support small and large business growth in 2025.
In addition, local, private, corporate, and nonprofit grants can also help fund your entrepreneurial vision.
So, whether you’re about to start a new business or want to grow one you already have, numerous grant programs are available in DC.
Small business grants come from many sources, including state and local government grants, corporate and private, and nonprofit organizations.
While all grant providers award them for different reasons and have specific eligibility and application requirements, they share one thing.
Unlike traditional bank loans of funding from a venture capitalist, you don’t pay grants back or give away a percentage of your business. Making grants the perfect funding option for starting and growing your new business.
This post will examine each grant type, the providers, the eligibility requirements, and how you apply.
DC state-specific grants for 2025 offer various funding options for small businesses to start, grow, and succeed in Washington.
Local government departments provide these grants to encourage growth and prosperity throughout the state, and they are available to minority, veteran, women, LGBTQ, and disadvantaged businesses.
The MWBE grant programs support women, minorities, veterans, LGBTQ, and disadvantaged businesses in DC to encourage job creation and economic growth.
Besides grants, the MWBE provides low-cost loans, counseling, coaching, networking, and technical help.
Grant application opportunities run throughout the year; check the MWBE website for further details on how to apply.
The LMM Grant supports local businesses in a DC Great Streets corridor involved in light manufacturing by providing grants for tenant or capital improvements of commercial properties for industrial use.
The grant aims to incentivize growth in the District’s local business economy, strengthen supply chains, and bolster manufacturing within the city.
For further information, contact the DMPED Grants Team:
The D.C. Mayor’s office provides downtown recovery grants to businesses opening or expanding in vacant downtown properties to encourage growth and prosperity in major city corridors.
The grant is available for construction, utilities, and rent, and five chosen businesses can receive between $200,000 and $3,000,000.
Your business must lease a vacant property in the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District or the Downtown Business Improvement District and show how it will increase foot traffic to qualify.
Private foundations and government agencies provide industry-specific and niche grants to support innovative industries and local businesses.
Areas that can apply for these grants include renewable energy, healthcare, technology, local DC women or minority-owned businesses, and community ventures.
Grants support research, innovation, and projects that improve the local economy.
The SBA funds many local grant programs and assists small businesses in getting low-interest business loans.
Your local SBA office can help your business by connecting you with its partner lending organizations and business community groups.
Each application process is relative to the funding program; for further information on what’s available and how to apply, visit the Washington Metropolitan SBA office.
The CWCD Project is a niche grant for DC business owners in certain services or specific industries that can improve DC’s rodent and sanitation problems.
Grants of up to $150,000 are provided to DC Main Streets grantees who can improve public sanitation conditions by managing, coordinating, and installing waste compactors with DC local businesses.
For more information, email [email protected].
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s funding platform, Grants.gov, is a directory for all US federal funding agencies that award grants to businesses and individuals in various industries, including economic development, local minority businesses, manufacturing, and fisheries.
The grant.gov website can connect you to 26 federal grant agencies that award over $400 billion in annual grants.
For more information about applications, visit the Grants.gov website.
Most federal grants are formula grants that the government distributes to US states, which then choose how to distribute them to local businesses and industries.
Although each state has specific eligibility requirements and application processes, grants are available to nonprofit organizations, individuals, and entities like LLCs.
Federal funding is a lifeline for US enterprises and supports businesses that contribute to their communities, help with employment, and provide innovative solutions to services and products.
The SBIR program funds small businesses in the research and development sectors.
Funds are only available to small manufacturers and businesses with less than 500 employees.
The programs provide an essential capital source for businesses in Washington, D.C., to help develop innovative product concepts.
You submit your application to the relevant funding agency, and for eligibility requirements, you can visit the SBIR website.
The STTR program helps small businesses connect and work with nonprofit research institutions and universities to encourage technology transfer and innovation.
The STTR grant suits small businesses that want to increase and improve their research and development capabilities.
Funding and application announcements are rolling throughout the year; visit the STTR website to see what’s available and when to apply.
The RED loan and grant program provides funding through local utility organizations for rural projects.
Loans are zero-interest and available to businesses implementing projects that promote, create, and keep employment in rural areas.
For further information on eligibility requirements and application processes, visit the Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant Program.
Philanthropic organizations facilitate corporate and private foundation grants to encourage local entrepreneurialism and community projects and support small businesses with initiatives that match the providers’ social responsibility goals.
Corporate and private foundation grants cover specific social issues and sectors, including sustainability, education, community development, and innovation.
In 2025, corporate and private foundation grants will be available to small businesses in DC from the following providers.
The Backing Small Businesses is a joint grant program between American Express and Main Street America that awards 500 small US businesses $10,000 annually.
Your DC business must be located on a historic main street or in a downtown district. Applications will open again in early 2025.
FedEx’s Small Business Grant Contest awards FedEx services and grant funding to encourage small business growth.
In 2024, FedEx awarded 10 grants to lucky winners, nine $20,000 second prizes, and one $50,000 first prize.
The Visa Everywhere Initiative is a global program that awards grants and resources to successful business applicants who solve online payment problems.
The first prize is $25,000, the second is $15,000, and the third is $10,000.
To find competition details, applications, and deadlines, visit the Visa Everywhere Initiative website to apply.
Walmart Spark Good Local Grants are available to small businesses that improve their community.
Walmart’s grants fund community programs addressing local needs and initiatives, like education and healthcare.
Grants range from $250 to $5000.
Visit the Walmart Community Grant application portal for further information on eligibility requirements and applications.
Federal, state, industry/niche, and private grant providers have specific application processes. Still, to win a grant, you must take several necessary steps.
Do your research: Never rush the grant application process; research the eligibility and application requirements before applying.
Know your goals: To win a grant, you often need to have the same goals and priorities as the provider.
Start early: Give yourself ample time to research and prepare your application.
Adhere to grant guidelines: Learn and follow the grant guidelines to ensure your application is accepted.
Perfect your proposal: The better the proposal, the more chance you have of winning a grant. Create a proposal plan outlining your objectives, budget, and timeline and highlighting its positive impact on the DC community.
Few things are free in life, but a grant might be if you put the work in.
You increase your chances of winning by doing due diligence, ensuring eligibility, following the grant guidelines, and preparing early.
What are you waiting for?
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