Press Release: New $40 Million COVID-19 Relief Grant Program Announced Following Approval of Councilmember McDuffie’s Amendment

News Release — Ward 5 DC Council member Kenyan McDuffie

For Immediate Release: Friday, January 21, 2022

Contact: Narrean Marsden

Washington, D.C. — Today, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) announced that its COVID-19 Small Business Rent Relief Grant program will launch next Monday, January 24, 2022 in line with Council’s recent action. Earlier this month, the Council unanimously approved an amendment by Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie, Chair of the Committee on Business and Economic Development, authorizing that the $40 million program be used to support the full recovery and viability of the District’s retail, leisure, and hospitality sectors.

Following DMPED’s announcement, Councilmember McDuffie said:

“Small businesses across the District are still facing significant challenges caused by this COVID-induced recession. I am proud to advance financial relief that meets the needs of our most vulnerable industries who are still navigating the ongoing pandemic. I will continue working with my Council colleagues to ensure the District’s economic recovery invests in practical solutions for our small businesses.”

The COVID-19 Small Business Rent Relief Grant program provides small businesses operating in the restaurant, retail, hospitality, and entertainment sectors with emergency funds to cover outstanding rent, payroll and labor, inventory, and operating expenses (i.e., utilities, insurance, and PPE). Grantees must be District-based, brick and mortar small businesses that made less than $5 million in gross revenue each year in 2019, 2020, and 2021.Micro businesses whose annual gross receipts fall below $2.5 million will also be prioritized for funding.

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