What it is

DMPED is the District of Columbia office that assists the Mayor in the coordination, planning, supervision and execution of economic development efforts. Its stated priorities are affordable housing, jobs and District revenue, and it oversees real estate development, business development and economic development programs across the city. The office is based in the John A. Wilson Building at 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 317.

What it offers founders

For businesses, DMPED's main touchpoint is its Grant Opportunities page, which lists funding rounds with their own eligibility rules and deadlines. Programs listed in the FY26 cycle included:

  • Technology Ecosystem Fund (TEF): funding for organizations that create, incubate, accelerate, relocate or grow tech companies, or otherwise strengthen DC's tech ecosystem.
  • Washington, DC Global Soft Landing: support for international entrepreneurs, startups and companies establishing operations in DC.
  • Commercial Property Acquisition Fund: down payment grants of up to $500,000 or 25 percent of the sale price, whichever is less, for DC businesses buying commercial property they will occupy for at least 7 years.
  • Vitality Fund: a multi-year, performance-based incentive for large, established companies relocating to or expanding in DC, tied to jobs, capital investment and office occupancy.
  • Great Streets Small Business Retail Grant: a commercial revitalization initiative supporting small businesses on emerging neighborhood corridors.

DMPED also runs an Inclusive Innovation effort aimed at making DC "the capital of inclusive innovation," including the Innovation and Technology Inclusion Council, which advises the Mayor on growing the tech economy.

Who it is for

Most DMPED grants target DC-based small businesses, retailers in specific corridors, ecosystem organizations such as accelerators and event organizers, and larger companies weighing a move or expansion into the District. Early-stage startups typically benefit indirectly through organizations funded by the Technology Ecosystem Fund, or directly when a round fits their location and stage.

How to engage

Each grant has its own page, application window and in some cases a third-party administrator, so check the specific program before applying. Many DC grants require a Certificate of Clean Hands from the Office of Tax and Revenue. General questions go to DMPED at (202) 727-6365, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, or through the Ask the Director form. The full list of initiatives is on the Programs and Initiatives page.

Why it matters in the DMV ecosystem

DMPED is the District's lead economic development office and a direct funder of DC programs that support startups, so founders tracking local grants, relocation incentives and downtown revitalization efforts should monitor its grant listings each fiscal year.