BEACON is looking to fund projects that support female entrepreneurs

An organization that formed to provide support to female founders is putting money behind the effort with a new program launching today.

BEACON is now accepting applications for a grant program that will fund projects and initiatives that support women entrepreneurs. The kickoff for the grant program is being held at Google DC today.

Organizations can submit proposals for a new project, or an expansion of an existing effort. The grants will be from $500-$10,000.

“This grant program seeks to accomplish two goals: Connect our local women-led organizations with one another to encourage community and knowledge, and find new, innovative ways to build and support female entrepreneurs in the district,” Xina Eiland, founder of X+PR and BEACON’s board member, said in a statement.

The grant program is the latest initiative from BEACON, which launched in November 2016 as partnership Mayor Muriel Bowser, Google, and the Georgetown Law Institute for Technology Law and Policy. A new website debuted at SXSW that features a directory of women-owned businesses and organizations. The directory now has more than 200 listings.

BEACON has the goal of making D.C. “the most supportive ecosystem for women entrepreneurs in the United States,” and is one of a number of initiatives popping up in D.C. focusing around inclusive innovation.