FY26 Residential Energy Contractor Support Grant
The DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (“DSLBD” or “Department”) is pleased to announce that it will begin soliciting applications for the FY26 RECS Grant on or about March 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time (“ET”). RECS grants will be awarded to eligible District-based businesses that can deliver targeted development training and back-office support to DC Sustainable Energy Utility (“DCSEU”) Train Green program participants, as well as District-based businesses engaging in other energy
efficiency training opportunities or “green” energy contracting opportunities. In partnership with the Department of Energy and Environment (“DOEE”), DSLBD seeks to position eligiblebusinesses to deliver trainings and prepare District-based business for subcontracting opportunities through back-office support (i.e., proposal/grant writing, marketing, customer recruitment, and account management). The Department intends to award up to two (2) grants to District-based businesses in the amount of $50,000, from the $100,000 in total available funding for FY26. The competitive application will open on March 2, 2026, and close on April 1, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. ET. Applications will only be accepted through the online application system listed in the corresponding RFA that will be posted on DSLBD’s website.
FY26 CBE Sustainable Energy Grants
The DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (“DSLBD” or “Department”) is pleased to announce that it will begin soliciting applications for the FY26 CBE Sustainable Energy Grants on or about February 16, 2026, at 10:00
a.m. Eastern Time (“ET”). CBE Sustainable Energy is a DSLBD initiative to support CBEs in the energy efficiency/reduction, electrification, renewable energy, and other related “green energy” markets. In partnership with the Department of Energy and Environment (“DOEE”), DSLBD supports CBEs by helping them prepare for opportunities with DOEE, the DC Sustainable Energy Utility (“DCSEU”), and other market opportunities.
FY26 Capacity Building Grant Program
The DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) is pleased to announce the launch of the FY26 Capacity Building Grant Program.
This grant program is part of DSLBD’s broader commitment to support the growth and sustainability of DC’s small business ecosystem. The Capacity Building Grant is designed to enhance the delivery of technical assistance, strengthen local business support networks, and ensure that underserved entrepreneurs have access to the tools they need to thrive. With a total of $479,835.00 in available funding for FY26. The number of awards and individual grant amounts will be determined based on the strength of the proposals and the anticipated impact of services delivered. Grantees will enter into agreements with DSLBD to deliver direct services, work collaboratively with DSLBD program managers, and report on outcomes throughout the year.
The FY26 Capacity Building Grant Program will:
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Support District-Based Business Service Providers: Grants will be awarded to local businesses and organizations that specialize in delivering high-quality technical assistance. These providers play a critical role in strengthening the infrastructure supporting small-business growth across DC.
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Deliver Targeted Business Development Services: DSLBD is seeking grantees who can offer specialized training, coaching, and back-office support services to participants in three of the agency’s flagship programs:
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We Aspire – for returning citizen entrepreneurs.
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Dream Accelerator – for early-stage business owners seeking to scale.
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District Capitalized – focused on helping small businesses access capital.
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Expand Access to Expertise: Through this initiative, DSLBD aims to increase the number of professional services available to program participants—helping businesses gain strategic guidance, financial literacy, legal support, branding assistance, and more.
How to Apply
Instructions are included in the RFA, which will be available for download on DSLBD’s website on or February 4, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. ET. Applicants are required to read the full RFA once posted. Applicants must register in the District Enterprise System (DES) and submit an application online using the link provided below by March 4, 2026, at 2 pm.
FY26 Capacity Building Grant Program Application Link
Click here to view the FY26 Capacity Building Grant RFA
FY26 H Street Marketing Grant Program
Department of Small and Local Business Development (“DSLBD” or “Department”) is pleased to announce that it is soliciting applications for the FY26 H Street Marketing Grant Program (“H Street Marketing Grant” or the “Grant Program”) on February 5, 2026, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time (“ET”). The Grant Program is intended to support marketing efforts along the H Street Northeast Corridor from 2nd Street NE to 15th Street NE, with the goal of increasing foot traffic and supporting
businesses along the corridor. It aims to fund entities with existing relationships on the corridor, demonstrated ability to collaborate with business and community stakeholders on the corridor, and/or demonstrated ability to reach new audiences.
Examples of project proposals for the Grant Program could include, but are not limited to:
• Digital campaigns highlighting the corridor (e.g., social media ads, email newsletters,
blogs, videos)
• Branding for the corridor (e.g., logo, color scheme, messaging)
• Storytelling about the corridor (e.g., blogs, newspaper articles, television)
• New and/or emerging events (e.g., pop-up markets)
• Arts and cultural programming (e.g., art installations, guided historic or art walks)
• Placemaking (e.g., vacant storefront activation, street furniture, decorative banners,
wayfinding signage)
The Department intends to award two to five grants of $50,000 to $125,000 each, totaling $250,000 in available funding for FY26.
How do I Apply?
Instructions are included in the RFA, which will be available for download on DSLBD’s website on or before February 5, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. ET. Applicants are required to read the full RFA once posted.
Deadline?
The Eligibility and Competitive application(s) will open on February 5, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., and close on February 27, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET. Applications will be accepted only through the online application system listed in the corresponding RFA, which will be posted on DSLBD’s website.
Click here to read the FY26 H Street Marketing Grant Program NOFA
Click here to read the FY26 H Street Marketing Grant Program RFA
Fiscal Year 2026 Art All Night Marketing Services Grant
The DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (“DSLBD” or the “Department”) is excited to announce that it will begin accepting applications for the Fiscal Year (“FY”) 2026 Art All Night (“AAN”) Marketing Services Grant Program, beginning January 20, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET. The AAN Marketing Services Grant Program is a DSLBD initiative created to maximize media engagement leading up to the AAN Festival. The selected awardee will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive citywide marketing and communications strategy for AAN.
DSLBD intends to award one (1) grant of up to $75,000.00 of the total funding available for FY 26. Programs connected to the FY 26 AAN Marketing Services Grant must occur during the Period of Performance, beginning on or around the effective date of the relevant grant agreement and ending on September 30, 2025. Applicants must register and submit an application online using the link provided within the RFA.
Deadline?
Application deadline is February 19, 2026, at 2:00 PM (ET).
Applicants must submit all documents and attestations within the District Enterprise System (“DES”). Applications will not be accepted if submitted outside DES or after the FY 26 AAN Marketing Services Grant Program deadline.
Who Can Apply?
An applicant for a FY 26 AAN Marketing Services Grant must meet the following criteria:
- The applicant's business must be based in DC.
- The applicant's organization and Executive Director or other Officer(s) have not been suspended from any District grant program for any reason within the past five (5) years. DSLBD will not solicit offers from, award grants to, renew, extend grant agreements with, or consent to subcontracts with entities that have been suspended during this timeframe.
Applicants who do not meet eligibility requirements for a FY 26 AAN Marketing Services Grant will not be considered.
How Do I Apply?
All instructions are included in the formal “Request for Applications” (RFA). Applicants are encouraged to read the full Request for Applications. Applications will only be accepted through the online application system listed in the Request for Applications (RFA).
DSLBD AAN Marketing Services Budget Narrative Template
