APRIL 15 | Deadline for DC Retail Businesses to apply for $10,000 grants

Mayor Bowser Launches Applications for 2024 Robust Retail Grant Program

Thursday, March 21, 2024

DC Retail Businesses are Eligible for $10,000 in Grant Funding; Applications Open Through Monday, April 15

(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) announced that applications are open for the 2024 Robust Retail Grant Program. Managed by DSLBD, the Robust Retail Grant Program supports retail businesses based in DC by offering $10,000 in small business grant funding. This year, 48 businesses will be awarded funding through a lottery selection process. The program is accepting applications from local businesses through Monday, April 15.

“Investing in retail businesses means more jobs and greater opportunities for Washingtonians,” said Mayor Bowser. “When we support retail businesses, we are not only investing in the prosperity of our community, we are building stronger neighborhoods and supporting the dreams and investments of entrepreneurs in DC.”

Since the launch of the Robust Retail Grant Program in 2019, DSLBD has awarded $4 million to support nearly 500 retail establishments across all eight wards. This includes the distribution of Citywide and Main Street Grant funds, showcasing the District’s commitment to supporting DC’s retail landscape.
 
“The Robust Retail grant affords our brick-and-mortar businesses a real opportunity for economic growth by reducing some of the financial burdens that may be holding them back,” said Acting DSLBD Director Rosemary Suggs Evans. “Our goal is to offer practical assistance that fosters ambition and creates a future where dreams can become reality.” 

To qualify, businesses must be listed as for-profit, consumer-facing small and independent retail businesses with fewer than 25 full-time employees that operate a licensed retail location. 

Funding from the Robust Retail Grant Program may be used for:

  • Employee Wages and Salaries

  • Insurance Costs

  • Rent

  • Utility Expenses

  • Inventory

  • Cleaning Supplies

  • New Delivery or Online Costs

  • Taxes

  • Debt Obligations

Awardees of the 2024 Robust Retail Grant Program will be announced during DC Small Business Week, which will be held April 28 - May 4, 2024.

To see if your business is eligible for the Robust Retail Grant Program and to learn more about the program, visit dslbd.dc.gov/robustretailgrant and review the Request for Applications.

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