Competitive Edge Grant

Geographic Scope: Georgetown Main Street corridor (Wisconsin Avenue from K Street to Whitehaven Parkway, Washington, DC)

Fund Size: Approximately $40,000 total; GMS will fund no fewer than 8 business applications

Focus Areas: Business growth opportunities including:

• Innovation: Developing and introducing new products, services, or processes
• Efficient Operations: Streamline internal processes, optimize supply chains, improve operational efficiency
• Customer Experience: Personalized service, responsiveness, effective communication
• Market Research and Understanding: Staying informed about market trends and customer preferences
• Brand Reputation: Building positive brand image based on trust and reliability
• Talent and Skills: Skilled and motivated workforce development
• Effective Marketing and Positioning: Well-executed marketing strategy

Eligible Expenses

• New or upgraded equipment or technology
• Consulting fees
• Business training
• New or improved brand guidelines, marketing strategy, website
• Other expenses related to enhancing business operations
• Business signage
• Painting, awnings, doors and windows
• Patios or decks (with evidence of proper Summer Garden or Sidewalk Cafe permits)

Ineligible Expenses

• Merchandise (meant for sale)
• Financing of existing debt
• Rent, payroll, day-to-day operational costs
• Maintenance and moving expenses
• Equipment replacement
• Loan interest
• Expenses incurred before October 1, 2024 or after August 30, 2025

Business Eligibility

Eligible Businesses:

• Small, locally-owned businesses operating in the Georgetown Main Street corridor
• Locally-owned/operated franchises
• Businesses with at least 1 year remaining on lease or submitting LOI for lease renewal
• Businesses with all appropriate and current licenses, permits, and necessary registration
• Businesses that have NOT received $5,000 or more from GMS in the past 2 years

Ineligible Business Types:

• Businesses located outside GMS boundaries
• Adult entertainment
• Gas stations
• Banks
• Home-based businesses
• Professional services (real estate, accounting, legal firms, etc.)
• Churches
• Nonprofit organizations
• DC government agencies
• Organizations that discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, political affiliation, physical handicap, or other protected class under DC Human Rights Act or federal anti-discrimination statutes

Contact Information

Address: Georgetown Main Street, 1000 Potomac St NW STE 122, Washington, DC 20007

Additional Information

• Application takes approximately 30 minutes to complete
• Funded through Main Street grant from DC Department of Small and Local Business Development
• Information sessions are held to explain application and evaluation criteria

Application Process

Timeline for 2027 Round (projected):

• Applications open: Early January 2027
• Application deadline: Early February 2027
• Applicants notified: Late March 2027

2026 Timeline (for reference):

• Opened: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
• Deadline: February 2, 2026 at 11:59 PM
• Notifications: Friday, March 21, 2026

Required Materials

1. Business Information
   • Business address (must fall within GMS boundaries)
   • Business license and permit documentation
   • Proof of at least 1 year remaining on lease (or Letter of Intent for lease renewal)
2. Project Details
   • Project overview describing the business growth opportunity
   • Detailed implementation plan
   • Vendor quotes or proposals for proposed expenses
   • Detailed budget breakdown
3. Supporting Documentation
   • For exterior/interior renovations: Landlord Affidavit (template provided by GMS)
   • Evidence of proper permits (if applicable, e.g., Summer Garden or Sidewalk Cafe permits)

Evaluation Criteria (out of 100 points, plus up to 10 bonus points)

1. Demonstrated Need (60 points)

• Project Overview (30 points)
• Impact (30 points)

2. Project Proposal & Feasibility (30 points)

• Implementation Plan (10 points)
• Vendor Quotes or Proposals (10 points)
• Submitted Budget (10 points)

3. Measuring and Reporting Impact (10 points)

Bonus Points (up to 10 extra points)

• Minority-owned business (potential 5 points)
• Legacy-owned business (10+ years in operation) (potential 5 points)
• Immigrant-owned business (potential 5 points)
• Engagement with Georgetown Main Street or Georgetown Community at large (potential 5 points)

Information Sessions and Support

For 2027 applications, GMS will host:

• Virtual information sessions via Zoom (dates TBA for 2027)
• Open office hours at GMS office (1000 Potomac Street NW, Suite 115)

To RSVP: Email rachel@georgetownmainstreet.com

Support:

• For questions, contact: info@georgetownmainstreet.com
• Allow 2 business days for response
• Landlord Affidavit template available upon request