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 set-up, 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.

Participation in the Aspire Prep Program is a public declaration of reentry and/or justice-involved status.

We understand that not everyone who is a returning citizen or justice-involved is comfortable with sharing their status publicly. If you are not comfortable, you may prefer not to participate in the Aspire Prep Program and may reach out to DSLBD for referrals to alternative business development support. Reach out to [email protected] if you need additional support.

To be eligible for the Aspire Prep Program, applicants and Program participants must be:

• A DC resident planning to launch a for-profit business in DC.

• The majority of business owners (owning 51% or more of the business) of the planned business.

Multiple participants per business are not accepted. Selected participants may only participate in one DSLBD Cohort Program within the fiscal year. Participants who received stipend funds in any previous Aspire cohort program since its launch in 2016 are not eligible to participate in Aspire Prep 2026. This includes, but is not limited to: Aspire to Entrepreneurship (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019), Aspire Side Hustle (2016), Opportunity Zone Justice (OZJ) Accelerator (2016), We Aspire (2020, 2023), Aspire Pitch (2021), Aspire Navigation, We Aspire Pitch (2022), Aspire Incubator (2024, 2025), Aspire Prep (2024), etc.

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

How to Apply

Submit applications here: District Enterprise System (DES)

All applications and supporting documents must be submitted using the online application system. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Application Deadlines

All applications must be submitted by April 30, 2026 at 2:00 pm ET. No Exceptions.

There are other deadlines that applicants should monitor.

Program Application Deadlines

 

Courtesy Review: DSLBD will provide a courtesy review for applicants who start applications by or before the published Courtesy Review deadline. During this review, DSLBD staff will review and provide feedback on the responses to eligibility requirements. If the application does not meet the eligibility requirements, DSLBD will notify the applicant of non-compliance issues. The Applicant may use DSLBD’s feedback to resolve non-compliance issues and submit by APRIL 30, 2026, 2:00 pm ET.

 

Live Information Sessions

Information Sessions: DSLBD will offer multiple information sessions to help applicants understand these Official Instructions and to provide an opportunity to ask questions live during the Question and Answer (Q&A) segment of each Information Session. Register directly for an information session here: Aspire Prep 2026 Virtual Information Sessions.

Questions: All questions must be asked by the question deadline, April 24, 2026, by 2:00 pm ET, to receive a guaranteed answer. Questions asked after the deadline cannot be guaranteed a response before the application closes.

All questions must be emailed to [email protected] or asked during a Live Information Session. No phone calls will be accepted.

Required Eligibility Documents

Program-eligible DC residents must be the majority owner (51% or more) of the planned business and must identify as a returning citizen or justice-involved resident. Participation in the Program is public acknowledgement of reentry or justice-involved status. All required eligibility documents must be submitted using the online application system.

Required documentation will demonstrate the following:

• Identity of the Majority Business Owner (verified via valid or non-expired DC Driver’s License, DC Non-Driver’s Identification Card, or Passport)

• Proof of Residency in the District of Columbia (utility bill, bank statement, paystub, or formal government letter)

• Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) – Copy of Licensing Support Session Attendance Confirmation Email

• Proof of Majority Ownership – Majority Business Owner Attestation

• Re-entry or Justice-Involved Status

For accepted applicants invited to join the Program, the following documentation will also be required to join and participate in the Aspire Prep 2026 cohort:

• An Internal Revenue Service (IRS) W9 Form. This will be provided at the conclusion of the cohort.

• Business bank account details to secure the payment of stipend funds.

• Program Award Impact Reporting Acknowledgement Form

All information, documents, and attestations must be submitted in the online application system in the eligibility section for review. Applicants who do not meet eligibility requirements will not be evaluated. Only one application is allowed per applicant. Applications can be saved in the online system, allowing applicants to return and make edits before final submission. False information may result in Program forfeiture.

View all requirements for your business at the time of application. If you have any questions, please email: [email protected] or register for an information session, Aspire Prep Program 2026 Virtual Information Sessions