News and resources to help your business thrive

In this issue:

Main Street Announcements

Current Grant & Funding Opportunities

Important Business Updates

Workshops, Webinars & Resources

Hello everyone,

I hope that May is starting off well for you and your business! I want to bring your attention to two things in this edition. First of all, the Mayor just announced a restaurant and retail grant program for up to $50,000 for those businesses impacted by economic conditions. Please see below for more information and note that the deadline for applications is June 5.

Also, we will hold our annual Tenley Fest on Saturday, May 30 from 3-5 pm to bring community to the corridor and into our small businesses. If you are interested in getting involved and are not a venue this year, please reach out if you can offer a discount to encourage people to come to your business. We will share that information on our website and in social media leading up to the event.

Best,

Noah

Executive Director

execdir@tenleytownmainstreet.org

If you would like help preparing your application for any of these opportunities please contact Tenleytown Main Street at info@tenleytownmainstreet.org.

Restaurant & Retail Stabilization Grant

Amount: Up to $50,000

Deadline: June 5, 2026

Learn more here

A $3.875 million fund providing financial relief to brick-and-mortar establishments with 2025 revenue losses (10% drop preferred). Eligible businesses must be independently owned with 1–3 locations and annual gross revenue between $100,000 and $5 million. A PDF is available at this link to help fill out the form. Note: Due date is June 5th!

FY26 Made in DC Curator & Retail Innovation Grant Program

Amount: $25,000 in total funding available

Deadline: May 13, 2026 (2:00 PM)

Learn more here

This program supports the growth of Made in DC certified businesses by creating structured retail pop-up opportunities. Funding is awarded to qualified curators to manage temporary retail spaces that feature multiple local makers, providing storefront access without the long-term commitment of a lease.

FY26 Technology Ecosystem Fund (TEF)

Amount: Varies

Deadline: May 29, 2026 (4:00 PM)

Learn more here

Provides funding to organizations supporting the creation, incubation, and growth of technology companies in the District. This includes increasing access to capital and hosting events for founders and entrepreneurs.

Commercial Property Acquisition Fund

Amount: Up to $300,000 (or 25% of sale price)

Deadline: May 29, 2026 (4:00 PM)

Learn more here

Down payment assistance for eligible DC-based businesses looking to acquire commercial property. Note: Business must own and occupy the property for at least 7 years. For assistance, contact cpaf@cfenterprises.org.

FY26 Capitol Hill Construction Impact Grant Program

Status: Opening May 1, 2026

Learn more here

Provides short-term financial relief for small businesses specifically impacted by DDOT construction near Pennsylvania Ave SE, Potomac Ave SE, and 8th Street SE.

Vitality Fund

Amount: Performance-based incentive

Deadline: July 15, 2026 (4:00 PM)

Learn more here

A multi-year incentive supporting large, established companies relocating to or expanding in DC, with a focus on job creation and Downtown revitalization.

W.K. Kellogg Foundation Grants

Amount: Varies

Deadline: Rolling

Learn more here

The foundation operates with an open, year-round application process focused on health equity, early education, and family economic security. Applicants must first submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI).

Google Ad Grants for Nonprofits

Amount: Up to $10,000

Deadline: Rolling

Learn more here

This ongoing program provides eligible 501(c)(3) organizations with up to $10,000 per month in search advertising to attract donors and volunteers.

DoorDash Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund

Amount: $5,000 – $15,000

Deadline: Rolling

Learn more here

This rolling grant provides $10,000 in emergency relief for small businesses (restaurants, bakeries, and grocers) impacted by natural disasters or major infrastructure failures.

Restaurant & Retail Stabilization Grant

Amount: Up to $50,000

Deadline: June 5, 2026

Learn more here

A $3.875 million fund providing financial relief to brick-and-mortar establishments with 2025 revenue losses (10% drop preferred). Eligible businesses must be independently owned with 1–3 locations and annual gross revenue between $100,000 and $5 million.

FY26 Made in DC Curator & Retail Innovation Grant Program

Amount: $25,000 in total funding available

Deadline: May 13, 2026 (2:00 PM)

Learn more here

This program supports the growth of Made in DC certified businesses by creating structured retail pop-up opportunities. Funding is awarded to qualified curators to manage temporary retail spaces that feature multiple local makers, providing storefront access without the long-term commitment of a lease.

FY26 Technology Ecosystem Fund (TEF)

Amount: Varies

Deadline: May 29, 2026 (4:00 PM)

Learn more here

Provides funding to organizations supporting the creation, incubation, and growth of technology companies in the District. This includes increasing access to capital and hosting events for founders and entrepreneurs.

Commercial Property Acquisition Fund

Amount: Up to $300,000 (or 25% of sale price)

Deadline: May 29, 2026 (4:00 PM)

Learn more here

Down payment assistance for eligible DC-based businesses looking to acquire commercial property. Note: Business must own and occupy the property for at least 7 years. For assistance, contact cpaf@cfenterprises.org.

FY26 Capitol Hill Construction Impact Grant Program

Status: Opening May 1, 2026

Learn more here

Provides short-term financial relief for small businesses specifically impacted by DDOT construction near Pennsylvania Ave SE, Potomac Ave SE, and 8th Street SE.

Vitality Fund

Amount: Performance-based incentive

Deadline: July 15, 2026 (4:00 PM)

Learn more here

A multi-year incentive supporting large, established companies relocating to or expanding in DC, with a focus on job creation and Downtown revitalization.

W.K. Kellogg Foundation Grants

Amount: Varies

Deadline: Rolling

Learn more here

The foundation operates with an open, year-round application process focused on health equity, early education, and family economic security. Applicants must first submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI).

Google Ad Grants for Nonprofits

Amount: Up to $10,000

Deadline: Rolling

Learn more here

This ongoing program provides eligible 501(c)(3) organizations with up to $10,000 per month in search advertising to attract donors and volunteers.

DoorDash Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund

Amount: $5,000 – $15,000

Deadline: Rolling

Learn more here

This rolling grant provides $10,000 in emergency relief for small businesses (restaurants, bakeries, and grocers) impacted by natural disasters or major infrastructure failures.

July 1st Minimum Wage Increase

The Department of Employment Services (DOES) has released the official 2026 notice. Effective July 1, 2026, the minimum wage will increase to $18.40/hour and the tipped minimum wage will rise to $10.30/hour.

• Official Poster: Download the 2026 Minimum Wage Poster here
• Compliance: View the DOES Public Notice

POWERUP DC 2026: Small Business Summit & Expo

Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Time: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Location: MLK Jr. Memorial Library (901 G St. NW)

Cost: General Admission is FREE (Includes breakfast & registration bag)

Learn more Here

Presented by DC Health Link and DISB, this summit is themed “Resilience, Survival, and Growth.” Attendees will have access to:

• Expert-led Panels: Addressing capital access, digital transformation, and regulations.
• Workshop Tracks: Choose specialized sessions tailored to your business stage.
• Speed Networking & Coaching: One-on-one opportunities with industry leaders.
• Vendor Marketplace: Connect with local partners and resource providers. Note: The Executive Luncheon is a separately ticketed event.

DC Bar Pro Bono Center: How the Law Impacts Your Small Business

Dates: Wednesday Evenings (May 6, 13, 20, 27 & June 3)

Time: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Cost: One-time fee of $150

Register here

This comprehensive 8-part virtual training series is designed specifically for non-attorney owners (LLCs, partnerships, and sole proprietors). Experienced attorneys from D.C.’s top firms will cover:

• Compliance & Risk Management: Understanding business insurance and legal regulations.
• Contracts: A deep dive into “What’s in a Contract and Why.”
• Intellectual Property: Basics for protecting your brand and ideas.
• Employment Law: Two-part series on managing your team legally.
• Finances: Specialized sessions on accounting, taxes, and government certifications. Recordings will be available to participants until July 29, 2026.

Webinar: Learn How to Become a Certified Business Enterprise (CBE)

Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM

Learn more here

Becoming CBE certified gives your business a preference when bidding on DC Government contracts. This webinar will walk you through the application process and the benefits of the certification.

Ask OTR & IRS: Small Business Tax Q&A – Get It Right from the Start

Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026

Time: 11:00 AM

Learn more here

Join representatives from the DC Office of Tax and Revenue and the IRS for a live Q&A session. This is a great opportunity to get your tax-related questions answered directly by the experts to ensure your business remains in good standing.

Send Tenleytown Main Street information on promotions you are offering, your latest business news, and/or special events you are hosting. TMS will highlight your business on our website, mobile app, and/or social media channels. Email Tenleytown Main Street at info@tenleytownmainstreet.org or tag us in your social media posts (@TenleytownMS on Twitter/Instagram or @TenleytownMainStreet on Facebook).

Tenleytown Main Street is an accredited Main Street program that is funded in part by the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development.