The Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) is excited to announce that we will be accepting applications for the Spring 2019 Robust Retail: Citywide grants on a rolling basis starting April 15, 2019 and closing June 15, 2019.

A robust retail sector is critical to maintaining the vibrancy of DC neighborhoods, but market realities are changing for retail businesses. Thus the Robust Retail grant(s) support existing DC-based retail businesses adapting their business model to meet changing customer demand. DSLBD encourages but does not require applicants to include Made in DC products as part of their concept for business model redesign.

DSLBD intends to award up to $10,000 per business for a total of 40 businesses from the $400,000 in available funding for spring/summer 2019. Funds must be fully expended with appropriate receipts and accounting by September 30, 2019.

Rolling and Final Deadline 

While the grant opportunity will remain open, we will review applications on a rolling basis until the funding is extinguished, with review dates for applications received by 2 pm on the following dates: May 1, May 15, June 1 and finally June 15th.

The absolute final deadline to apply online is June 15th at 2:00 p.m., no exceptions. Applications will only be accepted through the online application system listed in the Request for Applications on DSLBD’s website.