Competitive Edge Grant

Competitive Edge Grant

Funder: Georgetown Main Street (GMS), a DC Main Street program

Status: Applications for 2026 are closed. Next round opens early 2027.

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

Email: rachel@georgetownmainstreet.com or info@georgetownmainstreet.com

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

Phone: 202-656-4427

Website: georgetownmainstreet.com

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