2018 Grant Program

BEACON is a community-led
campaign to make Washington, DC
the most influential and supportive
city for women entrepreneurs in the
United States.

Donate to support our business directory and flagship programs

Check out BEACON's latest report:
Building Inclusive Ecosystems with Intentionality: A Strategy to Enhance Support for DC's Women Founders

Becoming Beacon

Our goal is to make Washington, DC a model city to demonstrate how investors, companies, mentors and government can work together to ensure women entrepreneurs have an equal opportunity to succeed.

Are you an ecosystem builder?
Apply for the BEACON Grant Program!

Click Here to Apply

Help Us Build DC's Most Complete Directory of

Women-Owned Businesses

Vanessa Ferragut

Greenease is a mobile app that connects consumers with restaurants, cafes and grocers that buy from local and/or sustainable farms.

Just Rock Enterprises

Just Rock offers music, dance and pe instruction via private, group and workshop experiences throughout the DMV.

Krystin Hargrove

Empowomant is a for-profit social impact organization, empowering women to live with intention. We explore 3 core areas: self, family, and career applying our 3 step method of vision, work, and follow through to support women seeking personal and professional alignment. Through collaboration, we work to empower women around the world.

Founder, Owner, Designer

Meaning “smile/laughter” in Swahili, Kicheko Goods is a socially conscious company that designs distinctive pieces which invest in education. Founded in 2014, Kicheko is an emerging brand made in DC. Concepts for the brand’s small batch collections are inspired by geometry, nature, and travel. Kicheko's aesthetic shares an unrefined boldness, sophisticated earthiness and playful simplicity..

Find the support for your women-owned business

Resources

Advancement Strategist

Halcyon is a creativity incubator for both social entrepreneurs and socially-conscious artists. Halcyon Incubator, our flagship program, is a competitive, 13-month fellowship program, which includes a 5-month residency, to support the most promising early-stage social entrepreneurs in the world. Incubator accepts 2 cohorts of 8 social enterprises each year and has worked more than 60 ventures.

Young African Professionals Network (YAP)

The Young African Professionals (YAP DC) Network is the premier conveners of events and opportunities for young African diaspora professionals ages 21-40. We provide timely and relevant resources, we facilitate innovative professional development experiences, we foster inspirational networking, and we encourage impactful community building.

Managing Partner

Conscient Strategies

Conscient Strategies works with organizations to make change sustainable. We are committed to empowering organizations and innovative leaders to develop internal cultures that embrace change, that not only withstand disruption but thrive in it today, tomorrow and into the future.

A Mindful Cup of Tea Facebook Group

A Mindful Cup of Tea Facebook group provides weekly inspiration, tools, and discussion that will help you create more mindful moments in your life.

Events

For Women, By Women, We All Belong Here

Women Who Speak: A Public Speaking Workshop

Women Who Speak is a Public Speaking workshop designed to empower women to amplify their unique message through Public Speaking.
Public Speaking isn't just for Public Speakers it's for any woman who wants to sharpen her speaking skills as a tool for personal or career success.
Join us for a 3-part workshop. Only 10 seats available.
Workshop includes: Refreshments + A Certificate + Feedback

DC Bar Pro Bono Center Small Business Brief Advice Legal Clinic

King Jordan Student Academic Center, Gallaudet University

If you're an existing or aspiring small business owner, come meet one-on-one with attorneys for free at this brief advice clinic. Get information on business formation, contracts, leases, taxes or other questions related to small business legal issues. If you don't have specific questions, come and tell the attorneys about your business—they can help spot legal issues or give you general advice.

Data for Growing Companies

Come along to find out how to leverage Data for small businesses and startups. We will host thought-leaders from the DC data community to discuss the possibilities it brings to growing companies.

Community