Halcyon House
Halcyon Opportunity Intensives
Washington, DC
Venture Challenge
Federal Share: $1,472,213
Local Match: $1,783,850
Opportunity Zone: Yes
The Halcyon Incubator launched the Halcyon Opportunity Intensives in January 2020 with 10 businesses that are based in or primarily serve DC’s Opportunity Zones, funded by corporate partners Capital One and Amazon Web Services.
As we reflect on the successes of the first cohort, we are seeking funding to expand this program to social entrepreneurs based in and/or primarily serving Opportunity Zones throughout the greater DMV region, in partnership with other regional nonprofits. The first Opportunity Intensive is supporting diverse entrepreneurs bringing innovative technologies to the market: 90 percent of Halcyon Opportunity Intensive fellows are women, and 90 percent are founders of color. In the proposed Halcyon Opportunity Intensives, up to 15 social entrepreneurs representing up to 10 social enterprises will be selected for a year-long program, highlighted by a two-week residency at Halcyon House. During these two weeks they will live together at Halcyon’s incubator facility in Georgetown, Washington, DC. They will hear from expert speakers, receive mentorship, connect with investors, and more.
The entrepreneurs will participate in a subsequent full year of programming designed to help them translate their innovations into sustainable businesses that generate revenue and bolster regional economic growth. In the first three years, Halcyon will support 60 of the region’s most innovative companies, creating approximately 600 new jobs, primarily in economically distressed areas of the DMV region. The Opportunity Intensives seek to leverage social enterprise to bridge the racial wealth gap and create a more inclusive regional economy.