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Washington, DC, is a global city, home to key decision-makers, world-class universities, and a highly-skilled talent pool. If you’re ready to grow your business in the District, Mayor Bowser’s Vitality Fund is a multi‑year, performance‑based incentive that supports large, established companies relocating to or expanding in Washington, DC.

To learn more, visit dmped.dc.gov.

Want to grow and support the thriving technology ecosystem in Washington, DC? The Technology Ecosystem Fund is deploying $2M in FY 2026 to organizations or partner networks that:

1. Run incubator, accelerator, or venture studio programs
2. Hostevents aligned with fast growing technology sectors
3. Provide innovative ways to grow tech talent pipelines, increase access to capital, or support entrepreneurs and startups.

Learn more about the Technology Ecosystem Fund and begin the application process today! https://www.dmped.dc.gov/page/TEF

DC is home to more than 75,000 small businesses — more than 98% of all businesses in our city, and they employ nearly half of our private-sector workforce.

This month, DMPED is accepting applications for several grant programs designed to support business that are committed to investing in DC over the long term. Together these programs are working to diversify DC’s economy, strengthen key commercial corridors, and help businesses choose DC when considering where to start or expand their businesses.

DC is home to more than 75,000 small businesses — more than 98% of all businesses in our city, and they employ nearly half of our private-sector workforce.

This month, DMPED is accepting applications for several grant programs designed to support business that are committed to investing in DC over the long term. Together these programs are working to diversify DC’s economy, strengthen key commercial corridors, and help businesses choose DC when considering where to start or expand their businesses.

DC is home to more than 75,000 small businesses — more than 98% of all businesses in our city, and they employ nearly half of our private-sector workforce.

This month, DMPED is accepting applications for several grant programs designed to support business that are committed to investing in DC over the long term. Together these programs are working to diversify DC’s economy, strengthen key commercial corridors, and help businesses choose DC when considering where to start or expand their businesses.

DC is home to more than 75,000 small businesses — more than 98% of all businesses in our city, and they employ nearly half of our private-sector workforce.

This month, DMPED is accepting applications for several grant programs designed to support business that are committed to investing in DC over the long term. Together these programs are working to diversify DC’s economy, strengthen key commercial corridors, and help businesses choose DC when considering where to start or expand their businesses.

DC is an international city, and we’re proud of our rich community of chefs and culinary artists who bring global flavors to our neighborhoods. Through @mayor_bowser Bowser’s Chinatown Lease Incentive Grant DMPED has been able to support businesses like DAIKAYA, a Japanese restaurant known for its traditional Sapporo ramen.
 
Daisuke Utagawa, partner at DAIKAYA, shares his experience applying for grant funding and offers advice for business owners interested in applying.
 
The Chinatown Lease Incentive Grant is open until June 22. To apply or learn more, visit obviouslydc.com/business-funding-opportunities.

Twelve years ago, when Mayor Bowser took office, Skyland was little more than an empty parking lot. Since then, we’ve transformed this space into a vibrant community anchor.

And today, we celebrate another milestone: cutting the ribbon on a brand‑new community park — a place for neighbors to gather, play, and build memories for years to come.

Twelve years ago, when Mayor Bowser took office, Skyland was little more than an empty parking lot. Since then, we’ve transformed this space into a vibrant community anchor.

And today, we celebrate another milestone: cutting the ribbon on a brand‑new community park — a place for neighbors to gather, play, and build memories for years to come.

Twelve years ago, when Mayor Bowser took office, Skyland was little more than an empty parking lot. Since then, we’ve transformed this space into a vibrant community anchor.

And today, we celebrate another milestone: cutting the ribbon on a brand‑new community park — a place for neighbors to gather, play, and build memories for years to come.

Who makes dc? You make DC! 700k residents, 23 million visitors… hundreds of years of roots that live on in story telling, rituals and celebrations! Check out the most DC space in the District at 1140 Connecticut Ave Naw. Tag a friend that needs to go!

Applications are now open for Mayor Bowser's Capitol Hill Construction Impact Grant — providing short-term financial relief for small businesses affected by DDOT construction near:

• Pennsylvania Ave SE & Potomac Ave SE
• 8th St SE between Pennsylvania Ave SE & Virginia Ave SE

Applications close on Friday, June 12, 2026, at 4 PM. Join us next Wednesday, May 13, at 12:00 pm for an in-person info session at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue SE. To learn more about the grant opportunity, visit:https://www.obviouslydc.com/business-funding-opportunities.

We know 2025 was a hard year for our small business community, and we're committed to creating programs that help the backbone of our economy thrive.

Yesterday, Mayor Bowser launched the new Restaurant & Retail Stabilization Grant, which is a $3.875M fund to support DC’s brick‑and‑mortar restaurants and retailers. Funded by DMPED and administered by Capital Impact Partners, this program offers grants of up to $50,000 to help businesses that experience revenue loss in 2025 stay strong, stable, and rooted in our neighborhoods.

As we celebrate Small Business Week, we want to recognize a few of the creative, resilient, and dedicated local entrepreneurs who help drive our city forward. Their passion, innovation, and commitment not only fuel economic growth but also shape DC’s unique identity and story.

To all of the small businesses that make DC thrive: thank you. Your hard work matters, and we’re proud to champion your success.

Featured Small Businesses, owners
@OysterOyster
@sapodillasdc
@coladashop
@sweettoothcafeandcakes

As we celebrate Small Business Week, we want to recognize a few of the creative, resilient, and dedicated local entrepreneurs who help drive our city forward. Their passion, innovation, and commitment not only fuel economic growth but also shape DC’s unique identity and story.

To all of the small businesses that make DC thrive: thank you. Your hard work matters, and we’re proud to champion your success.

Featured Small Businesses, owners
@OysterOyster
@sapodillasdc
@coladashop
@sweettoothcafeandcakes

As we celebrate Small Business Week, we want to recognize a few of the creative, resilient, and dedicated local entrepreneurs who help drive our city forward. Their passion, innovation, and commitment not only fuel economic growth but also shape DC’s unique identity and story.

To all of the small businesses that make DC thrive: thank you. Your hard work matters, and we’re proud to champion your success.

Featured Small Businesses, owners
@OysterOyster
@sapodillasdc
@coladashop
@sweettoothcafeandcakes

As we celebrate Small Business Week, we want to recognize a few of the creative, resilient, and dedicated local entrepreneurs who help drive our city forward. Their passion, innovation, and commitment not only fuel economic growth but also shape DC’s unique identity and story.

To all of the small businesses that make DC thrive: thank you. Your hard work matters, and we’re proud to champion your success.

Featured Small Businesses, owners
@OysterOyster
@sapodillasdc
@coladashop
@sweettoothcafeandcakes

Today is the day! Opening at 11am is a new kind of destination. Our co-founder’s love letter to DC. Come for amazing DC goods, stay for the stories and the art! Leave your mark, leave your voice, leave knowing that every purchase invests in this city! Special thanks to @goldentriangledc and @dmped for making this very special #dc250 project happen. We are equal distance from DuPont and McPhearson Ⓜ️and a direct stop for D72 🚍See you soon! 📍1140 Connecticut Avenue

Is it a store?A museum? An art installation? How about all of the above.

Join us Friday, May 1 as we open a new kind of destination: WE MAKE DC.

Step inside a new kind of DC destination:
🛍Shop thoughtfully made goods by 165 local makers
🎨 Explore 11 murals by DC-based artists
🧢 Create your own DC souvenir at the MAKE IT BAR
📍Find yourself in the city through “WE LIVE HERE,” representing all 202 neighborhoods
🗺 Leave your mark—pin where you live + contribute to a collective DC collage
🎤 Record your story as part of a living oral history archive

Hear directly from the people who make this city what it is:
📽 Video stories from nearly 100 residents
🎧 A 12-part podcast featuring local changemakers

Dive deeper into DC—past and present:
📖Rotating stories from 250 years of DC history
📒 Weekend pop-ups, café residencies, live music, panels + cultural events
This is OUR DC—seen, heard, and experienced together.

📍 1140 Connecticut Avenue NW
🔗 RSVP for Opening Party via link in bio
FOLLOW US at @wemakedc250

In honor of Second Chance Month, we're proud to spotlight Ngina Thomas, owner of Studio Chique, a luxury hair, nail and wellness salon. After overcoming challenges and rebuilding her life post-incarceration, Ngina has grown Studio Chique into a thriving DC business. In 2024, Mayor Bowser and DMPED supported Studio Chique with an $85,000 Great Streets grant—helping small businesses grow, improve, and create jobs for our community. Ngina's journey is proof that second chances can lead to incredible success.

Are you a returning citizen ready to start your own business? Applications are now open for WE ASPIRE PREP, offering tools, training, and support to launch your DC-based venture. Eligible participants can earn up to $1,500 in milestone stipends. Apply today at dslbd.dc.gov/weaspireprep.