Applications being accepted for the Robust Retail Citywide Grants
The Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) is currently accepting applications for the FY 2026 Robust Retail Citywide Grants, a funding opportunity designed to support existing retail businesses across the District of Columbia.
The FY 2026 Robust Retail Citywide Grant program supports DC-based retail businesses in maintaining operations and long-term viability. Through this initiative, DSLBD intends to award up to $10,000 per business to approximately 50 eligible businesses, utilizing $500,000 in total Fiscal Year 2026 funding.
The grant is structured as a reimbursement-based program and awards will be distributed via lottery among businesses that meet all eligibility requirements by the final application deadline. Businesses that received a Robust Retail Citywide Grant in FY 2025 are not eligible to apply for this funding cycle.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Citywide grant program, applicants must:
Be a District-based retail business
Be a licensed, for-profit, public-facing seller of legal goods and services
Operate from a brick-and-mortar commercial retail space in the District
Fall within an eligible business type listed in Appendix A of the RFA
Not be included among the ineligible business types outlined in Appendix A of the RFA
Submit all required documents and attestations listed in the RFA checklist
Application Process and Deadline
Complete application instructions are provided in the official Request for Applications (RFA). Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the full RFA prior to submitting an application.
Applications must be submitted through the online application system identified in the RFA and available on DSLBD’s website no later than January 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.