News and resources to help your business thrive

In this issue:

Main Street Announcements

Art All Night

Current Grant & Funding Opportunities

Important Business Updates

Workshops, Webinars & Resources

Hello everyone,

October marks the beginning of DC government’s FY27 fiscal year. Many of the grant programs have not yet launched for the new year but this is a great time to make sure that your paperwork is in order to prepare for upcoming opportunities. Check to make sure you qualify for a certificate of Clean Hands with the Office of Tax and Revenue, make sure that your business license is current and all of your documents are in order. This is also a great time to explore becoming a Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) with special opportunities for contracting with the city. Let me know if you would like to learn more about this or if you have questions as we begin this new fiscal year!

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.

Hearst Foundation Grants
Amount: Varies
Deadline: Rolling
Learn more here
National foundation supporting nonprofit organizations working in education, health, culture, and social services. Applications accepted year-round

Google Ad Grants for Nonprofits
Amount: Up to $10,000
Deadline: Rolling
Learn more here

Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations receive up to $10,000 per month in Google search advertising to attract donors, customers, and volunteers.

W.K. Kellogg Foundation Grants
Amount: Varies
Deadline: Rolling
Learn more here

Year-round application process focused on health equity, early education, and family economic security. Requires a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) first.

Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation Grants
Amount: Various amounts
Deadline: Applications open October 1, due November 1
Learn more here

One of DC’s largest local funders, supporting community organizations across the District. Worth prepping your materials now ahead of the October 1 opening.

Commercial Property Acquisition Fund

Amount: Up to $300,000

Deadline: Rolling

Learn more here

This fund provides down payment assistance through grants of up to $300,000 or 25% of the sale price (whichever is less) to eligible DC-based businesses looking to maintain and expand their physical operations by acquiring commercial property in the District.

DSLBD Current Funding Opportunities

Check here regularly
Most of DSLBD’s major FY26 grant rounds have now closed for this cycle, but DSLBD posts new opportunities on a rolling basis, worth checking weekly.

DLCP’s new licensing system (BOSS) is now live

Details on the DLCP Hub

The Business One Stop Solution launched in August, consolidating business registration and licensing into one platform. If you haven’t logged in yet, expect a different interface than the old system, and some temporary service hiccups are still possible during the transition.

Updated Sales Tax Guidance from the Tax Payer Advocate

Learn More Here

OTR got confirmation that the increase to the DC sales and use tax has been postponed to October 1, 2027. It will be 6% until September 30, 2027 and then 7.0% beginning October 1, 2027. OTR has updated its sales and use tax page here.

The BEST Act is rolling out

Learn More Here

DLCP is implementing the Business and Entrepreneurship Support to Thrive Act, which simplifies and modernizes business licensing across the District.

Alcohol license renewals due September 30

Read the notice

ABCA’s fall renewal deadline is approaching, along with annual payment requirements and new security camera rules for licensees.

Save More with DCSEU

Learn More Here

Take advantage of DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) HVAC rebates to upgrade to more efficient central air conditioning, heat pumps, and heat pump water heaters. Save even more on heat pump technologies when switching from gas to electric equipment. The DCSEU offers $250 to $5,000 off qualifying electric heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and air conditioners. All heating and cooling equipment (including water heaters) must be installed by a DC licensed contractor to qualify.

Legal Clinic: FREE One-On-One Business Advice Clinics
Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026
Time: 5:00 – 7:30pm
Cost: Free

Location: Department of Small and Local Business Development at One Judiciary Square
More information here

The DC Bar and Pro Bono Center is offering free one-on-one business advice clinics for aspiring and existing business owners on a range of small business legal matters, including business formation, contracts, leases, intellectual property, employment law, and other transactional and business-related issues. Their next clinic is on Thursday, October 8, from 5:00–7:30 p.m. at the Department of Small and Local Business Development at One Judiciary Square.

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.