Mayor Bowser to Announce 2025 Robust Retail Grant Recipients and Celebrate Local Businesses

(Washington, DC) - On Monday, May 12 at 11:00 a.m., Mayor Muriel Bowser will join the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) to announce the recipients of the 2025 Robust Retail Grant Program. The Mayor and team will make the announcement at Henceforth, a new locally owned craft beverage business on H Street NE.

The event will highlight how the District is investing in small businesses and supporting commercial corridors as part of Mayor Bowser’s transformational economic growth agenda which is part of her Fiscal Year 2026 budget. The agenda focuses on attracting new businesses, creating jobs, and spurring local economic activity.

Monday’s celebration builds on the momentum of DC Small Business Week and underscores the Bowser Administration’s continued commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs and strengthening neighborhood economies.

WHEN:
Monday, May 12 at 11:00 am 

WHO:
Mayor Muriel Bowser
Rosemary Suggs-Evans, Director, DC Department of Small and Local Business Development
Anwar Saleem, Executive Director, H Street Main Street 
Michael Spinello, Founder & Managing Partner, Henceforth
Ryan Gordon, Owner, Queen Vic

WHERE:
Henceforth
1335 H Street NE  
*Closest Streetcar Stop: H and 13th Street NE*
*Bus Lines: X2, X9*
*Closest Bikeshare Station: H and 13th Street NE *

Press interested in attending the event are asked to RSVP to press@dc.gov.

The DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment will provide a live feed of this event. To view the event, visit mayor.dc.gov/live, tune in on Channel 16 (DCN), or watch on Mayor Bowser’s Facebook or X.

Mayor Bowser X: @MayorBowser
Mayor Bowser Instagram: @Mayor_Bowser
Mayor Bowser Facebook: facebook.com/MayorMurielBowser
Mayor Bowser YouTube: https://www.bit.ly/eomvideos