DC has 78,026 small businesses, which account for 98.2% of all DC businesses (SBA Office of Advocacy, 2024 profile), and most need funding to start and grow.
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, form an LLC in DC or grow one you already have, numerous grant programs are available in the District.
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 or funding from a venture capitalist, you don’t pay grants back or give away a percentage of your business. That makes grants a strong funding option for covering startup costs and growing your new business.
This post will examine each grant type, the providers, the eligibility requirements, and how you apply.
DC-specific small business grants for 2026
DC-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 District, and they are available to minority, veteran, women, LGBTQ, and disadvantaged businesses.
1. Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD)
DC’s Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) supports local small businesses, including minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses, through programs such as its Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) program, which helps certified DC-based businesses compete for District government contracts.
Check the DSLBD website for current programs, grant opportunities, and how to apply.
2. DMPED grant programs
The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) runs grant programs to support DC businesses opening, expanding, or improving their presence in key corridors and neighborhoods across the District. Programs and application rounds change each fiscal year.
The Commercial Property Acquisition Fund (CPAF) is currently open, offering grants of up to $500,000 or 25% of the purchase price.
For a complete and up-to-date list of currently open DMPED grant programs, visit their website.
For further information, contact the DMPED Grants Team:
- Phone: (202) 727-8111
- Email: [email protected]
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 doesn’t provide grants to start or expand a business. Instead, it funds local resource partners that offer business advice and guarantees low-interest business loans (these are loans, not grants).
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. Grants.gov
Grants.gov, the federal government’s grant platform managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is a directory for US federal funding agencies that award grants to businesses and individuals in various industries, including economic development, local minority businesses, manufacturing, and fisheries.
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 businesses with 500 or fewer 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.
- 500 or fewer 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 500 or fewer 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. Congress reauthorized both programs on April 13, 2026 (P.L. 119-83), 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, the following private grant program is worth knowing about in DC.
1. Amber Grant
WomensNet awards $15,000 Amber Grants every month, and three of each year’s monthly winners receive an additional $75,000 year-end grant. Women who own at least 50% of a business based in the United States or Canada can apply, including early-stage businesses. The application fee is $15 and is non-refundable.
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?