Destination DC DEI Business Fellowship

Destination DC launched the DEI Business Fellowship to support small, independently owned businesses in the local travel and tourism industry – specifically those owned by people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, persons with disabilities, and their allies.

This one-year program provides complimentary membership, with access to marketing, mentorship, education, and networking opportunities designed to help grow and sustain your business through reaching both business and leisure travelers.

Benefits

Complimentary Destination DC membership for one calendar year (value: $1,050)
Full suite of member benefits (excluding listings in print publications)
Dedicated account manager
Two complimentary tickets to the annual Marketing Outlook Meeting (value: $95/each)
Content inclusion on washington.org and the DEI District, as appropriate
Opportunities to engage with and receive training from each DDC department
A comprehensive return-on-investment (ROI) report at the end of the cohort year

Eligibility

Be a small, independently owned business in the travel and tourism industry
Generate less that $6 million in annual revenue and/or have fewer than 10 full-time employees
Be majority-owned by someone from an underrepresented group
Businesses with robust DEI programs may also be considered
Have been in operation for at least one (1) year
Be registered to do business in DC, MD or VA
Not have been a DDC member within the past three (3) years
Excludes accommodations, airlines and cruise lines
Must comply with DDC’s membership terms and conditions

Ready to grow your business? Applications for the 2026 DEI Business Fellowship will open August 25th. Check back here for the link to apply.

Meet the 2025 DEI Business Fellows:

View all (past and present) DEI business fellows here.

Questions? Contact us by filling out the form below:

Please provide your business details and a contact that can be reached.

Business Name*:

First Name*:

Last Name*:

Title*:

Email*:

Phone Number:

Business Website:

Type of Business*:

Additional Questions/Comments:

Yes! *Send me emails from Destination DC.*

* Indicates a required field.

Submit Reset

The District Blog

Great Patios for Eating & Drinking in Washington, DC

Your Guide to the 13 Coolest Neighborhoods in Washington, DC

What You Need to Know About Summer Restaurant Week

Order Your Free Visitors Guide

5 Reasons to Partner with a DMO

Exceptional Venus for Your Meeting in Washington, DC

Your Meeting Planner Toolkit

Museums with After-Hours Programming in Washington, DC

Learning on Location

Top Ways Washington, DC is a Sustainable City

Member Testimonials

Learn More About Partnerships

Learn more about how Washington, DC invests in the next generation of hospitality and tourism leaders.