The DC Fashion Foundation’s
THE MISSION OF THE MELANIN PRENEURS™ BLACK-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM is to create more opportunities for emerging and established Black-owned businesses across the United States by helping them accelerate their spending power by reinvesting in themselves, their community, and their businesses.
Qualifications
The Melanin Preneurs™ Black-Owned Small Business Program is an annual opportunity for small businesses that are:
Awards
Businesses will be judged and selected based on their marketing plan, financial need, product/service offerings, packaging, current online ratings, website design, years-in-business, and the intended use of the funding. Combined with business development assistance, this unique opportunity will support and promote Black business growth with the aim to further establish Black-owned businesses in the Black community. Awards will range up to $5,000 per awardee and are for one-year funding cycles, beginning January 1, 2022.
The DC Fashion Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2007, which supports the business community through educational programs, workforce training initiatives, and networking and mentoring opportunities. DCFF will award the winners.
Funding
The Melanin Preneurs™ Black-Owned Small Business Program is funded in part by a percentage of our paid business memberships, public and private donations, private grants, and corporate partnerships. All donations are tax-deductible and are paid directly to The DC Fashion Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization.
Transparency
20% of public donations goes towards the general operations of the program.
Open to small black-owned businesses in the United States.
Awarded through The DC Fashion Foundation.
Application Submission Opens 2022
Christine Brooks-Cropper
(Founder, DC Fashion Foundation)
Richard Jones
(Founder, BlackReport.com)
Karen R. Baker
(Co-Director of Think Local First DC)
Isaac Sessoms, MBA, CPA
(Director of Accounting, National Park Foundation)
Quentin Addison
(VP, Monumental Sports and Entertainment)
Announcing June 2021
Want to help us continue to support the Black-owned business community? Become a virtual volunteer and help us spread the word about the Melanin Preneurs™ Black-Owned Small Business Program. Please click here for more information.
