The Small and Local Business Credit Enhancement Amendment Act of 2025 aims to support small and local businesses in the District of Columbia by establishing a Small and Local Business Credit Enhancement Program within the Department of Small and Local Business Development. This program will provide qualifying businesses with rent guarantees and other credit enhancement services, allowing them to compete more effectively with larger national chains for commercial space. The rent guarantees will cover 100% of the rent owed in the first year, 50% in the second year, and 25% in the third year, thereby incentivizing developers to engage with local entrepreneurs.

To qualify for the program, businesses must be listed on a Small and Local Business Underwriting Registry, which requires them to submit various financial documents to demonstrate creditworthiness. The Department will evaluate these submissions and, if deemed acceptable, will certify property owners for rent guarantees. The legislation also mandates the Department to publish average commercial rent rates for each census tract annually, ensuring transparency and aiding in the program's implementation.