Small Business Grants in District of Columbia

District of Columbia small businesses and startups have access to both state-specific programs and federal funding through SBIR, SBA, EDA, and USDA. Below are the most relevant programs — use Founder Kit to match your specific business to all programs you qualify for.

Find every grant you qualify for in District of Columbia

Describe your business once — AI scores 100+ programs in 30 seconds.

Match my grants →

District of Columbia State Grant Programs

DC Department of Small and Local Business Development

Varies

DSLBD

Grants, loans, and certifications for DC-based small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Learn more →

Federal Programs Available in District of Columbia

SBIR / STTR

Phase I: up to $300K · Phase II: up to $2M

Multiple federal agencies (NIH, NSF, DOD, DOE, NASA)

Non-dilutive R&D funding for small businesses with a technology or research component. Available in all 50 states.

Learn more →

SBA 7(a) Loan Program

Up to $5M

U.S. Small Business Administration

Low-interest loans for working capital, equipment, and real estate — the most accessible federal financing program.

Learn more →

Economic Development Administration (EDA) Grants

$100K–$10M+

U.S. Department of Commerce

Competitive grants for economic development projects in manufacturing, innovation, and tech.

Learn more →

USDA Rural Development Business Grants

Up to $500K

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Grants and loans for businesses in rural areas driving economic development and job creation.

Learn more →

District of Columbia Small Business Development Center

Free one-on-one advising for District of Columbia small businesses — grant writing, business plans, and financing strategies.

Find your local SBDC →

Form your company in District of Columbia

Filing fee: $99 · Timeline: 5–10 business days

Start formation wizard →

Guides for District of Columbia Founders

→How to Get an EIN →How to Register on SAM.gov →How to Get a UEI Number →SBIR vs STTR Grants →Non-Dilutive Funding Guide →How to Apply for a Federal Grant →C-Corp vs LLC for Startups →Founder Equity Split Agreement →How to Incorporate in Delaware →What Is a Registered Agent?→DUNS Number vs UEI →State Small Business Grants Overview

Not sure which District of Columbia grants you qualify for?

Describe your business once. Founder Kit scores 100+ federal and state programs and returns every grant you're eligible for — ranked and ready to apply.

Find my grants — free →