DETAILS
Competitive Edge Grant, Fund size: ~$40,000
GMS will fund no fewer than eight business applications for business growth opportunities. Grants can be used for a variety of purposes aimed at fostering expansion, development, and increased revenue generation. Ideas include:
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Innovation: Developing and introducing new products, services, or processes can meet customer needs in a novel and efficient way.
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Efficient Operations: Streamline internal processes, optimize supply chains, and improving overall operational efficiency.
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Customer Experience: Provide an exceptional customer experience through personalized service, responsiveness, and effective communication.
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Market Research and Understanding: Businesses that stay informed about market trends, customer preferences, and industry developments are better positioned to adapt and respond quickly to changes.
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Brand Reputation: A positive brand image built on trust, reliability, and a commitment to values can attract and retain customers.
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Talent and Skills: Having a skilled and motivated workforce can contribute to innovation, efficiency, and overall business success.
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Effective Marketing and Positioning: A well-executed marketing strategy can effectively communicate a business's unique value proposition and resonate with its target audience.
The application is quick and should not take more than 30 minutes to complete. These funds are possible thanks to the Main Street grant from the Department of Small and Local Business Development.
The application opens on Thursday, February 6. The deadline is March 2. Applicants will be notified of their award status by Friday, March 21.
INFORMATION SESSIONS
GMS will host a virtual information session to share more information about the grant application and evaluation criteria. Please RSVP by emailing rachel@georgetownmainstreet.com.
Info Session #1: Tuesday, February 11, 2025, 10:00 am via Zoom. Watch the recording here.
Info Session #2: Thursday, February 20, 2025, 2:00 pm via Zoom.
Open Office Hours February 26, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm at GMS office
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Business Eligibility
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Applicants must be considered a small, locally owned business operating in the Georgetown Main Street corridor. (Check your address here.) Locally owned/operated franchises are eligible.
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Applicants who have received over $5,000 from GMS in the past 2 years are not eligible for the FY25 grant.
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Applicants must have all appropriate and current licenses, permits, and other necessary registration to be a legally operating business in Washington, DC.
In 2025, the small business grant recipients will be evaluated out of 100 points (with the potential for 10 bonus points)* based on the following criteria:
1. Demonstrated Need (60 Points)
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Project Overview (30 Points)
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Impact (30 Points)
2. Project Proposal & Feasibility (30 Points)
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Implementation Plan (10 points)
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Vendor Quotes or Proposals (10 points)
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Submitted Budget (10 points)
3. Measuring and Reporting Impact (10 Points)
*Bonus Points (up to 10 extra points)
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Minority-Owned, Legacy-Owned (10+ years), Immigrant-Owned Business (potential 5 points)
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Engagement with Georgetown Main Street or Georgetown Community at large (potential 5 points
ELIGIBLE EXPENSES IN 2025
Examples of Eligible Expenses for Competitive Edge Grant:
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New or upgraded equipment or technology
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Consulting fees
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Business Training
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New or improved brand guidelines, marketing strategy, website
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Other expenses related to enhancing business operations
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Business Signage
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Painting
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Awning
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Doors and Windows
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Patios or decks (with evidence of proper Summer Garden or Sidewalk Cafe permits)
Ineligible expenses include, but are not limited to:
Merchandise (meant for sale), financing of existing debt, rent, payroll, day-to-day operational costs, maintenance and moving expenses, replaced of equipment, loan interest, and any expenses incurred before 10-1-2024 and after 8-30-2025.
INELIGIBLE BUSINESSES IN 2025
●Any business located outside of the GMS boundaries
●Businesses that have received over $5,000 from GMS in the past 2 years
●Businesses without appropriate and current licenses, permits, and other necessary registration to be a legally operating business in Washington, DC
●Businesses that do not have have at least 1 year remaining on their lease or fail to submit an LOI for lease renewal
●Adult entertainment
●Gas stations
●Banks
●Home-based businesses
●Professional Services (i.e. real estate, accounting, legal firms, etc...)
●Churches
●Nonprofit organizations
●District of Columbia government agencies
●Any organization that discriminates against individuals on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, political affiliation, physical handicap, or any other protected class under the DC Human Rights Act and/or any federal anti-discrimination statute or regulation
FAQs
Q: How do I know if my business falls within the Georgetown Main Street boundaries?
A: You can type your business address into this map to see if it falls within the GMS boundaries or another DC Main Street boundary. Unfortunately businesses outside the GMS boundaries are ineligible for this grant, no exceptions can be considered.
Q: I started working on a project that fits this criteria earlier this year. Can GMS reimburse me as part of this project?
A: Yes, if the Grants Committee determines your project fits the criteria, the funds from this grant program can apply to expenses as far back as October 1, 2024, but not earlier.
Q: My retail business is a non-profit, are we eligible for this grant?
A: No, Non-profit organizations are not eligible for consideration for the grant program this year.
Q: What is a Landlord Affidavit and why do I need it if I'm doing exterior or interior renovations?
A: A Landlord Affidavit is a document indicating the landlord of your property acknowledges and accepts the physical and/or structural changes you have made or propose to make to the property. Georgetown Main Street doesn't want to approve a project that is a surprise to the landlord! Click here for a template you can send to your landlord.
MORE QUESTIONS?
Contact the GMS Grants Committee at info@georgetownmainstreet.com. Due to a high volume of questions, please allow 2 business days for a response.