2026 anacostia SMALL business Preservation program

Now in its fourth year, the 11th Street Bridge Park — a project of Ward 8 nonprofit Building Bridges Across the River — is proud to continue its year-long small business program supporting entrepreneurs in Ward 8, Washington, DC. Founded in partnership with the Anacostia Business Improvement District (BID), the Bridge Park is thrilled to carry this work forward for East of the River businesses. Today, selected small businesses receive grant funding and technical assistance designed to drive real growth, foster meaningful connections, and build long-term sustainability.  

The Small Business Preservation Program (SBPP) is designed to provide resources, tools, and technical support for Ward 8 small businesses.  This program also provides one-on-one capacity building, and marketing support pro bono services in collaboration with Booz Allen.

Selected businesses will receive the following.

• If selected for this program, you will be working with a dedicated team of Booz Allen volunteers for 12 months. Below is a list of areas of potential support the team can support you on. These categories are just a starting point.  Please select the areas in which you would like assistance:

  MARKETING: Assistance with developing marketing strategies, creating promotional materials, and enhancing your brand presence. Examples: Crafting social media campaigns, designing brochures, and conducting market research.

  FINANCIAL ANALYSIS: Support with financial planning, budgeting, and analyzing financial statements to ensure your organization’s financial health. Examples: Creating financial forecasts,

  GRANT SUPPORT: Guidance on identifying grant opportunities, writing compelling grant proposals, and managing grant applications. Examples: Researching potential funders, drafting grant narratives, and reviewing applications for grant submissions.

  STRATEGIC PLANNING: Help with setting long-term goals, developing action plans, and aligning your business’s resources to achieve your mission. Examples: Facilitating strategic planning workshops, creating SWOT analyses, and developing implementation roadmaps.

  TECHNOLOGY CONSULTING: Support on leveraging technology to improve operations, implementing new software solutions, and enhancing cybersecurity measures. Examples: Recommending project management tools, Research and analysis, and conducting cybersecurity assessments.

  OTHER: Please specify any other areas where you need assistance.

• A minimum of $5,000 in grant funds.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include existing small businesses that meet the following criteria.

• Business or primary residence is located East of the River in Ward 8 in Washington, DC

• Secured business and vendor license

• Clean Hands Certification

Please Note: This opportunity is not for third-party partners of the small business selected to participate. Instead, the small businesses selected are the only organizations that will have access to the program.

How do I apply?

This application form is a request for information to assess your company’s ability to participate in the program. Below are the steps for applying to join the Small Business Preservation Program (SBPP).

How Long Does the Process Take?

Once you apply, we will review each application and will notify the applicant of our decision by April 1st.