DC Commercial Property Acquisition Fund Offers Assistance to Businesses Looking to Buy Property

DC-based businesses interested in moving from renting to owning their commercial space may be eligible for financial assistance through the District’s Commercial Property Acquisition Fund (CPAF).

The program is currently open and is designed to help eligible local businesses purchase commercial property in the District and establish or maintain a long-term physical presence in DC.

According to the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED), up to $1.5 million is being invested in the program, subject to FY26 budget availability.

Eligible businesses can receive down payment assistance of up to $500,000 or 25% of the commercial property's sale price, whichever is less, according to DMPED's current program webpage.

Businesses participating in the program are expected to own and occupy the commercial property for at least seven years.

The fund is targeted to Equity Impact Enterprises or businesses eligible to become certified as an Equity Impact Enterprise. Additional eligibility requirements apply, including requirements related to DC ownership, business size, revenue, employment and the property being purchased.

Funding is awarded on a rolling basis while funds remain available. Businesses must already be in the commercial property acquisition process and should review the full requirements before applying.

City First Enterprises (CFE) serves as the grant administrator and primary point of contact for the program.

Questions or requests for application assistance can be sent to cpaf@cfenterprises.org.

Learn more about the Commercial Property Acquisition Fund, review eligibility requirements and access the application:
https://dmped.dc.gov/page/commercial-property-acquisition-fund