Do you run a business in our nation’s great capital? Business owners in Washington, D.C., are a vital part of the fabric that makes up this vibrant city. But running a business in D.C. can come with high costs. Not to worry, we’ve got your back. If you’re a D.C. business owner and you’re looking for funding, you may want to consider one (or more) of the grants or loans below. Here, we’ve compiled a list of business grants and loans that are only available to businesses that operate within D.C. Take a peek.
Department or Agency: Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development / SMBX
Loan or Grant title:D.C. Rebuild Bond Program
The D.C. Rebuild Bond Program offers eligible small businesses in D.C. the opportunity to apply for a bond, which is similar to a loan, except that interest is paid to a community of investors rather than to a bank. Businesses must be located in Washington, D.C., and have been in operation for at least one year to qualify.
Department or Agency: Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Business Development Unit
Loan or Grant title: Vitality Fund
The Employment Center Vitality and Local Jobs Creation Fund (Vitality Fund) was designed to help businesses relocate to D.C., remain in D.C., or expand in D.C. Qualified businesses must have a physical location in D.C. that is at least 7,000 square feet, employ 25 or more full-time employees, and demonstrate a commitment to remain at the designated location in D.C. for at least five more years, among other requirements. Award funds can be used toward rent, down payment, recruitment, and other expenses.
The submission deadline is August 1, 2025.
Department or Agency: Nourish DC Collaborative
Loan or Grant title: Nourish DC Flexible Loans
Nourish DC offers several different loan opportunities to support food entrepreneurs in D.C. communities. Existing and start-up food businesses may be eligible to apply for loans that vary according to their needs, ranging in size from $500 for microloans to $10 million for real estate loans.
Department or Agency: Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF)
Loan or Grant title:Small Business Term Loan
The Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF) offers a term loan for small businesses located in the D.C. Metro area (including Montgomery and Prince George’s counties in Maryland, as well as Virginia’s Arlington County, City of Alexandria, Fairfax County, and City of Fairfax). Among other requirements, businesses must have been in operation for at least one year and have generated $50,000 or more in revenue the previous year to qualify. Loan funds range from $10,000 to $250,000 and can be used for working capital, to finance equipment, or to purchase inventory.
Department or Agency: Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF)
Loan or Grant title:Green Growth Fund & Sustainable Boost Grant
WACIF’s Green Growth Fund and Sustainable Boost Grants are available to D.C. entrepreneurs who are either 1) implementing green and energy-efficient business practices or 2) executing projects in sustainable or green economy industries. Eligible businesses can receive a loan of up to $250,000 and may be eligible for a boost grant once they have paid off the loan in full. To qualify, businesses must be located in D.C. (or certain parts of Maryland and Virginia), have been in business for at least a year, and show at least $50,000 in revenue from the previous year.
Department or Agency: Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC)
Loan or Grant title:Growth Loan
The Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) offers small business loans to support local businesses that may not otherwise qualify for traditional funding. Businesses can be located in the District of Columbia, Baltimore, Maryland, or Puerto Rico. The Growth Loan gives established small businesses with at least two years of operations up to $250,000 to invest in growth.
Department or Agency: Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC)
Loan or Grant title:Startup Loan
The LEDC Startup Loan is designed to help D.C. startups launch their products or services and build momentum. Qualified startups with less than two years of operations can get up to $20,000 in loan funds.
Department or Agency: Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC)
Loan or Grant title:Seed Loan
The LEDC Seed Loan is designed for startups with less than one year of operation or entrepreneurs with plans to launch a company within three months of receiving the funds. Qualified startups can receive up to $5,000 to help launch their endeavor.
Department or Agency: Hilltop Microfinance Initiative (HMFI)
Loan or Grant title:Small Business Loan and Seed Loan
The Hilltop Microfinance Initiative (HMFI) is a registered 501(c) (3) organization staffed and run by Georgetown University students who aim to stimulate economic growth in the D.C. area. HMFI’s Small Business Loan ranges from $1,000 to $10,000, and their Seed Loan offers up to $1,000. To be eligible, businesses must have a monthly income of at least $1,000 and demonstrate how the business will benefit financially from the loan over a long period of time. Businesses must be located in the D.C., Virginia, or Maryland areas.
Department or Agency: Capital Impact Partners / Momentus Capital
Loan or Grant title:Acquisition and Pre-Development Loans
Capital Impact Partners is a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) serving businesses in several states, as well as the District of Columbia. Businesses that need funding to acquire and develop real estate for qualified mission-driven projects can qualify for loans from $500,000 to $20 million.
Department or Agency: Capital Impact Partners / Momentus Capital
Loan or Grant title: Construction, Tenant Improvement, and Rehabilitation Loans
Capital Impact Partners also offers Construction, Tenant Improvement, and Rehabilitation loans to businesses that need capital to cover the construction costs for their mission-driven projects. Loans range from $500,000 to $15 million.
Department or Agency: Capital Impact Partners / Momentus Capital
Loan or Grant title:Mini Permanent Loans
Capital Impact Partners’ Mini Permanent Loans help businesses finance permanent real estate for mission-driven projects, like building healthcare and education facilities. Loans range from $500,000 to $20 million.
Department or Agency: City First Enterprises (CFE)
Loan or Grant title: Small Business Term Loan
City First Enterprises (CFE) is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) dedicated to creating equitable financial solutions for businesses of all kinds. Their Small Business Term Loan provides eligible businesses with loans ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 to purchase inventory, equipment, vehicles, and supplies; expand operations; cover working capital costs; and refinance existing debt.
Department or Agency: District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB)
Loan or Grant title: DC BizCAP – Collateral Support Program
The District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) administers the DC BizCAP Collateral Support Program. Designed to support small businesses that have struggled to secure financing due to their credit history, the program funds up to 50% of a business loan (no more than $500,000) to cover a business’s collateral. To qualify, businesses have to be registered in the District and have fewer than 750 employees (75% of whom must work in the District).
Department or Agency: District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB)
Loan or Grant title:Loan Participation Program – Small Business Commercial Real Estate (SBCRE) Loan Program
DC BizCAP’s Loan Participation Program helps businesses that have had difficulty securing financing from traditional lending institutions. The Small Business Commercial Real Estate (SBCRE) Loan Program provides eligible District businesses with funds to finance commercial building renovations. In partnership with an eligible lender, DISB can fund up to 50% of a business’s loan, up to $500,000. To qualify, businesses have to be registered in the District and have fewer than 750 employees (75% of whom must work in the District).
Department or Agency: District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB)
Loan or Grant title: Loan Participation Program – Startup Small Business (SUBL) Loan Program
The Startup Small Business (SUBL) Loan Program helps District startups fund equipment, business operation costs, and general working capital needs. In partnership with a lender, DISB can fund up to 50% of a business’s loan, up to $75,000. To qualify, businesses have to be registered in the District and have fewer than 750 employees (75% of whom must work in the District).
Department or Agency: District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB)
Loan or Grant title:Loan Participation Program – Space and Equipment Loan Program (SELP)
The Space and Equipment Loan Program (SELP) helps eligible District businesses finance equipment and space build-out costs. In partnership with a lender, DISB can fund up to 50% of a business’s loan, up to $250,000. To qualify, businesses have to be registered in the District and have fewer than 750 employees (75% of whom must work in the District).
Department or Agency: Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
Loan or Grant title: Storefront Façade Improvement Loans and Grants
Many community-based non-profit organizations in D.C. offer funds to help businesses improve their exteriors and attract more customers. Some organizations cover up to 75% of a business’s total costs to improve their storefronts (including expenses related to painting, lighting, repairs, awnings, signage, and more). Visit the websites of each development corporation listed here to learn whether the programs are still in effect and how to apply.
