The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) is soliciting applications from qualified food-related businesses seeking to expand their existing operations through the opening of a new business location in an area designated as having low food access (as set forth in the Act), with priority given to locations in Ward 7 and 8.
Donor Name: Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED)
State: District of Columbia
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 01/13/2023
Size of the Grant: $10,688,513.00
Details:
The purpose of the Food Access Fund (FAF) Grant is to increase equitable access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food by securing grocery stores, and restaurants; support existing small businesses; attract new businesses; increase the District’s tax base; create new job opportunities for District residents; and transform designated emerging commercial corridors into thriving and inviting neighborhood centers. The FAF Grant will support qualified businesses with capital for tenant improvements related to expansion of operations into a new location in an area identified as having low food access (as set forth in the Act), with priority given to locations in Ward 7 or Ward 8.
Funding Information
DMPED will award up to a maximum of $10,688,513.00 in grants to successful grantees under this program.
Period of Performance
Date of executed grant agreement through September 30, 2025.
Eligibility Criteria
For the purpose of the Request for Applications, Eligible Applicants will be defined as one of the following:
- Existing food-related businesses with at least two (2) years of revenue generating operations, which are expanding to a new location in an area with low food access (as set forth in the Act), with priority given to Ward 7 or Ward 8. Food-related businesses shall include, but not be limited to:
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- Full-service grocery stores;
- Restaurants, including new concept brands of existing restaurant businesses, prioritizing those with a dine-in component;
- Taverns;
- Neighborhood-based eligible food operators;
- Local Business Enterprise (LBE) eligible food operators; and
- Food Halls.
- Property owners, on behalf of food-related business tenants
- The property owners of the project must demonstrate a commitment to support the sustainability of local business tenancy by providing specific amenities and/or inducements, which may include rent concessions or abatements.
- The tenants must be identified and/or secured through letters of intent evidenced by executed lease agreements or executed commitments to lease.
- Preference will be given to property owners who commit to securing locally minority-owned or women-owned food-related businesses.
For more information, visit Food Access Fund Grant – Round 4.
