East of the River Small Business Economic Relief Microgrant Program now open

Following on Mayor Bowser’s DC Small Business Recovery Microgrants Program, the Department of Housing and Community Development is launching an additional grant opportunity specifically for small businesses in Ward 7 and 8.

The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) will make available approximately $800,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding allocated from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to eligible for-profit small businesses.

Businesses must demonstrate a need for short-term working capital to retain jobs held by low- and moderate-income employees that may be lost due to business closures related to COVID-19. The program will provide support up to $10,000 for short term working capital to fund wages to avoid job loss caused by business closures or reduction in business due to social distancing, rent, utilities, interim operating expenses.

Deadline

Applications will be accepted through at 10 am on Friday, May 29, 2020.