DDC launched the DEI Business Fellowship to support small businesses in the local travel and tourism industry owned by people of color, LGBTQ+ persons, women, persons with disabilities and their allies.
This program offers complimentary marketing, mentorship, education and networking opportunities to help sustain and grow your businesses, specifically by reaching business and leisure travelers.
Benefits
- Complimentary membership for 1 calendar year (value: $1,050).
- Full suite of member benefits (except print publication listings).
- Dedicated account manager.
- Two tickets to the annual Marketing Outlook Meeting (value: $95 each).
- Content inclusion on washington.org and the DEI District as appropriate.
- Engagement and training with each of DDC’s departments.
- Annual return on investment report.
Eligibility
- Independently owned small businesses in the travel and tourism industry with annual revenue less than $6 million and/or fewer than 10 full-time employees
- Majority ownership should be a person from a minority group
- Other businesses that have significant DEI programs will be considered
- Excluded businesses are any type of accommodation, airline or cruise line
- Minimum of one (1) year in business
- Registered to conduct business in DC, MD or VA
- Former members in the last three (3) years are not eligible
- Small businesses must comply with DDC’s membership terms and conditions
Details for 2026 applications will be announced in the future.
Meet the 2025 DEI Business Fellows:
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Art With Tosca
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Aura Experiences
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Brandire
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Cafe Cino
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Capital Gift Baskets
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DC Cooking School
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Designs R Us
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Domestique Wine
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Eatopia Eatery
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Everyday Kitchen
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Fast Snail Creative Greetings & Design Business
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Fish The Potomac
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FOUR Pilates
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GoodSigns LLC
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Hedzole
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Help Unlimited Temps
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Jarabe Gourmet Pops
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Ko Japanese Dining
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Lattimore's Funnel Cakes
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Lattly
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Olive Gift Co.
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Peel Haus
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Skye Marinda Tarot
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Synergy & Serenity
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Taqueria Habanero
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The Go-Go Museum & Café
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Valor BrewPub
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Washington Improv Theater
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Wick & Paper LLC
View all (past and present) DEI business fellows here.