Funding Opportunities
IDENTIFY & EXPLORE SMALL BUSINESS FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
The following funding opportunities are active as of December 19, 2025. Please check back every month for new additions and updates.
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program provides business education, support services, and pathways to capital for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Participants gain practical skills to take their business to the next level with topics like financial statements, negotiations, and marketing.
LEDC Growth Loans
LEDC is a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) providing alternative financing to help build and grow local businesses.
DMPED Great Streets Grants
Amount: Variable
Deadline: January 16th, 2026
The program aims to strengthen and revitalize commercially underserved corridors by supporting new and existing businesses through investments that go beyond traditional capital improvements.
DMPED Locally Made Manufacturing Grants
Amount: Variable
Deadline: January 16th, 2026
The purpose of the program is to encourage the production of consumer goods in the District of Columbia and add vibrancy and economic stability to the Great Streets corridors. Funding to DC manufacturers will allow them to enhance production capacity, increase employment for local residents, and strengthen DC’s manufacturing sector.
DMPED Emerging Retail Initiative Grant Program
Amount: Variable
Deadline: January 16th, 2026
The purpose of the program is to create a low-risk environment for businesses to test their concepts, build brand awareness, and scale toward permanent brick-and-mortar operations, ultimately fostering economic vibrancy, sustainability, and community engagement in underserved commercial corridors.
DSLBD Robust Retail Grant
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: January 20th, 2026
DSLBD FY 2026 Robust Retail Citywide grant(s) support existing DC-based retail businesses in maintaining operations and viability.
Special Event Relief Fund
Applications are open for the Special Event Fund, which helps cover District government fees for free, outdoor events that celebrate DC culture and drive local economic impact. Applications are open on a rolling basis for events occurring through September 30, 2026.
Small Business Readiness for Resiliency
Deadline: Rolling
Developed in partnership with founding sponsor FedEx, the Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program (R4R) is a multi-year initiative to empower small business owners to proactively mitigate the risks posed by disasters.
Awesome Foundation Grant
Black Founder Startup Grant
BREVA Thrive Grant
Comcast Innovation Fund
DC Community Grant Program
Freed Fellowship Grant
Hustler’s Microgrant
National Association of the Self-Employed
Outta Excuses
Start.Pivot.Grow
Skip Monthly Grants
Wish Local Empowerment Program
YippityDoo Big Idea Grant
ZenBusiness
The Coalition Guide to Small Business Financing
DC Security Camera Rebate Program
LISC Small Business Seeking Financing Ready Series