Sisternomics Empowerment Grant
Fueling the Vision. Empowering Black Women Entrepreneurs. Transforming Communities.
Why Sisternomics Matters
The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. — Metropolitan Washington, DC Chapter (NCBWDC), understands that access to capital, visibility, and business support is vital for Black women business owners to thrive, build generational wealth, and impact the community. The NCBWDC Sisternomics Empowerment Grant invests in the growth and sustainability of Black women–owned businesses that are reshaping the economic landscape of Washington, DC.
Sisternomics: More Than a Grant
This program isn’t just about funding — it’s about economic empowerment through connection, confidence, and capacity building. As part of NCBWDC’s commitment to financial freedom, the Sisternomics initiative fuels entrepreneurial growth, cultivates community impact, and strengthens the ecosystem for Black women business owners throughout the District.
Who Should Apply
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To be considered for the Sisternomics Empowerment Grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Black women–owned for-profit business
Annual sales revenue under $500,000
Legally established and operational for at least one year
In good standing — tax, legal, and lien-free
Current DC business license/certificate in good standing
Proof of business ownership
Business must operate in Washington, DC
We encourage resilient, visionary entrepreneurs who are ready to scale and sustain their business impact.
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Key Dates
Open for Applications: March 8, 2026
Informational Webinar: March 17, 2026 (Register Here)
Application Deadline: April 20, 2026
NCBWDC Sisternomics Empowerment Grant Application Checklist
The following is a checklist to assist you in submitting your complete application.
Your completed application must include the following:
Completed grant application* (linked below)
Business proposal (PowerPoint, Canva, or Google Slides deck) — including:
Business name and owner information
Mission and vision
Description of products/services
Market distinction
Team structure
Business Goals
Use of funds
Values and Community Impact
Proposed budget
Revenue and expenses overview
Certificate of incorporation
Vendor license (if applicable)
Professional Headshot
Signed disclosure and verification
*Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Sisternomics Frequently Asked Questions
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The Sisternomics Empowerment Grant is an economic empowerment initiative of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Metropolitan Washington, DC Chapter (NCBWDC). The grant provides financial support to Black women–owned businesses to help strengthen capacity, scale operations, and increase long-term sustainability.
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Applicants must:
Be a Black woman–owned for-profit business
Be legally registered and operational for at least one year
Generate under $500,000 in annual revenue
Must be lien and judgment-free
Business must be current on taxes
Have proper DC licensing and documentation
Operate and located in Washington, DC
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No. This grant is specifically designed to support for-profit businesses owned by Black women.
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The Sisternomics Empowerment Grant provides microgrants of up to $2,500 per awardee. These funds are designed to help entrepreneurs address immediate business needs, invest in growth opportunities, and strengthen long-term sustainability.
Award amounts are determined based on the strength of the application, demonstrated need, and available funding for the grant cycle.
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Funds may be used for business growth and sustainability, including (but not limited to):
Equipment or inventory purchases
Marketing and branding
Technology upgrades
Professional services
Workforce development
Operational expansion
*Funds may not be used for personal expenses.
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Applications will be accepted electronically here. Applications will not be received via email.
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A complete application typically includes:
Completed application form
Business proposal (PowerPoint format, see grant application for required components)
Certificate of incorporation and business license
Proof of ownership
Signed disclosures and verification documents
A professional headshot
All application components must be uploaded and attached to the application form. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
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Application Opens: March 8, 2026
Informational Webinar: March 17, 2026
Application Closes: April 20, 2026Applications and accompanying documentation are due April 20, 2026 by 11:59 PM. Late applications will not be accepted or eligible for review.
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Applications are reviewed based on:
Business viability and sustainability
Clarity of growth strategy
Financial readiness
Community impact
Alignment with Sisternomics goals
A review committee evaluates each submission using standardized criteria.
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There will be an informational webinar on Tuesday, March 17 that will walk prospective applicants through eligibility requirements, submission expectations, and the review process.
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Applicants will be notified according to the published timeline for the grant cycle. Finalists or awardees may be invited to present or participate in a recognition event.
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While the primary award is financial, NCBWDC remains committed to connecting entrepreneurs to visibility opportunities, community partnerships, and future engagement through its economic empowerment programming.
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No. Previous Sisternomics Empowerment Grant recipients are not eligible to apply for future grant cycles. This policy allows NCBWDC to expand its impact by supporting new Black women–owned businesses each year and broadening economic empowerment across our community.
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For questions not addressed here, please email microgrants@ncbwdc.org or attend the informational webinar during the open application period.