DC business owners, this is for you.
The city of Washington, DC has money set aside to help local business owners buy their own commercial property. We are talking up to $300,000 in grant funding, money you do not have to pay back. The only catch is that you have to submit your application by Monday, March 23, 2026 at 4:00 PM EST. That is four days from today.
This is a real, live, open program from Mayor Bowser and the District government. Here is everything you need to know.
What Is the Commercial Property Acquisition Fund?
The Commercial Property Acquisition Fund (CPAF) is a grant program run by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. The city has set aside up to $1.5 million to help qualifying DC businesses buy the commercial spaces they operate in. The grant covers either up to $300,000 or up to 25% of the purchase price, whichever is less. Think of it as down payment help so your business can go from renting to owning.
Who Can Apply?
Your business needs to be DC based and looking to buy commercial property in the District. The program gives special priority to businesses owned by people who are economically disadvantaged or who have faced racial or cultural barriers. The grant administrator is City First Enterprises, a DC based community development institution that has been supporting local businesses for years. If you are unsure whether you qualify, reach out to them directly at cpaf@cfenterprises.org.
Also Open Right Now: The Growth Fund
The Growth Fund is also open with the same March 23 deadline. It is aimed at startups and small businesses ready to lock in commercial office space in DC. To qualify, you generally need at least five employees working on site and a plan to create five new jobs over two years.
Do Not Wait
The deadline is March 23 at 4:00 PM EST. That is a hard cutoff with no exceptions.
Owning your commercial property protects you from rent increases. It builds equity and gives your business long term stability. In a city where real estate has always been a powerful wealth building tool, getting into ownership with city grant help is a serious move.
Share this with every DC business owner you know. The best opportunities disappear simply because people did not hear about them in time. Do not let that happen here.
Apply now at dmped.dc.gov.
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