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 than $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
Applications for the 2026 DEI Business Fellowship are closed.
Meet the 2026 DEI Business Fellows:
View all (past and present) DEI business fellows here.