Black Founder Launches $5K Micro-Grant to Support Retail-Ready Consumer Product Entrepreneurs

In the spirit of Black Business Month, the grant aims to empower the next generation of makers through capital and mentorship

Arsha Jones

In the spirit of Black Business Month and amidst a national conversation around inclusive entrepreneurship, Capital City Founder and CEO Arsha Jones announced the launch of the Capital City Micro-Grant, a $5,000 award designed to help retail-ready consumer product entrepreneurs scale their businesses. The grant will be awarded during the Shop Made Makers Summit, taking place August 19–21 at Union Market District in Washington, D.C.

“As a founder, I know what it feels like to need just one yes, one moment, or one opportunity to grow,” said Jones. “Capital City was built from the ground up right here in D.C., and this is my way of giving back to the community that gave me my start.”

Three finalists will be selected to present their business growth plans at the Summit’s Reception in front of a live audience and panel of judges. Finalists will give 3-minute flash talks that highlight their product, profitability model, and plan for scale. Arsha Jones will serve as the lead judge, alongside select industry professionals.

The Capital City Micro-Grant is open to all consumer product goods (CPG) entrepreneurs who are retail-ready and seeking growth capital. Applicants must demonstrate how the funds will help expand market presence, increase revenue, or unlock new levels of business scalability.

As national conversations surrounding the rollback of DEI efforts intensify, Jones’ direct investment in emerging entrepreneurs represents a grounded, community-driven model of economic empowerment, one that’s especially meaningful during Black Business Month.

The grant and mentorship opportunity reflect Capital City’s continued commitment to building equity through action and supporting the overlooked and underfunded, particularly those who, like Arsha, have built their businesses outside traditional venture capital ecosystems.

About Capital City
Capital City is a Black woman-owned specialty food brand based in Washington, D.C., best known for introducing the world to mambo sauce, a go-go-era staple of D.C.’s culinary identity. Co-founded by Arsha Jones, the company has grown from a kitchen-table recipe into a national brand sold at Walmart, Amazon, and Costco. Capital City blends bold flavor with bold vision, championing community, culture, and creativity in every bottle and every initiative.

About Shop Made in DC Shop Made in DC is a retail initiative with a mission to grow the District’s maker community. With six D.C. locations and more than 5,000 locally made products, Shop Made in DC connects creators to customers through retail, education, and community-building. Learn more at https://shopmadeindc.com

For press inquiries, contact press@mochamediainc.com or 201-647-0531.

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