SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM

DC Squared

SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE GRANT APPLICATION
APPLICATION OVERVIEW

This Appilication is for all DC Squared programs, including Rhode Island Avenue Main Street and Bladensburg Road Main Streets.

Application Package Contents
- Program Guidelines, which should be used to complete the application
- Application for Services, which must be completed in its entirety and submitted for receipt at Rhode Island Ave NE/Bladensburg Road Main Streets (DC Squared Main Streets)
- Application Checklist, which should be used to confirm achievement of all application requirements
Please note that DC Squared will evaluate applications and decide on eligibility based solely on the documents provided by the applicants and upon funds availability. If you feel you are unable to complete the application for any reason, please contact us at info@dcsquared.org

Eligibility

Businesses located in Northeast/Ward 5 with brick-and-mortar locations, except for nonprofit organizations without a retail location, franchises (unless locally owned), and churches, are eligible for this grant. Business with addresses on Rhode Island Avenue NE and Bladensburg Road NE will have priority as they are serviced by the DC Main Street program, through DSLBD. Online businesses without a brick-and-mortar location can apply, but will be judged on a case-by-case basis.

Guidance to Prepare Application

Applicants may contact the DC Squared office at info@dcsquared.org to ask questions and receive guidance on preparing the application.

To ensure timely application completion, DC Squared recommends that Applicants immediately take steps to:
- Secure valid copies of the applicant’s Basic Business License, Certificates of Occupancy, Good Standing, and Clean Hands (see Section 1 of the Application for Services);
- Descriptions of current conditions and requested services, with estimates of cost;
- (If Applicant owns the commercial property).
  Retrieve the property deed or secure a copy from the DC Recorder of Deeds at 202-727-5374;
- (If Applicant leases the commercial space)
  Discuss their application and any physical improvements to the property owner(s) and obtain their approval to proceed.
***PLEASE READ***

POST-AWARD REQUIREMENT: To ensure accountability and transparency, grantees must provide DC Squared with all invoices and receipts within 60 days of receiving grant funds. Failure to submit these documents within the required timeframe will result in the ineligibility for future grants. Additionally, if the required documentation is not provided, the grantee will be required to repay the funds issued. Compliance with this requirement is essential for maintaining continued funding opportunities.

If you are unsure about your eligibility for this grant or have any questions, please contact info@dcsquared.org.

1. Applicant Information (Business Owner)

This information pertains to the business owner who is applying for the Small Business Assistance program. If there are multiple business owners, all owners must sign the Application. Applicants who are leasing properties must obtain written approval from the property owner(s) for any physical improvements or alterations to commercial property(see Section 7).
BUSINESS
Business Name*
Business Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Website
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
DUNS Number
Brief Description of Business*

BUSINESS DOCUMENTS
Basic Business License*

License issued by DCRA’s Business Licensing Division is attached, which is required for businesses to operate in the District. License should be current at the time of the application.
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Certificate of Occupancy*

Certificate issued by DCRA is attached, which has the name of the applicant business and a use consistent with the applicant’s current business operations
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Clean Hands Certificate*

Certificate issued by OTR is attached, which has the name of the applicant business, an issue date of January 1,2023 or later, and signature and stamp/seal by OTR staff
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Certificate of Good Standing*

Certificate issued by DCRA/OTR is attached, which has the name of the applicant business, an issue date of January 1, 2023 or later, and signature and stamp/seal by DCRA/OTR staff
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Download the Facade Accessibility Form
Facade Accessibility Form

A form issued by DHCD is attached, download the form (click on the "Download" icon to save the form) and complete it only if any of the requested services in the application involve physical improvements to the building.
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Download the W-9 Form
W-9*

Form issued by the IRS to confirm your correct Taxpayer Identification Number(TIN) or Employer Identification Number(EIN). Click on the "Download" icon to save the form
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BUSINESS OWNER
Name of Business Owner(s)
Alternate Phone for Business Owner(s)
Email Address(es)
Year business began operating at above location

MonthDayYear
Date
Is this a Legacy Business (established and in operation in the District of Columbia for a minimum of 25 years)?

YesNo
Please check the following if more than 51% of your business is

Minority ownedBlack ownedLGBTQ+ ownedNative AmericanWomen Owned

2. Commercial Property Information*

Does the Applicant (business owner), lease or own the commercial property for which s/he is requesting storefront improvement services? *Only complete this section if requesting projects that require physical changes or alterations to commercial properties, such as storefront improvement projects.
LEASE the COMMERCIAL SPACE?

If yes, provide answers in this page or else skip this page
Name of Property Owner(s)
Phone number of Property Owner
Please enter a valid phone number.
Email of Property Owner
example@example.com
Property Owner Permission

Obtained written permission from Property Owner(s) to implement requested improvements (see Section 7)
Square Footage
Corner Location

property is on corner
Lease Expiration date

MonthDayYear
Date
Proof of Ownership/Lease

Proof of Ownership/Lease
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2. Commercial Property Information (continued)*

Does the Applicant (business owner), lease or own the commercial property for which s/he is requesting storefront improvement services? *Only complete this section if requesting projects that require physical changes or alterations to commercial properties, such as storefront improvement projects.
OWN the PROPERTY?

If yes, provide answers in this page
Square Footage
Corner Location

property is on corner
Year purchased property

MonthDayYear
Date
Proof of Ownership/Lease

Copy of DEED attached
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3. Storefront Improvements:(Eligible, Ineligible, Vendor-required, and Additional Improvements)
Eligible Storefront Improvements

The storefront improvement program comprises design fixes to the front of the building’s exterior (façade). Businesses can apply for more than one service. Businesses can apply for more than one service. If you are interested in a façade improvement program, please contact the DC Squared steam at info@dcsquared.org. Applicants may apply for the following eligible storefront improvement services.
ACCESSIBILITY IMPROVEMENTS
1. Installation, repair, or replacement of entrance ramps
2. Improvements to doorways and service areas
3. Installation of signage with braille and/or large print
4. Other related improvements to comply with ADA requirements
SECURITY
1. Removal of exterior fixed or rolling security bars or grates (solid or open weave).
2. Installation of security grates in the interior of the commercial space, if the new grate is as transparent as or more transparent than the existing exterior security grate.
3. Installation of security window film
4. Installation of latch guard on door lock
5. Installation of security cameras and/or security system.
BUSINESS SIGN:
1. Installation, repair, replacement, and/or removal of business signs.
2. Sign text must include the business name; additional text must be approved by DC Squared.
AWNING:
1. Repair of existing canvas awnings.
2. Installation of a canvas awning if there is a demonstrated environmental or aesthetic need that makes an awning a better choice than a business sign. If there is no business sign, the awning must have the name of the business and street number imprinted on the canvas.
3. Text on the awnings must include the name of the business and may include the property’s numerical address All text must be approved by DC Squared.
4. Repair or installation of vinyl awnings is not permitted.
LIGHTING:
1. Installation of exterior lighting for business sign.
2. Installation of exterior lighting that is integral to the façade of commercial buildings.
PAINT TOUCH-UPS:
1. Painting touch-ups of exterior walls, trim, doors, and railings attached to storefronts
POWER WASH / REPOINTING OF BRICK:
1. Power washing and/or repointing of the front exterior wall brickwork of the storefront
STOREFRONT WINDOW GLASS:
1. Replacement of plexiglass storefront windows with glass windows.
2. Replacement of single-pane storefront window glass with laminated security glass if such a service would enable the Applicant to permanently remove exterior or interior security grates/bars.
3. In most cases we will not approve window replacement following damage, window security film and latch guards can be included in the scope of work
Ineligible Storefront Improvements

Any improvements to the storefronts that are not included in the “eligible storefront improvements” section above, including the following, are ineligible:
1. not specified in the work order, which is a part of an approved application;
2. not specified in the Memorandum of Understanding between DC Squared and the Applicant; and,
3. started or completed prior to the issuance of a Notice to Proceed by DC Squared.
Pre-requisite Storefront Improvements Required by Vendors/Contractor

When Vendors/Contractor inspect the existing storefront condition to develop a work order for eligible storefront improvement services, the Vendor/Contractor may determine that other improvements must be addressed prior to beginning work on eligible SIP services. If these prerequisite improvements are not on the list of eligible services, the Applicant:
1. must indicate in Section 5: Small Business Service Request – within the “Current Condition Description portion” – of this application the prerequisite request improvements that are required by the Vendor/contractor for each SIP service; and
2. would be responsible for addressing the pre-requisite improvement prior to implementation of the SIP services.

4. Small Business Technical Assistance: Eligible, Ineligible, Vendor-required, and Additional Improvements
Eligible Technical Assistance

The small business technical assistance program covers programmatic and soft costs that help enhance a business. Below is a list of services that the technical assistance program can cover. Businesses can apply for more than one service. Applicants may apply for the following eligible technical assistance services:
ACCESSIBILITY:
1. Interior signage including braille, large font, or other languages
2. ASL services, including signage and interpreters
3. Digital accessibility support
4. Projects related to complying with ADA standards and language access
MARKETING:
1. Development and/or implementation of a marketing plan
2. Implementation of marketing strategies- advertising, promotions, events, etc.
DIGITAL MARKETING:
1. Creation or expansion of a website
2. Creation or expansion of an online sales platform
3. Online advertising
4. Improvement of Google presence
5. Development and/or implementation of a social media strategy
BRANDING AND DESIGN:
1. Development of a branding package, including logos, graphics, and font design
ACCOUNTING AND BOOKKEEPING:
1. Creation or organization of an accounting or bookkeeping system
OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT:
1. Creation and/or development of a business plan
2. General business support
3. Grant application assistance
LICENSING AND COMPLIANCE:
1. Assistance and guidance for licenses and compliance
Ineligible Technical Assistance Projects

Technical assistance projects that are ineligible include any work that is:
1. not specified in the work order, which is a part of an approved application;
2. not specified in the Memorandum of Understanding between DC Squared and the Applicant; and,
3. started or completed before the issuance of a Notice to Proceed by DC Squared
Additional Services

Applicants may have other projects not listed above that still qualify under the small business technical assistance program. Please discuss with DC Squared staff to see if your project is eligible, and what additional support materials you would need. For further information, you can send an email to: info@dcsquared.org

6. Agreement by Business Owner(s)
As a business owner(s) of Business Name , I/we have:
1. reviewed the DC Squared Small Business Assistance Program Guidelines document that was provided with this application;
2. used the Application Checklist to ensure that this application is complete on submission;
3. understand that the determination of requested services provided is at the discretion of DC Squared
4. understand that I will have to pay the fees to obtain copies of the required certificates necessary for the application;
5. agreed to maintain sufficient insurance coverage for property damage and personal liability relating to the assistance project;
6. agreed to work with the approved Vendor/Contractor to implement the requested services should DC Squared approve my service request(s); and,
7. agreed to obtain written approval from DC Squared before removing or changing any storefront improvement for five years after completion (approximately January 2029);
Signature of Business Owner

Clear
Print Name Business Owner

First NameLast Name
Date

MonthDayYear
Date
Signature of Co-Business Owner (if applicable)

Clear
Print Name Co-Business Owner

First NameLast Name
Date

MonthDayYear
Date

7. Approval and Agreement by Property Owner(s)

Only needed if requesting storefront improvement or physical alterations to the building.
Download the Agreement Paper for Property Owner
Upload the Agreement Paper and all the other attachments

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DC Squared

1. Applicant Information (Business Owner)

BUSINESS

BUSINESS DOCUMENTS

BUSINESS OWNER

2. Commercial Property Information*

LEASE the COMMERCIAL SPACE?

2. Commercial Property Information (continued)*

OWN the PROPERTY?

3. Storefront Improvements:(Eligible, Ineligible, Vendor-required, and Additional Improvements)

4. Small Business Technical Assistance: Eligible, Ineligible, Vendor-required, and Additional Improvements

5. Small Business Service Request

6. Agreement by Business Owner(s)

7. Approval and Agreement by Property Owner(s)

APPLICATION SUBMISSION CHECKLIST