• Destination DC Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Business Fellowship Application

  • Welcome to Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for our nation’s capital.

    A private, non-profit membership organization of nearly 1,000 businesses, DDC markets Washington, DC as a premier global convention, tourism and special event destination. 

    DDC offers member businesses tools to grow and leverage the identity of Washington, DC and maximize their role in DC's $8.1 billion travel and tourism economy. As the destination marketing organization for Washington, it is our responsibility to:

    • Showcase the rich diversity of our community
    • Welcome all people with open arms
    • Show locals and visitors alike that the District is a place that promotes and validates diversity, equity and inclusion

    You are invited to work with our team through the DEI Business Fellowship Program. Apply today for a complimentary membership, sales and marketing training, and exclusive networking opportunities valued at over $1,500. 

  • About the Fellowship

  • BENEFITS

    • Complimentary DDC membership for calendar year 2025, valued at $1,050
    • Full suite of member benefits, except listings in print publications
    • Two (2) complimentary tickets to the 2025 Marketing Outlook Meeting, valued at $95 each
    • Content inclusion on washington.org and the DEI District as appropriate.
    • Annual return on investment report.
    • Engagement and training with each of DDC's departments:
      • In-person events
        • Breakfast with the President & CEO, Elliott L. Ferguson, II
        • Cohort building activity/outing
        • DDC member events throughout the year
      • Virtual conversations
        • Public relations
        • Social media management
        • Reaching international audiences/tour operators
        • Corporate meetings and best practices
        • Sustainability
        • CBE Workshop

    Here’s what former fellows had to say:

    “Getting to work with Destination DC as part of the DEI Fellowship Program has truly expanded my business and my perspective of the DC landscape in general. The vendor requests via the Extranet system have resulted in more work for my company - and even a HUGE cookie order from the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon! They have made it easy to expand my network and get our products to more people that I could have imagined!”

    Shannon Boyle, Uncle Chips

    “We printed 40,000 decals that appeared in and all over the DC Metro Area. These vinyl stickers were everywhere – it was nuts! We made about $32,000 and they just let us know yesterday that they will be ordering from us again next year!”​

    Joslyn Jennings, Blueboy Document Imaging

  • ELIGIBILITY

    • Independently owned small businesses with annual revenue less than $6 million and/or fewer than 10 full-time employees who are interested in reaching the travel and tourism industry.
    • 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
    • Current or former members with a join of date 2021 or later are not eligible.
    • Small businesses must comply with DDC’s membership terms and conditions

  • CRITERIA FOR PARTICIPATION

    DIVERSITY

    The word “diversity” means different things to different people. DDC has defined it broadly to include

    • Racial and ethnic minority groups
    • Members of the LGBTQIA+ community
    • Veterans
    • Persons with disabilities
    • Women

    EQUITY

    Businesses with practices to increase or promote equity and inclusion are encouraged to apply and describe these efforts in the application. This could include things like

    • Hiring and promotion practices
    • Access to ongoing training programs
    • Best practices for employees to share in decision-making or product development
    • Leadership, board of directors and management and employee diversity
    • Product, service or activities that result in a more inclusive community

    SELECTION

    Fellowships will be awarded to businesses that exemplify the above DEI standards and contribute to the travel, tourism and hospitality community in Washington, DC. As part of the application process, a member of the Destination DC team will schedule an introductory conversation so we can meet the business’ leaders, understand their work and ensure that the fellowship is right for that company.

    A committee made up of DDC staff and advisory committee members will select the cohort.

    For more information, visit our dedicated page on washington.org or contact Zoe Roberts, Membership Manager and DEI program lead, at Zoe@washington.org or 202-789-7034.

  • TIMELINE AND IMPLEMENTATION

    • Aug. 5, 2024 – Applications open
    • Dec. 2, 2024 – Applications due
    • Dec. 16, 2024 – Notification of awardees
    • Jan. 1 – Dec. 31, 2025 – Fellowship period
    • Dec. 1, 2025 – Dues commitment for 2026 ($1,050/year) or termination

  • Applicant Information

    The first page will be a series of general information and demographic questions about your business and majority owner. On the next page, you will find two questions about your business' DEI efforts. For video applicants, there are instructions for submission on page two.
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