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DC Bridge Fund Now Accepting Applications

January 25, 2022 to February 25, 2022

The $40 million DC Bridge Fund application opened at noon today. While RAMW worked to get this to happen, there are some changes to the Fund, and it’s important for you to be aware how this may impact you in terms of relief. Please read below for details on eligibility, the application process and more. 

The grants will NOT be awarded on a first come basis, and instead the grant determinations will be made following a 5-week application window that closes on Friday, February 25th at 5pm. Grant awards vary from $20,000 - $100,000, and award notifications will likely be made in early March.

Click here for the application guide and click here for the one page application guide. 

Click here for an FAQ on the Bridge Fund. 

Click here to apply. 

Click here for additional information on the Bridge Fund. 

We have also broken out some important eligibility requirements and application details outlined below. 

Eligibility Requirements: 
 

  • Grantees must be District-based small businesses, operating in the restaurant, retail, hospitality, and entertainment sectors.

  • Must have earned no more than $5 million in gross receipts in each 2019, 2020, and 2021.

    • Priority will be given to businesses with no more than $2.5 million in revenue each
      in 2019, 2020, and 2021

    •  A grant received from the District government will not be counted toward your revenue. 

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

  • Must be currently in operation unless mandated otherwise by public health guidance

  • Must be able to provide a Certificate of Clean Hands (dated within 90 days of application).

  • Must have an active DC Basic Business License, and an active ABRA License, if applicable

  • Businesses that received an award from the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, Shuttered Venue Operators Grant, or the Arts and Entertainment Venue Relief Fund are not eligible

    • While receiving PPP does not make you ineligible, businesses that did not receive an award from the Paycheck Protection Program will be prioritized.

  • Owners of multiple businesses are eligible, as long as each location has a unique EIN and satisfies all eligibility criteria, up to a maximum of 5 locations

  • Sole proprietors must be District of Columbia residents

Acceptable usage of funds: 

  • Business rent or mortgage expenses (if your business owes back rent, at least 50% of the award must be used on back rent, up to 100% of the amount of back rent owed)

  • Payroll and labor

  • Inventory (includes supplies, but not merchandise for sale)

  • Operating expenses

As you have questions along the way, please let us know, and stay close. We are also looking to  gain additional guidance and details, so please don’t hesitate to share any questions with us.
You can also reach out to the DMPED and the grant administrator directly by emailing  thebridgefund@cfenterprises.org