Applications are now open for the 2025 Robust Retail Grant Program, an initiative managed by the Department of Small Business Development (DSLBD) along with Mayor Muriel Bowser. The program aims to support D.C.-based retail businesses with a funding opportunity of $10,000. Through a lottery, 48 businesses will be selected.

As part of the Robust Retail Initiative, DSLBD will aid small businesses along the North Capitol Main Street corridor through a targeted grant opportunity. A total of $90,000 is available for funding and DSLBD is planning on awarding up to $10,000 each to nine eligible businesses in FY25.

To qualify, businesses must be independently owned, for-profit and consumer-facing with less than 25 full-time employees operated a licensed retail location in D.C.

Applications will be accepted until Monday, March 31, 2025.

Suggestions for funding use from the program could be employee wages and salaries, rent, utilities, cleaning supplies, insurance costs and more.