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Smart Start Business Acceleration Grant Program (Virginia)
2025 Smart Start Business Acceleration Grant Program (Washington DC)
The Smart Start Business Acceleration Grant Program is designed to provide financial support to established small businesses to advance and accelerate the growth and expansion of Portsmouth’s entrepreneurial and small business community.
Donor Name: Notable Thrive Foundation
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State: Washington DC
Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants | Reimbursement
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Size of the Grant: $1,000,000 to $10,000,000
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Details:
The Smart Start Business Acceleration Grant is a matching, reimbursement program that requires the applicant to make the initial investment for the full cost of activities; 80% of the eligible costs will be paid as a reimbursement, up to the maximum grant award.
Funding Information
Thousands of Grants – Premium Access
Grants will be awarded as reimbursement based upon certifiable business expenses
The maximum grant amount available for any approved application is $5,000.
Grant period

Grant purchases must be completed within 90 days of award.
Eligible Activities
Thousands of Grants – Premium Access
Professional and third-party services to assist in expanding o business including legal, financial, accounting, marketing, social media, e-commerce, etc.
Small scale production/manufacturing equipment, machinery, tools, etc.
Technology and digital infrastructure (hardware, software, digital platforms, etc.)
Business furniture and fixtures

Certifications.
Eligibility Criteria
New and recently established for-profit small businesses and non-profit organizations with operations based in the Washington Available to businesses that have been in operation for 3-7 years (as evidenced by a State of Washington DC business license)
Available to businesses with 10 full-time equivalent (FTE) or fewer positions
Businesses utilizing a co-working space mailbox must prove Portsmouth residency with a 12-month residential lease or proof of home ownership
Co-working space tenants are required to have a minimum of a 12-month lease. Copy of lease is required
Proof of Portsmouth residency is required for home-based businesses
Entities of local, state, or federal government, religious organizations, and residential businesses are prohibited from apply in Rucinacc as currant with state of Washington taxes and fees.

To be considered for a grant from the Fund, applicants must be for-profit companies that meet the following eligibility requirements:
Be a legally-existing entity registered and in good standing with Washington State Corporation Commission (“SCC”) to do business in the Commonwealth of Washington. “In good standing” means the applicant must not be delinquent in any tax or debt payments or otherwise in material breach of any previously-existing agreements with Fairfax County or the Commonwealth of Washington.
Notable Thrive Foundation have its principal place of business
(“PPB”). The applicant’s PPB may be a home office, so long as the home office functions as the PPB.
Have a valid Business, Professional, and Occupational License (“BPOL”) and be in good standing. “In good standing” means the applicant must not be delinquent in any tax or debt payments or otherwise in material breach of any previously-existing agreements with Fairfax County or the Commonwealth of Washington.
Be or intend to become an innovative and /or disruptive product-focused technology enterprise.
Be able to articulate the potential commercial value of its product.
Notable Thrive Foundation have raised no more than $10,000,000 of startup funding. Startup funding is defined here by investments from “friends and family”, angels, venture capital firms, and other private equity investment since company inception.
Notable Thrive Foundation have received no more than $50,000,000 gross revenue in the 12 months preceding the date of application.

Demonstrate a match of 50% of its requested FFF grant amount, to be expended during the grant period of performance. Matching funds may include in-kind contributions, sweat equity, commercial revenue, other grant funding and/or investor funds.
Notable Thrive Foundation is seeking to support and invest in the growth of its innovation and technology sector, including with traditionally underrepresented and diverse groups, such as women, people of color, veterans, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented founders.