The DC Department of Small and Local Business Development is excited to announce that it will begin accepting applications for the FY26 Made in DC Curator & Retail Innovation Grant Program (“MiDC Grant Program”).
Donor Name: Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD)
State: District of Columbia
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 06/30/2026
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
Made in DC (“MiDC”) is a local certification program that supports and promotes businesses that design, make, produce, and/or assemble products in the District. The MiDC Grant Program is designed to support the growth and visibility of MiDC-certified businesses by creating structured retail opportunities that strengthen brand presence and drive revenue within the District.
The program advances retail placemaking for MiDC-certified businesses by establishing a shared curated retail platform that expands storefront access for brands without permanent brick-andmortar locations. This initiative provides District-based makers across various industries with access to a structured, short-term retail environment to sell locally made products, and engage directly with consumers without the long-term commitments associated with securing an independent lease. To achieve this purpose, DSLBD will award funding to one or more qualified curators to design, manage, and operate temporary retail pop-up spaces located within the District of Columbia that feature multiple MiDC-certified businesses across various industries.
Funding Information
DSLBD intends to award one (1) or more grants, with $25,000 in total funding available for 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this grant opportunity, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a District-based business;
- Applicant has identified a retail space and is able to provide documentation (e.g., lease, letter of intent (“LOI”), or other legally verifiable agreement for a temporary retail space) confirming the space can be activated and operational by July 1, 2026.
For more information, visit DSLBD.
