FY26 Made in DC Curator & Retail Innovation Grant Program
The DC Department of Small and Local Business Development is excited to announce that it will begin accepting applications for the FY26 Made in DC Curator & Retail Innovation Grant Program (“MiDC Grant Program”).
Made in DC (“MiDC”) is a local certification program that supports and promotes businesses that design, make, produce, and/or assemble products in the District. The MiDC Grant Program is designed to support the growth and visibility of MiDC-certified businesses by creating structured retail opportunities that strengthen brand presence and drive revenue within the District.
The goal of the FY26 MiDC Grant Program is to advance retail placemaking for MiDC-certified businesses by establishing a shared curated retail platform that expands storefront access for brands without permanent brick-and-mortar locations. This initiative gives District-based businesses and makers across industries a structured, short-term retail space to sell locally made products and connect directly with customers, without the long-term commitments of an independent lease. To achieve this purpose, DSLBD will award funding to one or more qualified curators to design, manage, and operate temporary retail pop-up spaces located within the District that feature multiple MiDC-certified businesses across various industries.
DSLBD intends to award one (1) or more grants, with $25,000 in total funding available for FY26. More information about the grant opportunity is listed below.
Deadline:
May 13, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET (No exception)
To learn more, CLICK HERE
*DSLBD MiDC Budget Narrative Template
FY26 Dream Accelerator Program
The District of Columbia Department of Small and Local Business Development (“DSLBD”) is excited to announce that we will begin accepting applications for the 2026 Dream Accelerator Program (the “Program”), a cohort-based training for microbusinesses, starting March 23, 2026, at 2:00 pm Eastern Time (“ET”). Eligible microbusinesses must have fewer than 5 employees, be located in Ward 7 or 8, and have an applicant business owner who is a Ward 7 or 8 resident owning 51% or more of the business. This Program is only for for-profit businesses. Applicants accepted into this 6-8-week competitive program will receive help growing their businesses and becoming sustainable. Program participants will receive business development training on several topics from local service providers, including: Core Business Foundations, Marketing & Branding, Financial Management, Operations & Sustainable Growth, and Using Artificial Intelligence in Business. Participants who complete the Dream Accelerator Program will be eligible to compete in the Dream Pitch Competition. The Dream Pitch Competition is an opportunity for participants to pitch their businesses to a panel of judges, showcasing the knowledge gained through the Program, resulting in a pitch award between $2,000 and $7,500.
Deadline:
April 23, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET. No Exception
To learn more, CLICK HERE
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PROGRAM DETAILS
FY26 We Aspire Prep Program
The DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (“DSLBD”) is excited to announce that we will begin accepting applications for the Aspire Prep Program 2026 (the “Program”), starting March 30, 2026. The Aspire Prep Program is for DC residents who are returning citizens and/or justice-involved, starting a DC-based microbusiness. The Program is an opportunity for individuals who do not hold an active DC basic business license and are in the business concept or business ideation stage, brainstorming and researching ideas, and who need additional support and assistance to turn their dream into reality.
Participants will complete various business planning and business development milestones for a stipend payout of up to $1,500.00. This will include completing a business plan, regulatory compliance and setup, basic financial management, advertising, branding and marketing materials, and public-speaking milestones.
Microbusinesses accepted into this competitive Program will receive business development training and support in the following areas:
• Advertising, Branding, & Marketing
• Business Planning & Business Development
• Financial Management
• Regulatory Compliance & Set-Up
Class and Program schedules will be finalized around March 2026 when all Program service providers are finalized.
Program Eligibility
The Aspire Prep Program is for returning citizens and/or justice-involved DC residents who do not have an active DC basic business license. Justice-involved means an individual who has had contact with the criminal justice system, meaning they've been arrested, incarcerated (jail/prison), or sentenced to probation or parole.
Deadline
DSLBD will begin accepting applications on March 30, 2026, for the Aspire Prep 2026 cohort Program. Eligible entrepreneurs must apply by April 30, 2026, 2:00 pm Eastern Time (“ET”). To learn more about the Aspire Prep Program for 2026 and eligibility requirements, please visit: DSLBD Aspire Prep Program 2026
