The Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) is excited to announce that it will be accepting applications for the 2026 Aspire Incubator Program.
Donor Name: Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD)
State: District of Columbia
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 03/23/2026
Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The Aspire Incubator Program is for DC residents who are returning citizens and/or justice-involved with an active DC basic business license. The Program is an opportunity for participants to sustain or grow their DC-based microbusiness within a community of support and receive stipend payouts for completing various business development milestones.
Microbusinesses accepted into this competitive Program will receive business development training and support in the following key areas:
- Accounting, Bookkeeping, & Financial Management
- Advertising, Branding, & Marketing
- Business Growth & Sustainability
- Pitch Preparation Basics
- Regulatory Compliance
Funding Information
Grants up to $5,000.00.
Eligibility Criteria
The Aspire Incubator Program is for returning citizens and/or justice-involved DC residents with 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 Incubator Program is a public declaration of reentry and/or justice involved status. They understand that not everyone who is a returning citizen or justice-involved is comfortable with sharing their status publicly.
To be eligible for the Aspire Incubator Program, applicants and Program participants must be:
- A DC resident operating a for-profit business with an active basic business license in DC.
- The majority business owner (owning 51% or more of the business).
For more information, visit DSLBD.
