Capital City Founder and CEO Arsha Jones announced the launch of the Capital City Micro-Grant, a $5,000 award to support retail-ready consumer product entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses. The grant will be awarded during the Shop Made Makers Summit, scheduled for August 19–21 at Union Market District in Washington, D.C.
Jones expressed that as a founder, she understands the importance of a single opportunity to grow, and that Capital City was built in D.C. as a way to give back to the community. Three finalists will be chosen to present their business growth plans in three-minute talks at the Summit’s Reception. Presentations will focus on their product, profitability model, and growth plan. Jones will lead a panel of judges including industry professionals.
The Micro-Grant is open to consumer product goods entrepreneurs who are retail-ready and seeking capital to expand market presence, increase revenue, or improve scalability. Applicants must show how the funds will support business growth.
This initiative comes amid national discussions about the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Jones’ investment is seen as a community-driven approach to economic empowerment, especially relevant during Black Business Month. The grant and mentorship reflect Capital City’s ongoing effort to build equity and support underfunded entrepreneurs, particularly those operating outside traditional venture capital networks.
Capital City is a Black woman-owned specialty food brand based in Washington, D.C., co-founded by Jones. It is known for introducing mambo sauce, a local culinary staple, and has expanded from a kitchen recipe into a national brand available at Walmart, Amazon, and Costco. The company focuses on community, culture, and creativity.
Shop Made in DC is a retail initiative supporting D.C.’s maker community. It operates six locations and features over 5,000 locally made products. The initiative connects creators to customers through retail, education, and community-building. More information is available at shopmadeindc.com.
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