Request for Applications for Growth Fund 2025 (District of Columbia)

The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (“DMPED”) invites the submission of applications from eligible organizations for a grant under the Employment Center Vitality and Local Jobs Creation Fund (“Vitality Fund”).

Donor Name: Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED)

State: District of Columbia

County: All Counties

Type of Grant: Grant

Deadline: 06/30/2025

Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million

Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned

Details:

The Growth Fund focuses on providing grants to entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses that commit to establish or expand their presence in the District of Columbia by occupying commercial office space, including coworking space, and creating jobs in the District.

This program is intended to attract, grow and retain growth-stage startups in Washington, DC.

Funding Information

The total amount of funding available for this Program is $551,131.00.

Eligible Expenses

Grant funds may be used solely to support the following costs:

• Operational costs
• Down-payment assistance or to subsidize rent for the Eligible Program Location
• Tenant improvements to the Eligible Program Location
• Workforce training or professional development costs not eligible for support through other workforce programs
• Recruitment and hiring costs.

Eligibility Criteria 

The general eligibility requirements to be considered eligible to apply for this program are below:

• Have at least 5 employees who are currently assigned to or will work at the Eligible Program Location
• Create at least 5 new jobs over a two-year period at the Eligible Program Location
• Relocate to, or expand in commercial office space, including coworking space, in Washington, DC. Anticipate that potential target applicants will lease or own less than 15,000 square feet. Preference will be given to applicants that commit to the space for at least two (2) years.
• Preference will be given to applicants relocating or expanding in the central business district (the “Vitality Fund Target Area”).
• Preference will be given to applicants in the following high-growth industry sectors, specifically the industry subsectors, though companies otherwise meeting the eligibility criteria for the Vitality Fund may be eligible. Applicants may be for-profit or non-profit entities.
  • Consulting and Business Services
    • HQs
  • Communications and Design
    • Marketing
    • Electronic Media
  • Education and Research
    • Research Organizations
  • Life Sciences
    • Health Technology
  • Technology
    • Cybersecurity
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Financial Technology.

For more information, visit DMPED.