our demands

01

Establish retail and workforce development programs for DC’s two HBCUs — Howard University and the University of the District of Columbia (UDC)

Howard University and the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) – to establish retail and workforce development programs.

02

Invest $25 million with our community coalition to create a sustainable, equitable. and inclusive workforce development program through the University of the District of Columbia Community College.

The seed funding would assure the creation and implementation of a Workforce Innovation certificate program for entrepreneurs and an incubator for small and micro businesses. This investment would support training, incubation, and access to capital for emerging Black entrepreneurs, particularly in underserved communities in Washington, D.C.

03

Invest in DC Black financial institutions

Due to Black small business owners having difficulty in finding loans and support for starting businesses which help boost the economy in our local communities, we are demanding that Target invest into DC’s Black bank — Industrial Bank

04

Establish a DC Black Small Business Retail Accelerator.

Create a Target–DC Black Business Retail Accelerator Fund of $10–15 million in partnership with the DC Department of Small & Local Business Development (DSLBD), UDC, and Industrial Bank to help Black-owned businesses transition from local entrepreneurship to regional retail distribution. The program should: 

  1. Provide product development and logistics training for Black entrepreneurs seeking entry into national retail markets. 

  2. Offer micro-grants and low-interest capital for manufacturing, packaging, and inventory scaling. 

  3. Guarantee Target shelf placement (local vendor program) in all DC-area Target stores for qualifying businesses. 

  4. Prioritize businesses from the most underserved Wards, where historic disinvestment has limited access to capital.

05

Create a Youth Employment & Retail Leadership Pipeline for DC Youth.

Commit $5 million annually for five years to establish a Target Youth Workforce and Leadership Pipeline for DC youth ages 16–24, prioritizing the underserved population in DC that best benefits. The initiative should include:

  1. Paid internships and apprenticeships at Target stores and corporate offices.

  2. A summer employment program for DC public high school students.

  3. Retail management and logistics training leading to full-time employment pathways.

  4. Scholarships for students pursuing business, logistics management, or entrepreneurship at UDC and UDC Community College.