(Washington, DC) — Today, a week after she revealed her new economic growth agenda, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) announced the 2025 Robust Retail Grant Program awardees – nearly 60 small businesses across all eight wards that will receive a combined $570,000 in funding. Robust Retail Grants provide up to $10,000 in funding to consumer-facing, brick-and-mortar businesses to help cover critical expenses such as rent, payroll, inventory, and marketing.
 
 “Local businesses because create jobs, build community, and help shape the future of DC,” said Mayor Bowser. “A week ago, we were on H Street to share our growth agenda, which is focused on making it easier to do business in DC. Today, we’re back on the corridor to celebrate and support 60 businesses that are creating jobs and vibrancy in our city.”
 
These grants support the Mayor’s growth agenda, which focuses on accelerating the city’s economic recovery by creating good jobs, supporting local entrepreneurs, and revitalizing commercial corridors. The agenda focuses on creating more jobs and more revenue by reducing barriers to growth and making it easier to do business in DC. 
 
In addition to providing citywide support, this year’s grant round includes targeted funding for businesses located along the North Capitol Street corridor—part of DSLBD’s continued effort to revitalize commercial corridors and expand economic opportunity. The list of awardees can be found at dslbd.dc.gov/robustretailgrant. 
 
“Small businesses shouldn’t have to figure it out alone—and in DC, they don’t have to,” said Rosemary Suggs-Evans, Director of DSLBD. “From licensing to funding, DSLBD is here to help. The Robust Retail Grant is just one way we’re making good on our promise to be every entrepreneur’s first stop—and best resource —for growth.” 
 
The Robust Retail Grant Program first launched in 2019 and has since awarded more than $4 million to more than 500 local businesses, helping to sustain storefronts, create jobs, and strengthen neighborhood economies. By connecting business owners to capital, helping residents become employers, and revitalizing corridors through targeted support and grantmaking, DSLBD is expanding access to opportunity and supporting the long-term sustainability of DC’s local and small business community.  
 
For more information about DSLBD programs and future funding opportunities, visit dslbd.dc.gov. 
 

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