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 2026.
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.
What are small business grants?
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 small business grants for 2026
DC state-specific grants for 2026 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.
1. Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Grants
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.
2. DC Locally Made Manufacturing Grant
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:
- Phone: (202) 727-8111
- Email: [email protected]
3. Downtown recovery grants
DMPED runs several active grant programs to support DC businesses opening, expanding, or improving their presence in key corridors and neighborhoods across the District. These are updated annually, and multiple programs are often open simultaneously. Here are the most recent active programs:
The Restaurant & Retail Stabilization Grant is a $3.875 million fund supporting DC restaurants and retailers that experienced revenue loss in 2025. The most recent application period closed May 5, 2026.
The Great Streets Small Business Retail Grant awards up to $90,000 to brick-and-mortar businesses in one of 13 DC commercial corridors for storefront renovations, equipment, and infrastructure improvements. The FY26 round closed January 23, 2026. The FY27 round is expected to open in December 2026.
The Chinatown Lease Incentive Grant provides up to $125,000 to support small businesses signing long-term leases in DC’s Chinatown neighborhood to maintain and enhance its cultural heritage. The most recent application deadline was June 22, 2026.
The Rhode Island Avenue Support Grant supports small businesses signing long-term leases along the Rhode Island Avenue corridor to strengthen community connections and attract foot traffic. The most recent application deadline was June 22, 2026.
For a complete and up-to-date list of currently open DMPED grant programs, visit their website.
Industry-specific and niche small business grants 2026
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.
1. Small Business Administration (SBA) Grants
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.
Eligibility requirements:
- Depends on the program.
- You must have a viable business plan that outlines your business’s financial needs.
Application process:
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.
2. Commercial Waste Compactor Demonstration Project
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].
3. Grants.gov
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.
Application and eligibility process:
- You must apply using the Grants.gov website.
- Prove your eligibility for the grant you’re applying for.
For more information about applications, visit the Grants.gov website.
Federal grants available to DC businesses
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.
1. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
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.
Eligibility requirements:
- U.S.-based.
- Less than 500 employees.
Application Process:
You submit your application to the relevant funding agency, and for eligibility requirements, you can visit the SBIR website.
2. Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)
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.
Eligibility requirements:
- Have less than 500 employees.
- Collaborate with a nonprofit research institution.
Application process:
Funding and application announcements are rolling throughout the year; visit the STTR website to see what’s available and when to apply.
Note: The SBIR and STTR programs lapsed on September 30, 2025, after Congress missed the reauthorization deadline. Both programs were reauthorized in March 2026 and are now active through September 30, 2031.
Corporate and private foundation small business grants for 2026
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 2026, corporate and private foundation grants will be available to small businesses in DC from the following providers.
1. American Express backing small businesses
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. The 2025 application round is now closed. A 2026 round has not yet been announced.
Application and eligibility process:
Your DC business must be located on a historic main street or in a downtown district. Applications will open again in early 2026.
2. FedEx Small Business Grant Contest (CLOSED)
FedEx’s Small Business Grant Contest awarded 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 FedEx Small Business Grant Contest ran from 2012 through 2024 and is no longer accepting applications.
3. FedEx E-Commerce Learning Lab
FedEx, in partnership with Accion Opportunity Fund and e-commerce experts at 37 Oaks, runs a four-month hands-on program designed to help small business owners strengthen their e-commerce strategy and grow their online sales. Participants who graduate receive a $5,000 grant to reinvest back into their business. The Fall 2026 cohort application period has closed.
4. Visa Everywhere Initiative (CLOSED)
The Visa Everywhere Initiative was a global program that awarded grants and resources to successful business applicants who solve online payment problems.
The US-based Visa Everywhere Initiative competition is no longer running. The only active Visa Everywhere program in 2026 is limited to female entrepreneurs with refugee backgrounds based in Europe and is not open to US applicants.
5. Walmart Local Community Grants
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.
Note: The Walmart Spark Good Local Grant is restricted to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities, it is not available to for-profit small businesses.
Small business grant application process: best practices and tips
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.
Conclusion
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?