The Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) of Washington, DC, has announced the opening of applications for the 2025 Dream Accelerator Program. This initiative is part of the District’s effort to support microbusinesses specifically located in Wards 7 and 8. The program is structured as an 8-week, cohort-based training that aims to enhance the entrepreneurial skills and business readiness of its participants.

The Dream Accelerator culminates in the Dream Pitch Competition, where participating business owners will present their ventures to a panel of judges. Contestants will compete for cash awards ranging from $2,500 to $7,500, making the program not only a training opportunity but also a competitive funding chance. The training components include business pitching, financial projections and accounting, marketing and branding, and structured mentorship and peer support.

Applications for the program are open from April 14 through May 14, 2025. The final submission deadline is 2:00 PM on May 14, and no late applications will be accepted under any circumstances. Interested applicants are urged to review the official application instructions carefully before submitting their applications to ensure they meet all eligibility and documentation requirements.

The program explicitly targets microbusinesses—typically defined as small firms with fewer than ten employees—operating in the designated wards. Additional eligibility criteria and application instructions are detailed in the official documentation available through DSLBD. Prospective applicants can attend information sessions or direct their queries via email to Inno.ED@dc.gov, as phone inquiries are not accepted.

This initiative represents a valuable opportunity for early-stage businesses to refine their operations and expand their networks while competing for meaningful financial support. The DSLBD looks forward to empowering local entrepreneurs and enhancing the economic vitality of the community through this targeted development effort.