DC secures $100M federal grant for internet access

It’s been a busy month in the region, with different raises and grants announced throughout. In this Money Moves feature, we highlighted different opportunities for local business owners and fundraising news from DC proper to the Maryland suburbs and Northern Virginia. 

Get all the details below. First, check out our monthly look at which companies are hiring for tech jobs in the region. See how that’s changed since last month and how much they’re paying in this chart:

DC earns federal funds for broadband access 

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration awarded DC $100.6 million to increase internet access and roll out digital literacy training in the city, with a focus on Wards 5, 7 and 8. 

The funds are part of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, which allocated $42.45 billion to boost internet access and infrastructure throughout the US. Mayor Muriel Bowser noted that this funding will help DC “close the digital divide.”

“By ensuring District residents, businesses, and institutions have access to affordable, high-speed internet — and supporting them with trainings on digital literacy and workforce development — we can give more people in the District a fair shot, and remain a leader in tech careers, talent, and innovation,” Mayor Bowser said in a press release. 

Grants for Ward 8 businesses

Applications are now open for the Ward 8 Community Investment Fund. The program offers different tiers of grants and loans specifically for small businesses and entrepreneurs in Ward 8, with a total of $800,000 going into the program.  

The fund is a partnership between the DC Community Development Consortium, the DC Department of Small & Local Business Development, Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White, Ballard Spahr and others. 

Individual awards go up to $40,000, while a youth entrepreneurship grant for residents aged 14 through 21 is worth up to $2,000. 

Those interested can still attend virtual information sessions before the application window closes on June 30. 

Apply here

Climate tech firm adds new investors in Series A

The DC-based startup Crux recently landed new strategic investors for its Series A round, which is currently at $18.2 million.

The round is led by the prominent Silicon Valley firm Andreessen Horowitz, which the Washington Business Journal (WBJ) reported is currently looking for office space in DC. Strategic investors include clean energy developers Clearway Energy Group, EDF Renewables, Intersect Power and Pattern Energy. 

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