Bridge Fund Application Now Open

The $40 million Bridge Fund will offer grants to support the recovery and long-term viability of brick-and-mortar small businesses in the restaurant, retail, and entertainment industries that have been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Award

Awards will range from $20,000-$100,000. This program will prioritize businesses that have not received federal relief funds (Paycheck Protection Program) and microbusinesses with $2.5 million or less in revenue.

Use of Award

• Business rent/mortgage (at least 50% of the award must be applied to rent)
• Payroll and labor
• Inventory (supplies but not merchandise for sale)
• Operating expenses

Eligible businesses

The Bridge Fund will be open to businesses that meet the following criteria:

• A small business in the restaurant, retail, or entertainment sector
• Has an active DC Basic Business License and an active ABRA License, if applicable

• For-profit, small business physically located in the District of Columbia at a brick-and-mortar location
• Generated no more than $5 million in gross receipts each in 2019, 2020, and 2021

• During the period April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021, able to demonstrate at least a 30% loss of revenue when comparing the best consecutive three-month period with the worst consecutive three-month period

Application & Deadline

Opened: Monday, January 24, 2022 at 12:00 PM/EST

Deadline: Friday, February 25, 2022 at 5:00 PM/EST

For more information on the Bridge Fund, application and eligibility click here.

Questions

For questions regarding the grant and application, please contact thebridgefund@dc.gov.

For more resources and information on additional FY22 business funding opportunities visit ObviouslyDC.com