DC Department of Small and Local Business Development

02/04/2026

📗 The FY26 Greenbook Is Coming!!📗

Join Mayor Bowser next week for the FY26 Greenbook Launch, marking 12 years of connecting DC small businesses to contracting and procurement opportunities across the District. 📈

As the District’s official guide to upcoming government contracting opportunities, the Greenbook continues to advance inclusive economic growth by increasing transparency, expanding access for Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs), and ensuring local businesses are positioned to compete and succeed.

📅 Monday, February 9, 2026
🕚 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Capital One Arena — 601 F Street NW

Mayor Bowser will be joined by the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development and other District leaders to reflect on the Greenbook’s legacy and share what’s ahead for DC businesses in FY26.

➡️ To register and learn more visit: DSLBD.dc.gov/greenbook

01/13/2026

Did you apply yet? Countdown: 1 week left to apply for the Robust Retail Citywide Grant! ⏳💰

DC-based brick-and-mortar retail businesses still have time to apply for up to $10,000 in reimbursement funding to support essential operating costs, maintain business stability, and continue anchoring our commercial corridors.

This opportunity is offered as a reimbursement grant and awarded via lottery to eligible DC retail businesses that complete all application requirements by the deadline.

📌Applications close January 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM

Don’t wait! ⏰➡️ Apply today: https://dslbd.dc.gov/robustretailgrant

Are you a DC-based retail business looking for financial support? Apply for a Robust Retail Grant today!💰

We are now accepting applications for the Robust Retail Citywide Grant program, offering timely support DC’s small and local retail businesses.

Eligible brick-and-mortar retailers can receive up to $10,000 in reimbursement funding to help cover essential operational costs, maintain viability, and continue anchoring DC’s commercial corridors.

This program is a reimbursement grant, awarded via lottery to eligible DC retail businesses that complete all requirements by the deadline. Don't miss your opportunity to secure funds for your business this holiday season. Apply now!

Have questions? The next information session is happening on January 6, 2026 at 1:00 PM. To register, visit our website.

🗓 Applications are due by January 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
To learn more and apply, visit: dslbd.dc.gov/robustretailgrant

01/13/2026

Ready to take your business to the next level in 2026? 📈

DSLBD is proud to introduce our new Lunch & Learn Series as part of our Small Biz Assist technical services. Lunch & Learn sessions are dedicated in-person workshops designed to give DC entrepreneurs practical insights, tools, and resources they can immediately apply to their business. Each session will feature a new guest speaker highlighting programs and opportunities to help businesses grow, scale, and stay competitive.

Join us tomorrow for our first Lunch & Learn featuring the DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking where attendees will learn about financial programs and resources available to support small business owners.

📆 Wednesday, January 14, 2026
📍 Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library—901 G Street NW Washington, DC 20001
⏰ 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Come learn, connect, and keep your business moving forward. To learn more, visit dslbd.dc.gov/smallbizassist

12/16/2025

Are you a DC-based retail business looking for financial support? Apply for a Robust Retail Grant today!💰

We are now accepting applications for the Robust Retail Citywide Grant program, offering timely support DC’s small and local retail businesses.

Eligible brick-and-mortar retailers can receive up to $10,000 in reimbursement funding to help cover essential operational costs, maintain viability, and continue anchoring DC’s commercial corridors.

This program is a reimbursement grant, awarded via lottery to eligible DC retail businesses that complete all requirements by the deadline. Don't miss your opportunity to secure funds for your business this holiday season. Apply now!

Have questions? The next information session is happening on January 6, 2026 at 1:00 PM. To register, visit our website.

🗓 Applications are due by January 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
To learn more and apply, visit: dslbd.dc.gov/robustretailgrant