The following businesses and/or organizations are ineligible for a 2025 grant:

● Any business located outside of the FBWEMS boundaries

● 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 at least 2 years remaining on their lease or fail to submit an LOI for lease renewal

● Online businesses without a brick-and-mortar location

● Average annual revenue for the last three years must not exceed $2 million.

​● 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

Examples of eligible expenses for FBWEMS grant in 2025 include but are not limited to:

• New or upgraded equipment or technology ​such as HVAC systems, refrigeration units, electrical upgrades

• New or improved brand guidelines, marketing strategy, website, social media 

• E-commerce sales systems, including Point of Sale systems

• Other expenses related to enhancing business operations

• Interior displays

• Patios or decks (with evidence of proper Summer Garden or Sidewalk Cafe permits)

• Fixed gates, grates, or bars removed (with or without an option for new exterior mesh gates, interior roll-down bars, or interior grilles)

• Paint, including site preparation

• Business signage

• Lighting

• Entrance, windows, & doors (ADA compliant)

• Canopy/Awning

• Architectural elements (shutters, parapets, etc.)

• Building finishes & materials

• Damage repair

• Security improvements

• Other interior, exterior and storefront improvements and renovations

Examples of ineligible expenses for FBWEMS grant in 2025 include, but are not limited to,  merchandise (meant for sale), financing of existing debt, rent, payroll, day-to-day operational costs, design costs, permit fees, contract services, maintenance and moving expenses, loan interest, and any expenses incurred before January 17, 2025. 

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 January 17, 2025.

No. Non-profit organizations are not eligible for consideration for the grant program this year. 

$4,000.  Going forward the FBWEMS Board may decide to limit the number of grants for which a business may apply.