The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (“DMPED”) invites the submission of applications from qualified organizations for the FY26 DC Emerging Retail Initiative (“ERI” or “Emerging Retail”). The purpose of ERI is to boost economic activity and provide essential goods and services in underserved commercial areas. Inspired by Vacant to Vibrant, ERI adopts a temporary-use model that bridges the gap between shared/incubator spaces and permanent brick-and-mortar establishments.
STATUS: OPEN
Release Date: December 12, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET
Submission Deadline: January 16, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET
FY26 Emerging Retail Initiative REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS (RFA)
RFA ID No: DMPED-FY26-BD-LO-ERI
ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY. Hand delivered or mailed applications will not be accepted. Completed applications (including attachments) must be submitted through the Submittable portal. Incomplete applications or applications submitted after the Submission Deadline will not be accepted.
Start your application using the DMPED Grants Management Platform.
Application support here.
Upcoming Information Sessions: FY26 Small Biz Information Sessions Registration
Great Streets Retail and Emerging Retail Initiative: Columbia Heights
Date: December 29th, 2025
Time: 10-11am
Location: Los Hermanos Restaurant; 1428 Park Rd NW, Washington, DC
All Grants
Date: January 7th, 2025
Time: 12-1pm
Location: Virtual
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/23584275552243?p=2fdNIoXguDnRCINLcr
Great Streets Information and Q&A Session
Join us for a 2-hour open Q&A session where applicants can ask questions and engage in a public discussion about the Great Streets Retail, Emerging Retail Initiative and Locally Made Manufacturing program. The session is open to all interested applicants. Questions raised during the session, along with responses, will be complied and published in an online FAQ document following the event.
Date: January 9, 2026
Time: 12 pm- 2 pm
Location: Shanklin Hall, 2325 18th St. NW
DMPED Contact: DMPED Grants Team Phone: (202) 727-8111 E-mail: [email protected]
