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THRIVE for Impact
THRIVE for Impact
Program Benefits
- Three Micro-Grants awarded to business pitches.
- Mentorship & Coaching from seasoned entrepreneurs and industry experts.
- Safety & Equality Training Certification to demonstrate commitment to inclusion.
- Access to DC Special Permit Opportunities (e.g., pop-up permits, street fairs).
- Networking with Investors & Business Leaders through the pitch showcase.
Calling All... LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs with a business idea or early-stage venture.
Q. Are you passionate about social impact and economic growth within the LGBTQIA+ community?
Q. Are you committed to learning, coaching and collaboration?
Next Steps
• Application Opens: March 18
• Program Launch: March 26 - May 2, 2025 - a common time good for the group will be selected
• Pitch Showcase In-person/On-line Showcase: May
Micro-Grant Awards: 30-60 days after Pitch Showcase
Program Overview
This 5 week accelerator is designed for five LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs looking to launch or scale their businesses while fostering inclusivity and social impact.
- Participants will receive coaching, training, and funding support, culminating in a Ignite-style Start-Up Pitch Showcase. Select participants will win micro-grants to fuel their business growth.
- This program will also integrate a safety and equality training curriculum to ensure that participating businesses are prepared to create inclusive and supportive workplaces, particularly in Downtown DC, Golden Triangle, Dupont Circle BIDs, Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets, and beyond!
- At the conclusion of the program, select participants will transition into a Business Incubator, providing ongoing coaching, networking, and strategic resources for business sustainability.
Program Components
1. Safety & Equality Training Curriculum
A specialized curriculum to equip businesses in DC’s downtown districts with tools to foster LGBTQIA+ inclusion, including:
- The business case for inclusivity and its economic impact.
- Effective communication, inclusive language, and marketing strategies.
- Creating a psychologically safe work environment.
- Strategies to ensure long-term business inclusivity beyond major events like WorldPride DC.
2. Start-Up Pitch Showcase
A competition where participants pitch their businesses to a small panel of entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders.
- Preference for businesses that align with WorldPride and DC Special Permit Opportunities.
- Winners receive micro-grants and investor networking opportunities.
3. Micro-Grants Program
A funding initiative providing one $1,000, one $1,500, and one $2,000 micro-grant to outstanding business ventures.
- Designed to support start-up for LGBTQIA+ businesses in alignment with WorldPride and DC Special Permit Opportunities.
- Supports initiatives like pop-up shops, street fair booths, and community-focused businesses.
4. Business Incubator
- A post-program initiative providing structured coaching, training, and networking for micro-grant recipients.
- One-on-one coaching session with an experienced business leader or industry expert.
- Online Training in financial management, operational efficiency, and strategic growth.
- Community-building and collaboration with other LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs.
Program Structure (4-5 Weeks)
Phase 1: Business Foundations, Founder Well-being, & Inclusivity Training (Weeks 1-3)
- Week 1: Business Vision, Market Research & Inclusivity in Business
- Week 2: Financial Readiness & Branding
- Week 3: Legal, Operations & Special Permit Opportunities
Phase 2: Scaling, Pitching & Micro-Grants (Weeks 4-5)
- Week 4: Scaling Strategies & Strategic Partnerships
- Week 5: Pitch Development & Investor Readiness
a. Start-Up Pitch Showcase & Graduation!
