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SMALL BUSINESS GRANT PROGRAM

The 2022 Small Business Grant Program is intended to help small businesses with physical or operational improvements to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and transition into recovery. These grants are possible thanks to the DC Main Streets grant from the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development.

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There is $30,000 available for grants in 2023. 

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The application is quick and should not take more than 30 minutes to complete. 

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The application opens on Thursday, March 23. The deadline is April 7. Applicants will be notified of their award status by Friday, April 14. 

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INFORMATION SESSIONS

GMS will host a virtual information session to share more information about the grant application and evaluation criteria. Please RSVP at the links below.

 

Info Session: Tuesday, April 4, 2023, 10:00 am via Zoom.​

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EVALUATION CRITERIA

In 2023, the small business grant recipients will be selected based on maximum need. The Grants Committee will evaluation applications based on the following criteria: 

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  1. Current condition of the property (50 points)​​

  2. Size of property and visibility in the community (30 points)​​

  3. Recent and planned upkeep and investment (10 points)

  4. Condition of property relative to neighboring properties (10 points)

ELIGIBLE EXPENSES IN 2023

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Grant funds are intended to be used for complete exterior improvements. The GMS Board of Directors are interested in properties that have maximum need.

 

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Exterior Improvements include:

  • Business Signage

  • Painting

  • Awning

  • Doors and Windows

  • Patios or decks (with evidence of proper Summer Garden or Sidewalk Cafe permits)

  • Security grate removal

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Ineligible expenses include, but are not limited to:

Financing of existing debt, rent, payroll, day-to-day operational costs, maintenance and moving expenses, and loan interest.

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FAQs

Q: How do I know if my business falls within the Georgetown Main Street boundaries?

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A: You can type your business address into this map to see if it falls within the GMS boundaries or another DC Main Street boundary. Unfortunately businesses outside the GMS boundaries are ineligible for this grant, no exceptions can be considered.

Q: My retail business is a non-profit, are we eligible for this grant?

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A: Yes! Non-profit retail businesses are eligible for consideration for this grant program.  Submission of this application does not constitute an agreement to issue a grant award.

Q: What is a Landlord Affidavit and why do I need it if I'm doing exterior or interior renovations?

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A: A Landlord Affidavit is a document indicating the landlord of your property acknowledges and accepts the structural changes you have made or propose to make to the property. Georgetown Main Street doesn't want to approve a project that is a surprise to the landlord! Click here for a template you can send to your landlord.

MORE QUESTIONS?

Contact the GMS Grants Committee at info@georgetownmainstreet.com. Due to a high volume of questions, please allow 2 business days for a response.

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