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DSLBD outlines FY2026 priorities as Council questions Main Streets, Great Streets and grant timing
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Summary
Rosemary Suggs Evans told the committee that DSLBD's FY2026 plan focuses on technical assistance, access to capital and corridor programs while Council members raised questions about funding levels, grant timing and geographic equity.
Rosemary Suggs Evans, director of the Department of Small and Local Business Development, told the Committee on Business and Economic Development on June 16 that DSLBD's FY2026 plan emphasizes technical assistance, capital access and corridor revitalization programs to support District businesses.
Why it matters: DSLBD programs are a frontline source of grants, training and corridor investments that affect small businesses across all wards. Council members pressed the administration on reduced line items, timing of grants, and how the department will target limited resources to neighborhoods with the greatest need.
DSLBD priorities described Evans summarized DSLBD's FY26 operating authority of about $22.1 million and described core programs: the Main Streets program (funded in testimony at $7.2 million), the clean team program (about $5.1 million), robust retail grants and food-business supports such as NourishDC, administered in partnership with Capital Impact Partners (Evans said Capital Impact Partners has an active grant balance of about $1.9 million and intends to expand activity in FY26). She said the Aspire program, funded at $250,000, supports returning citizens pursuing entrepreneurship, and the DREAM program has a $500,000 allocation to support microbusinesses East Of The River.
Council concerns: Main Streets, Great Streets and fund timing Council members and public commenters questioned whether Main Streets receive enough ongoing, predictable funding given differing corridor sizes and fundraising capacity. Director Evans said main streets receive $150,000 annually and that DSLBD tracks local fundraising and reports annually; she said DSLBD has tried to stretch recent enhancements to benefit all main streets while also using a growth fund for corridor-scale projects (for example, acquisition support and corridor-scale programs).
Great Streets and tourism-related fund shifts Council members pressed the administration about reductions shown in proposed operating line items for Great Streets but were told DMPED and DSLBD expect to restore funding to roughly $6.2 million via a combination of sources, including a repurposed hotel surtax and a dedicated allocation through DMPED. Members asked whether the City is changing eligibility rules and how the reallocation affects Destination DC marketing. DSLBD testimony emphasized a focus on simplifying grants, reducing administrative burden for small business recipients, and coordinating with DMPED on corridor strategies.
Grants, food-business funds and technical assistance Evans highlighted robust retail awards in FY25 (nearly $570,000 to about 60 businesses) and said DSLBD will continue the program in FY26. On NourishDC, DSLBD confirmed Capital Impact Partners as the program administrator with about $1.9 million in grant funding available and said that the model combines grants, low-cost loans and technical assistance to food businesses. Councilmembers pressed the administration about the timeliness of grant disbursements and requested clearer timelines for awards the committee had previously approved.
Ending DSLBD requested continued coordination with the Council and DMPED to target limited FY26 resources effectively. The department said it will provide the committee with reports on Main Street fundraising, award timelines for routine grants and updates on East Of The River programming.
