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District of Columbia CBE Sustainable Energy Grant
Industry-Specific · DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) · DC
The District of Columbia CBE Sustainable Energy Grant is a cash grant from DSLBD for DC-certified small businesses working in energy efficiency, electrification, or renewable energy, offering an average award of about $18,000 to support business growth.
The District of Columbia CBE Sustainable Energy Grant is a cash grant program run by the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD). It is designed to support DC Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs) that operate in energy efficiency, electrification, renewable energy, or other green-energy-related sectors.
Rather than requiring repayment, this is a direct grant — funds do not need to be paid back like a loan would. According to the program summary, the money is intended to help small businesses build capacity in the green energy economy, covering areas such as marketing, administrative systems, business development, and general operational growth. This kind of support can matter a lot to a small business owner because it provides working capital without adding debt, letting a company invest in growth activities that might otherwise be hard to afford.
For FY2026, the program notes roughly $291,000 in total funding available, distributed across up to 16 grants, with an average award noted around $18,000. However, exact figures, number of awards, and open application rounds can shift from year to year, so applicants should confirm current details directly with DSLBD before assuming any specific amount applies to them.
This program is limited to the District of Columbia — only businesses located in DC and holding CBE certification in a qualifying green-energy sector are eligible. Because deadlines are described only as 'check current rounds,' business owners interested in applying should visit the official DSLBD program page regularly to see when the next application window opens and what documentation is required.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It is a cash grant, not a loan, so it does not need to be repaid.
Who runs this program?
The DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) administers it.
Who is eligible?
DC Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs) operating in energy efficiency, electrification, renewable energy, or related green-energy sectors.
Is this available outside Washington, DC?
No, it's limited to businesses in the District of Columbia.
How much money can I get?
The average award noted is around $18,000, with up to 16 grants available from about $291,000 in FY2026 funding — confirm current figures at the official source.
What can the funds be used for?
Funds support marketing, administrative systems, business development, and capacity building.
When is the deadline?
The listing says to check current rounds; confirm at the official source for exact dates.
Where do I apply?
Applications are handled through DSLBD's official page at https://dslbd.dc.gov/cbegreengrant.
Do I need to repay this money?
No, as a grant it generally does not require repayment.
Is the grant taxable?
This is not specified in the available information; confirm at the official source.
Do I need CBE certification before applying?
Yes, eligibility requires being a DC Certified Business Enterprise.
How many businesses receive funding each year?
Up to 16 grants are noted as available in FY2026, though this can vary by year.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD); always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.